Practical Blacksmithing: The Four Classic Volumes in One

By Milton Thomas Richardson

Book Overview

The blacksmith's ABCs--learn metalworking as taught by the old masters!

The forging of metal gave birth to the Iron Age, and Practical Blacksmithing is the classic primer on the craft that shaped modern civilization. Featuring more than 1,000 illustrations, this foundational text describes every aspect of working with iron and steel, and is essential for both the do-it-yourself backyard blacksmith and the professional metalworker.

Originally published in four volumes in the early 20th century, this hefty, single-volume, new edition of Practical Blacksmithing is different from similar books in that it includes contributions by working tradesmen. Proving that what may be old can actually be new and useful, Practical Blacksmithing describes all the important smithing processes: welding, brazing, soldering, cutting, bending, setting, tempering, fullering and swaging, forging, and drilling. With this books clear and concise instructional material you will learn:

Best methods and practicesUnique how-tosOriginal techniquesArcane knowledgeAnd more!

In addition to thousands of other useful facts, the modern blacksmith will be introduced to old tools and learn how to make them, and can even learn how to build a retro blacksmith shop with detailed do-it-yourself plans!

Industrialization and mass production may have led to the disappearance of the blacksmith from everyday life, but the art of metalwork never died. It smoldered like hot coals in a forge, and today those coals are red hot as craftsman taking up blacksmithing as a hobby or art form seek to learn the foundational aspects of the trade.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0785835393
• ISBN13: 9780785835394
• Release Date: October 2017
• Publisher: Chartwell Books
• Length: 912 Pages
• Weight: 2.80 lbs.
• Dimensions: 2.2" x 6.3" x 9.1"

Customer Reviews

Blacksmithing

I bought these books for my son per his request. He said they arrived as promised and were in very good shape. He said he has enjoyed reading and learning about the craft and is looking forward to building his own "glory hole". David's Mom

Great window of blacksmith history

Great view of blacksmithing of the 1880's. Lots of good suggestions for today. I bought the hardback with all 4 volumes in one. Great deal for the combined volume.

M.T. Richardson's Practical Blacksmithing is a must-have for both hobbyists and professional balcksm

I first came across this book in a used book store in virginia over ten years ago. I lent it to a friend, and promptly forgot who had it. When you get your copy, chain it to your forge.This book is a comprehensive treatise on the art of blacksmithing, as it was practiced at the turn of the century. It covers the basics of working with iron, detailing how to determine temperature by color, how to build your forge fire, how to use the basic tools and so forth, but it goes far beyond that.In this book, you can find descriptions of such nearly forgotten subjects as how to weld wagon tires, how to make hoops for your local cooper's use, and even how to repair a broken anvil!This book is a fascinating, clearly written encyclopedia of a nearly forgotten industry.