![]() ![]() Forging is different from machining in that material is not removed by it rather the iron is hammered into shape. Forgingįorging is the process in which metal is shaped by hammering. The techniques of smithing may be roughly divided into forging (sometimes called "sculpting"), welding, heat treating, and finishing. The key is to have consistent lighting which is not too bright. ![]() Because they must be able to see the glowing color of the metal, some blacksmiths work in dim, low-light conditions. The ideal heat for most forging is the bright yellow-orange color appropriately known as a "forging heat". Induction heating methods are gaining popularity among modern blacksmiths.Ĭolor is important for indicating the temperature and workability of the metal: As iron is heated to increasing temperatures, it first glows red, then orange, yellow, and finally white. Some modern blacksmiths may also employ an oxyacetylene or similar blowtorch for more localized heating. Heating is accomplished by the use of a forge fueled by propane, natural gas, coal, charcoal, coke or oil. īlacksmiths work by heating pieces of wrought iron or steel, until the metal becomes soft enough to be shaped with hand tools, such as a hammer, anvil and chisel. Thus, a blacksmith is a person who hits black metal. The word "smith" derives from an old word, "smite" (to hit). The "black" in "blacksmith" refers to the black fire scale, a layer of oxides that forms on the surface of the metal during heating. Blacksmiths work primarily with wrought iron and steel. ![]()
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