If you're interested in doing some basic blacksmithing, here are the basic techniques so you can do it in your own backyard. There are tips for working with steel, types of tools and some clear warnings for working with it.
Steps
Step 1. Build a small forge
You can build a simple forge by giving an air blow of any kind that is strong enough to withstand any type of fire, but charcoal or charcoal (not briquettes) is best.
Step 2. Get some steel bars or rods
Make sure not to use galvanized steel. Galvanized steel has a zinc coating to protect it from rust and corrosion. Zinc has a much lower melting temperature than steel and, once heated, will turn a greenish-yellow color and produce thick white smoke. This smoke is burning zinc, which when inhaled could cause "metal fume fever." If you opt for galvanized steel, be sure to wear a respirator and wear it in a well-ventilated area. One way to verify if it is galvanized or not is by checking the following aspects:
- 1. Is it brilliant? If it's shiny, it's most likely covered in a toxic coating.
- 2. Is this indicated on the package or label?
- When in doubt, be sure to check with your provider before sustaining a possible injury. Make sure they are 3 ft (1 m) long so that you can hold onto a cold part of the steel while you forge the ends or other parts of the bar.
Step 3. Gather your tools
A hammer is readily available at yard sales, antique stores, or just a simple ball hammer from your local hardware store will work, as long as the face of the hammer is smooth and has no indentations. If your hammer has notches, you will have to sand them down to remove them. For now, all you need is a hammer, and a good pair of pliers or pliers will work as pliers. If you are lucky enough to have an anvil, it is fine, but if not, you will be able to work well with a part of a railroad track or any large, heavy piece of steel with a flat face (these objects are known as shaped objects anvil, ASO).
Step 4. Prepare the fire
Remember to be careful, it's fire! Do it outside in an open space, free of weeds and other things that could easily catch fire. Have a garden hose, buckets of water, or a fire extinguisher ready. Build a good well by digging a shallow hole and covering it with rocks around it, or use a 1 foot (30 cm) part from a 55 gallon (210 L) cylinder.
Step 5. Put the steel in the heart of the fire and blow it with air
Wait patiently, checking the color of the steel frequently. The steel should be placed close to the air blow but not so close that the air does not blow directly onto the part.
Step 6. Once you've gathered your tools and built a nice hot campfire, get down to hammering
When the rods and pieces of metal have turned dark orange and light yellow (almost white), it means that they have reached an optimal working temperature.
Step 7. Practice definitely makes perfect
Some beginner techniques to try include rounding a square bar, making a round bar square, tapering (which means making the ends pointed, the prettier and thinner the piece is, the better), flattening (the more even the thickness the better) and only general twists (spirals) and bends.
Step 8. Practice some more, be careful, think about protection and above all, have fun
Advice
- Ask for help if you need it! You will be surprised what your mom and dad know!
- The steel that can be used is unpainted rods, steel springs, leaf springs, and all kinds of unpainted steel parts. There is certainly enough in the world so turn it into something and help the environment. Blacksmiths were recyclers before recycling was invented.
- Take your time.
- Think logically to solve problems that may arise.
Warnings
- Never heat galvanized steel with zinc or nickel. When heated, heavy metals transform into a toxic gas that contains extremely dangerous heavy metals that, if inhaled, can cause illness or even death!
- Never use a metal that contains air. It can expand, sometimes causing it to explode, which can cause serious burns, injury, and death.
- Be careful!
- When cooling iron or steel pipes in a bucket of water, point the opening away from you to avoid being burned by the hot steam.
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Don't use galvanized steel.
This emits a very toxic smoke when heated. This smoke can kill you. Do not use galvanized steel, sheet metal, nails or bars, do not use anything galvanized!
- Fire is dangerous and so is hot metal, so don't leave them unattended.
- The most dangerous heat is the so-called black heat. It's not red hot but it can be above 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius), hot enough to seriously burn you.
- Chill all metals in water when you are done forging at the end of the day.