March 16, 201214 yr My wife just told me she wanted to buy me a new book for my library! I already have, 1.The Blacksmiths Craft 2.Backyard Blacksmith 3.The Complete Modern Blacksmith 4.Blacksmith Basics for the Homestead 5.Blacksmith Projects 6.Basic Blacksmithing An Introduction To Toolmaking Any suggestions for #7?
March 16, 201214 yr I really like my "Blacksmith's Manual Illustrated" by J. W. Lillico. Not much of a pleasure read but I refer to it often when planning projects or ordering steel. Lots of illustrations and some good reference tables. Though I have never actually read it I use it more than any of my other blacksmith books. I refer to it for inspiration and for planning exact steps for more complex projects.
March 16, 201214 yr So far your list seems to focus on introductory material. Now you might wish to start acquiring books on specialty areas, such as "Early American Wrought Iron" by Sonn, or a book on heat treating, or a book on one of the areas of historical information. If you give us an idea of what direction you feel your interests are leading you, then recommendations could be tailored to your interests.
March 16, 201214 yr I second Francis for now, later stewartsmiths list would be good. Aspery's books will get you away from the completely basic background you have now and prepare you for whats in stewart's list.
March 16, 201214 yr Well I will Third Francis on Mark's 2 books !! I have them & waiting for his third when its done. If you haven't meet Mark @ a hammer in then his 2 books are the next best thing :) there very well done !
March 16, 201214 yr A Blacksmithing Primer by, Randy McDaniel. When I first started I learned more from this book and dvds than any other.
March 16, 201214 yr "The Knight and the Blast Furnace" Williams "The Celtic Sword" Pleiner "The Metallography of Early Ferrous Edge Tools and Edged Weapons" Tylecote and Gilmour "Sources for the History of the Science of Steel" Smith "The Mastery and Uses of Fire in Antiquity" Rehder "De Re Metallica" Agricola "Southwestern Colonial Ironwork: The Spanish Blacksmithing Tradition" Simmons & Turley Cause you must be interested in the history stuff as I am right? Now if you have a yen for blademaking I would suggest "The Complete Bladesmith", "The Master Bladesmith" and "The Pattern Welded Blade" Hrisoulas
March 16, 201214 yr Author Another question. Why would I pay $59 for Marks book new when I can get a used copy on Amazon for ONLY $212 ;-)
March 16, 201214 yr early american wrought iron by sonn. great book for project inspirations. pricy at about $125 but should be in the collection.
March 16, 201214 yr 'The Artist Blacksmith' and 'Forged Architectural Metalwork' by Peter Parkinson, the first gives a very good intro. to the craft. If you want stuff to make look at 'Iron and Brass Implemements of the English House' (has a colonial American section too) by John Seymour Lindsay, a classic book. 'Colonial Wrought Iron: The Sorber Collection' by Don Plummer is worth a look to, lots of things to make.
March 16, 201214 yr "Another question. Why would I pay $59 for Marks book new when I can get a used copy on Amazon for ONLY $212 ;-)" I'm sure that if you contacted Mark you could talk him into matching that price---and signing the books too!
March 16, 201214 yr I bought one of Mark's book from him, signed through Amazon, and the other book from him, signed, through EBay. Each time Mark kindly contacted me to find out how I wanted each book signed. Apparently he sold/sells books through both web sites, which came in handy in allowing me to spend my Christmas gift-cards on his books. ;-)
March 17, 201214 yr Oh I almost forgot in the historical smithing line: "Civil War Blacksmithing" by David Einhorn
March 17, 201214 yr Author This is the best list of reading material that I have ever seen. :) I decided on Civil War Blacksmithing, and got The Art of Blacksmithing as a bonus !
March 17, 201214 yr "Practical Projects for the Blacksmith" by Ted Tucker. "Hooks Rings and other Things" by Frank T. Barnes.
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