Blacksmithing books

[Andrew Smith]

I was wanting some opinions about good blacksmithing books. The only things I know is from trail-and-error and from reading this forum all the time. About all I can do is forge a couple of rr spike knives and ball pein hammer tomahawks. I would like to make more things like decorative ironwork and learn more about alloys and heat treating and such.

I have heard Mark Aspery has good books. I am also wanting something that covers the basics to, there is a LOT that I don't know.

Thanks guys

[pkrankow]

Here are some of my links. I plan to buy Aspery's books too.

http://p1.countryside.gov.uk/LAR/archive/publications/craftpublications.asp

http://www.metalwebnews.com/howto/blacksmith/farmshop.html

http://www.abana.org/resources/education/chf.shtml

Hope this helps.
Phil

[Paul42`]

Hey Andrew... here's a good one. The Backyard Blacksmith

Check out the previous thread here...

My link

[Sam Thompson]

These are the best basic 'how-to' books I've seen:

http://p1.countryside.gov.uk/LAR/archive/publications/craftpublications.asp

[Francis Trez Cole]

try www.metalwebnews.com under blacksmithing there free books there Marks book is execelent

[infinityblacksmithing]

I got The New Edge of the Anvil when I first started(only about 8 months ago). It has been a huge help. Lots of info, easy to understand drawings, lots of plans for basic tools. I refer to it probably once a week. Also any of Dona Meilach iron work books are great for inspiration.

[John Larson]

I can vouch for the superb Aspery books. He teaches you everything you need to know, how to make the tools you need, a good gift of gab, excellent writing skills, excellent photography. He is the best smith I've seen in action and has a very good web site. And posts occasionally right here on IFI.

[Andrew Smith]

Thanks for all the info. I am going to be buying a couple of books soon.

What is Mark Aspery's website?

[Bob Hensley]

There are a huge number of books available on the web, try searching everything you can think of that pertains to blacksmithing and metal work.

Here are some links to my favorites. Be sure to check out the Basic and Intermediate Training Manuals by JB Stokes, they are written to be used in other countries where English is not the main language and so the illustrations are VERY good. There is an Advanced training manual in that series, but it doesn't appear to be available on the web.


Multiple Blacksmith ebook links - http://lametalsmiths.org/news/downloadable_blacksmithing_books.htm

Basic Blacksmithing A Training Manual - J.B Stokes - FAO Agricultural Services Bulletin 88/1 - http://www.fao.org/docrep/009/ah637e/AH637E00.htm

Intermediate Blacksmithing A Training Manual - J.B Stokes - FAO Agricultural Services Bulletin 88/2 - http://www.fao.org/docrep/009/ah635e/ah635e00.htm

The Countryside Agency in the UK has recently posted all of their blacksmithing publications on-line for a free download.
• The Blacksmith's Craft (1952)
• The Blacksmith's Manual Illustrated (1930),
• Catalogue of Drawings: Wrought Ironwork Gates
• Catalogue of Drawings for Wrought Ironwork
• Catalogue of Drawings: Weathervanes
• Decorative Ironwork, and Metals for Engineering Craftsmen.
Wrought Ironwork – A Manual of Instruction for Craftsmen
Metals for Engineering Craftsmen
All available at http://www.hct.ac.uk/Downloads/craftpublications.html

[Andrew Smith]

Thanks for all the references.

Hey Bob, I have heard of Conroe but I can't think of where it is. I live in Van, It is about twenty minutes west on I-20 from Tyler. Just Curious, What kind of instrument(s) do you play. I am really into music myself.

[Bob Hensley]

Conroe is about 40 miles north of Houston, and I play most instruments with strings on them. I worked in and then owned a music store for 20 years, and it is the legacy of many slow days :)