Book suggestions?

[dennis_hl]

My birthday is just around the corner and my girlfriend is looking for suggestions. I can't really think of much of anything that I need or want (she laughed when I suggested a power hammer, she thought I was joking, go figure!) So I suggested a book, which she felt to be a bit more of a reasonable suggestion. But, I'm not sure which one. I know one never really stops learning in our chosen field, but I already know what a hammer is and how to light a fire (use a torch right?), I can make round rod square and square rod round, so I don't think I need anything from the "So you wanna be a blacksmith" section--don't get me wrong on this though, I'm open to suggestions. I think I'd like a picture book showing lots of pictures of household ironwork, ornimental (gates and fences) is fine, but I really like making the funtional stuff. I once saw a book on colonial ironwork and really liked it, are there similar books available for 19th centry items? I've got about a month to decide.

[yesteryearforge]

Dennis
There are lots of those type books in the centaur forge catalog , so you could have multiple choices
If you dont have a catalog you can probally go online and request one
Mike

[son_of_bluegrass]

There are also choices over at astragal press.
If you haven't looked into metallurgy maybe a basic metallurgy book?

ron

[Gronk]

A couple of books with lots of pics are The Contemporary Blacksmith, by Dona Meilach, ISBN 0-7643-1106-9, Gates, furniture, lighting, etc...

And Decorative Antique Ironwork, by Henry D'Allemagne, 0-486-22082-6. Scissors, locks, sign brackets, lots more. Many items from centuries gone by.

Though the later may be out of print, it is often available used. Try ABE bookseller or Alibris. I got it for 8 bucks.

[So-Steve]

If you don't already have it, the book "New Edge of the Anvil" by Jack Andrews. It has a large informative section with directions and drawings for specific projects, mostly basics. In the back there is a section of other blacksmith's works both sculptural and functional. It's a phenomenal book.

[irnsrgn]

Plain and Ornamental Forging by Schwarzkoph it a very good one and was created to teach smithing in a school.

plain and ornamental forging - Yahoo! Search Results

[ThomasPowers]

"Schoene Alte Wirsthaus Schilder" ???

Thomas

[Fionnbharr (finn:-)]

I have to reccommend Julius Schram despite the time he lived in and his politics, he did beautiful work, and wanted the design to flow out of the technique used to accomplish the work, he valued skill and forging, and longevity for his work. Very cool books.

[ThomasPowers]

Fionnbharr; you going to be at Quad-State?

Thomas Powers
SKA wilelm the smith

[Brett]

hey mate.

i really have to reccomend the ted tucker book "Practical Projects fot the Blacksmith"

very good book.

projects include :
meat skewers, book holder, tongs, trivits, hinges, fireplace fork, nails, wall lamp, hooks, plant stands, kitchen utensils, wine rack, harpoon, beltbuckles ect.

also some stuff on tools and making a good inexpensive forge a good read

thanks

from brett aka pcII75