Metalworking

This article explains the basics of a venturi propane forge burner, as well as some design tips and suggestions. Understanding how a venturi burner for blacksmithing is designed and made will help you decide if it is right for you.

Almost all hammers you will purchase will have sharp edges or patterns on the face of the hammer. If you remove the edges and patterns, your work will come out flatter and cleaner, leaving a better-looking final product.

These are some of the most frequently asked questions I hear on blacksmithing.

Your first blacksmith hammer shouldn't be a difficult choice.

Helping take the mystery out of picking your first blacksmith anvil.

It is easy to make a forge from a propane, helium, or freon tank using these instructions and some fairly inexpensive and common tools.

DIYing a paint can forge is a great first forge to figure out if blacksmithing is for you. It is inexpensive to make and will work for small metal projects. You can use a propane torch to heat.

The short answer is no, you should not forge your first knife from a lawnmower blade. Instead of using a found lawnmower blade, use 5160, 1084, or 1070. I will go over the reasons in this article, along with other basic blacksmithing tips.

Instructions for making custom knives using old saw blades.

Blacksmithing and Chainmaille Classes in Carroll County, Frederick, Baltimore, and Henderson, Maryland

This article examines the various patinas and related finishes for steel. These finishes either involve oxidation of the metal or are nonreactive finishes.

A tutorial on building a coal blacksmith forge from an old propane grill. We will make a simple pipe tuyere forge from a discarded grill, a metal fence post, and a few inexpensive materials.

An explanation of the fuels you can use for your forge, focusing on the pros and cons of, and which is right for you. Charcoal, coal, or propane, plus an often overlooked alternative, induction.

If you like welding and fabricating—or if you want to start your first metalwork project—then here are tons of great ideas for you.

Learn how to form bowls from thin copper sheet metal using a hammer. I'm sharing two methods to inspire your creative juices.

Simple project ideas for MIG, TIG, and ARC (Stick) welding.

A basic explanation of sheet metal forming and how it's performed in stamping die engineering, design, and build.

DIY step-by-step instructions for restoring and refinishing metal projects.

Discover how to make a basic welding table from rebar steel and used bed-frame metal.

Make a wire bookmark as a simple craft project that you can keep or give away in just a few minutes! All you need is wire, needle-nose pliers, and creativity!