Blacksmith Tools Deserve Respect
Modern blacksmith tools are not much different than the blacksmith tools of old. Since blacksmithing has been around for most of history, the tools have transformed to meet the needs of modern workers, but the basic uses are the same.
The most basic blacksmith tools are a hammer and anvil. Of course, the hammer is what is used to beat the metal or wrought iron that the blacksmith is trying to shape. The anvil is the hard surface upon which he casts his blows so that forging can take place. But there are different kinds of hammers and anvils depending on exactly what it is the blacksmith wants to get accomplished.
For instance, anvils can be made of steel, wrought iron, or cast iron. I do not recommend cast iron. But steel anvils and wrought iron anvils are the best.
As for hammers, a blacksmith may use a mechanical hammer or air hammer. Air hammers are best for hand forging and are used by a large number of blacksmiths who hand forge their metal or wrought iron products for sale or show.
Other blacksmith tools include tongs, leg vises, and forges. Tongs of course are used to hold metal. When a blacksmith forges metal or wrought iron it is hot so you can’t hold it with your bare hands. That’s what the tongs are for. A leg vise is a vise with a leg that offers the blacksmith additional stability. It is a necessary component to any blacksmith shop because you don’t want hot metal moving around while you are trying to hammer it. You could end up brushing up against it and burning yourself.
Perhaps the most important blacksmith tool of all, however, is the forge. This is the item that contains the fire for heating metal. A blacksmith cannot operate without his forge. One of the most popular types of forges is the coal forge. Just as the name implies, the coal forge is powered by coal. But a blacksmith could just as well use a gas forge.
All of these tools together are necessary for a blacksmith to forge any type of metal. The blacksmith heats up his forge and softens his metal by heating it. For this he uses his tongs. He then places the metal object into his leg vise to hold it while he hammers it against the anvil. This process is known as hand forging and is still in use today by blacksmiths.
While these same basic blacksmith tools have been around since the early days of blacksmithing there have been some developments for the better. For instance, early forges might have been made of stone or clay. Today they are usually made of metal or cast iron. In order to forge the metal he is working with the blacksmith must manage the fire and air flow from the forge and shape his iron using the hammer. It is not easy work. But a fine craftsman can use his tools to create a masterpiece of artwork that has functionality as well as decorative uses. All of these blacksmith tools deserve the utmost respect from those who enjoy the final creations.