Wolf's Den Armoury Posted November 7, 2009 Share Posted November 7, 2009 Many years ago, I was at a library sale and picked up a copy of "The Art of Blacksmithing" by Alex Bealer (copyright 1969) Has anyone here ever read it? What was *your* opinion of it? Photographs would have been nice, but there *are* about 500 illustrations, one of which was the patch of maille that I studied for hours trying to figure out the basic weave, leading me to eventually be a full-time, professional maille smith. Anyway, to those more experienced smiths, I ask you... What do *you* think of this book? Are there others that you personally would recommend to the beginning blacksmith? Thanks, David Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reidster Posted November 7, 2009 Share Posted November 7, 2009 While I am not an experienced blacksmith I have been bitten by the bug for well over a year now and have spent many hours studying and practicing the craft. I must say the Alex Bealers "The Art of Blacksmithing" has proven to be an excellent book for me. It was one of the first books of several that I have purchased, borrowed,etc. I think it should be part of any blacksmiths library and wouldn't hesitate to guess that many wouldn't agree with me. BTW - I am currently awaiting delivery of George Dixons "A Blacksmiths Craft" Vol I as my birthday gift from my lovely wife. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dablacksmith Posted November 7, 2009 Share Posted November 7, 2009 Many years ago, I was at a library sale and picked up a copy of "The Art of Blacksmithing" by Alex Bealer (copyright 1969) Has anyone here ever read it? What was *your* opinion of it? Photographs would have been nice, but there *are* about 500 illustrations, one of which was the patch of maille that I studied for hours trying to figure out the basic weave, leading me to eventually be a full-time, professional maille smith. Anyway, to those more experienced smiths, I ask you... What do *you* think of this book? Are there others that you personally would recommend to the beginning blacksmith? Thanks, David that was the first book a had on blacksmithing .... it dosnt have a lot of the practical knowledge of other books but is good as a overview and history book it is a classic for its time...there are many beginners books out there (edge of the anvil ,ect) and it kinda depends on what you are willing and want to do .. ive got over 50 books on various aspects of blacksmithing and ironworking kinda tough to reccomend one of um over others .Ime a firm believer in if it has new info buy it ! of course a book is only good if you use the info so... go out and hammer!! :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bentiron1946 Posted November 7, 2009 Share Posted November 7, 2009 That was a good book. I had picked four copies at a book store that had discontinued books for cheap, like a fourth of publishers price and I gave them to friends that were interested in starting blacksmithing. It was a good investment, one, just one of them did and he had a good time doing it until his demise. I think his son still is doing it when he can. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oscar C Posted November 7, 2009 Share Posted November 7, 2009 I would recommend "The ABC'S of blacksmithing" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mmthomas Posted November 9, 2009 Share Posted November 9, 2009 Don't forget that there is whole forum section over here for books. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
philip in china Posted November 9, 2009 Share Posted November 9, 2009 That is one of the classics of blacksmithing books. He gets it wrong a few times- like when he talks about packing but overall a very useful book. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasPowers Posted November 9, 2009 Share Posted November 9, 2009 For starting out I liked "The Modern Blacksmith" by Weyger now re-relaeased as "The Complete Modern Blacksmith" Shows how to get started with *nothing* and use scrounged stuff for forge and anvil rather than starting with a thousand bucks of tools. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cool Hand Posted November 10, 2009 Share Posted November 10, 2009 Great book. I also like "The Blacksmith's Craft- Revised". Mark Aspery has a few good one out too....lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
danielsmith Posted November 12, 2009 Share Posted November 12, 2009 Mark Aspery's books are really great. Clear step by step photos on how to make tongs, bottle openers, all kinds of stuff. His website is www.markaspery.net very highly recommended Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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