Wrought Iron Decor

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.

Often times the heirloom furniture and accessories we pass down from generation to generation carry with them a story. It’s a history of where it has been, who’s had it, how it came about and more. Even new Wrought Iron Decor has a deep history as the truly authentic pieces are still made by hand using time honored techniques.

One of the authentic wrought iron items with a deep history is the Wrought Iron Courting Candle Holder.

In the 1600’s to the 1800’s, courting candles were used by the man of the home to set boundaries for his daughter. When the daughter’s suitor came calling, the father lit the candle in a sitting room where the couple conversed. When the candles burnt to the metal at the top of the candle holder, it was time for the suitor to promptly leave. However, the father could change the height of the candle based on how comfortable he felt about the suitor. Also, the father could immediately snuff out the candle or add a second candle depending on what he deemed necessary. The courting candle served as a quiet, yet firm reminder to the suitor to end his date.

Rich or poor, the courting candle was used by fathers from all economic backgrounds. It taught daughters to respect their parents’ judgment. The candle also taught the suitor to defer to the father’s ability to judge a man. Although it may sound like a crazy notion by today’s standards, the courting candle served as an important boundary line in the family and social fabrics.

– Read the complete history of the courting candle here.

– Get your own handmade wrought iron courting candle holder.

A Wrought Iron Buyers Guide that actually helps you make the right purchasing decision, rather than just trying to sell you something! It may be a rare find but it’s a valuable one none the less!

“You Get What You Pay For,” it has been said, repeated and proven and it couldn’t be truer in the home furniture industry, specifically in the wrought iron furniture and home decor segment. Before you go and shell out hundreds or thousands of dollars on your next wrought iron furniture and home decor purchase take the time to educate yourself on how to make the most of your investment, by knowing what to look for.

Find all of the helpful information you need on making your next wrought iron investment in the “Wrought Iron Buyer’s Guide”

Here is a little sample of what you’ll find in the Buyer’s Guide:

How To Know If It’s Authentic Wrought Iron

Look for pieces that are truly forged or wrought and not cast. You can tell if the iron décor you are purchasing is authentic by examining the scrolls, finials, welded joints and other decorative parts for the tell-tale signs of cast and machined iron.

On cheap items you will find seams from the case and half welded joints, prone to fatigue and moisture damage. If you look closely, the texture will be faint like the way cheaper pressed window molding looks vs. the elegant and much more durable carved trim.

Finials or decorative pieces on cast items will have a light, mass-produced look and feel to them, many will have noticeable seams. Trace over sections of the wrought iron to check for rough spots, splits, breaks or flaws that compromise the tensile strength and invite rust.

Artist Reputation & References

Check the references of an artisan hired to create custom railings, fencing or gates. Ask to contact previous clients and to see photos of the work. Visit the artisan’s forge, if possible.

If you are conscious of the environment and enjoy shopping on-line, make sure you buy from a reputable dealer who carries quality products. Take a look at the videos and pictures the site has.

Reputable websites have extremely detailed images highlighting the unique design characteristics, finishes, and the attention to detail of each item. This allows you to see and feel the texture and quality. If it looks good close up in a picture, it will take your breath away in person!

Where to Buy

Specialty shops, ones that carry iron and only … read on…

Read the entire Wrought Iron Buyer’s Guide click here.