Blacksmithing books and publications |
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The Blacksmiths Manual Illustration
This version is a reprint of the Blacksmiths Illustrated Guide, originally published in 1930. The complete text has been reproduced with new pages on temperature and measurement conversions and safety added to the back of the book.
Originally writen by J.W. Willco, his introduction states:
' I have endeavoured in this book to demonstrate, by drawings and simple text matter, specimens of smith work commonly done, and the best, simple and quickest way to do them. From my own experience, gained at the forges of different engineering works, I have tried to pass on the easiest and best methods of arriving at the finished job.'
Due to the size of this publication it has been broken down into 11 PDF documents.
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The Blacksmiths Craft
This book, first published in 1952, aimed to meet the needs of craftsmen, technical schools and apprentices training at the time. Today this book continues to be a valuable resource for those studying and working in the blacksmiths craft.
The skill of the smith has been faithfully recorded in sequences of still photographs married to brief descriptive captions. The sequences are arranged in lessons which should not be difficult to follow if text, drawings and photographs are carefully studied.
Some of the methods shown and described are not the only ones possible. In such cases the variation has been carefully considered and the methods chosen have been those which seemed best for the beginer. As they gain experience, smiths can develop theit own varitions of the technique.
Due to the size of this publication it has been broken down into 5 PDF documents.
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Wrought Ironwork - A manual of instruction for craftsmen
The techniques in this book are shown by sequences of photographs with concise explanations which are intended to supplement instruction on the anvil. It is hoped this clear and practical method will help the smith to achieve the highest standard of work.
The first part of the book decribes the making of the most common decorative features such as scolls, water leaves, wavy bars and twists. Part 2 describes step-by-step the making and assembly of a gate, which includes the same techniques as are used in all traditional decorative ironwork such as grilles, brackets and gearth furniture. The final chapter discusses the problems of painting and rust proofing.
A knowledge of basic smithing techniques has been assumed thoughout this book, and only those tools peculiar to decorative ironwork are mentioned.
The book can be downloaded as 6 PDF documents.
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Wrought Ironwork Gates
This publication of wrought ironwork designs should prove invaluable as a reference and working tool to all those involved in forgework - or interested in the history of blacksmithing.
New designs were included in this edition as well as all those that were previously illustrated in the 'Catalogue of Wrought Ironwork', 1989. When first published, this catalogue illustrated what was believed to be a unique collection of working drawings. Drawing dimensions for each gate are listed at the front of the book.
This publication is available as 6 PDF documents.
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Catalogue of Drawings for Wrought Ironwork
This "Catalogue of Drawings for Wrought Ironwork" is presented in 15 sections. Drawings include door furniture, fire side furniture, lighting, grilles, sundials, sign stands and brackets, and many more.
Catalogue of Drawings for Wrought Ironwork (3mb pdf)
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Catalogue of Drawings - Weathervanes
Over 200 designs for weathervanes are included ranging from the classic cockerel weathervane design to the more whimsical: St George, the mad hatter, pigs, fish, dogs of all shapes and sizes, sailing ships, cars, witches and of course, blacksmiths.
Catalogue of Drawings: Weathervanes (1mb pdf)
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Decorative Ironwork
The information contained in this book is aimed at the specialist ironworker and will assist trainees to gain a better understanding of their craft.
This publication has been complied more with the specialist iron worker in mind. Consequently, a number of operations included under the heading of standard practice have not been described in detail.
This book has three main aims. Firstly, to introduce a number of methods of working iron not normally found in association with scroll work. Secondly, to suggest to craftsmen by means of certain of these methods or techniques, that a return to a form of design in which flat metal surfaces, rather than narrow edges, are more prominently displayed, might tend to to produce ironwork better suited to some styles of modern architecture. Finally, the books third aim ia through the manner in which the technical material is presented would prompt those receptive of new ideas to enter the experimental field through the medium of design, and create for themselves.
This publication is available as 2 PDF documents
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