Blacksmithing is a great hobby for anyone who enjoys creating art and working with their hands. However, beginners to blacksmithing do need to learn the tips and tricks to working the forge before they can start making their own creations. If you’re interested in learning the art of blacksmithing, keep reading to learn some important tips to know as a beginner blacksmith.
Practice Managing Forge Temperature
One of the most common mistakes that beginner blacksmiths make is forgetting to watch their forge and letting their fire burn down. Practice managing your forge’s fire to avoid inconsistent temperatures and fluctuations during the forging process. Stocking your forge with plenty of fuel will help promote a consistent temperature, which is easier to work with and will benefit your forging process.
Lay Out Your Tools in Advance
Because you are working with specific temperature ranges, you don’t want to leave your materials to let them cool while you dash across the workshop to grab another tool. Make sure to have all your necessary tools within arm’s reach when you start working. Leaving the forge mid-session can also pose a safety hazard because you’re leaving the fire and hot metals unattended.
Clean Out Your Ashes
Newcomers to blacksmithing often forget to clean out the ashes inside their forge. Letting ashes accumulate can pose a fire and safety risk, as it can cause sparks to fly out of your forge and catch nearby objects. Additionally, working around ash buildup can pose more difficult forging conditions. It’s best to clean out the ashes from your forge between uses once the fire has cooled completely.
Observe Other Blacksmiths
Finally, one of the best ways to learn and advance when it comes to blacksmithing is to observe other artists in the craft. Try to find local blacksmiths in your area or watch tutorials online to help you observe expert techniques. This practice will help you familiarize yourself with blacksmithing techniques and terminology.
When you’re first starting in the blacksmithing craft, remember these important tips for beginner blacksmiths. Utilizing these tips can help you get off to a smooth start and advance your craft in no time.
