Details forging techniques from the start to finish, beginning with the building of your own forge to making tools and elaborate door knockers.

This is a new corrected and revised printing of Master Blacksmith Randy MacDaniel's introductory book which has sold over 35,000 copies to date. Virtually every task beginning and intermediate blacksmiths must master is presented in this excellent book. Over 400 detailed drawings help increase comprehension levels. This is a reference manual that will be found lying open on the workbench more often than found on the bookshelf and is highly recommended to anyone swinging a hammer to shape hot metal. This is an excellent introduction to this glorious craft and an excellent resource for advancing your knowledge, skills, and vision for blacksmithing. --Randy McDaniel

The tenet of this book is provide a tool for artists/blacksmiths and metalworkers. It tells how to work metal: heating it, cutting it, upsetting it, drawing it out, twisting it, forge welding it and shaping and assembling it. It tells about metallurgy and tool making, metal finishes and corrosion, sources of information and supplies, charts and guidelines for many tasks. It explains the process of design, how to use the computer in metal design, how to set up a business and how to manage it. Providing an inspiration for all blacksmiths are portfolios of the wrought iron work of Martin Rose and Samuel Yellin, two of America's premier metalworkers of the past. To further inspire and to show the new focus of blacksmithing in the metal arts, six contemporary metalworkers show a series of demonstration pieces of their iron work. This 256 page book is bound with an improved binding system (Otabind) that allows the pages to lay flat.

Charles McRaven, a dedicated stonemason for more than 50 years, brings his practical experience and deep respect for the material to The Stone Primer, the essential guide for homeowners interested in adding stone to any setting, indoors or out. Here is everything readers will want to consider when beginning a do-it-yourself project, hiring a professional stonemason to carry out a difficult design, or simply planning and dreaming in stone. Know the properties of common types of stone. Choose, collect, and move the right stones for the project. Place them in perfect layers, make them fit with the proper tools, and learn the basics of drystacking and mortaring. McRaven covers it all in detailed how-to chapters, embellished with anecdotes, historical tidbits, and profiles of noted masons. Following the basic techniques are dozens of projects to browse for inspiration or use as practical guidance. Designs for the home include everything from structural masonry (stone foundations, columns, and chimneys) to interior accents (fireplaces, hearths, floors, and countertops). Landscaping uses include flagstone pathways and patios, several kinds of walls, water features, gazebos, bridges, and even stone sheds and houses. Full-color photographs and illustrations provide how-to sequences for the budding stonemason and inspirational images for anyone interested in bringing the weight and permanence of stone to the home.

The Backyard Blacksmith takes the mystery out of blacksmithing, but not the magic... There is an increasing interest and revival in the art of blacksmithing as a hobby and art, and both men and women are becoming at-home blacksmiths. Blacksmithing is a simple, rewarding craft anyone can enjoy in their backyard or home workshop -- even beginners can produce useful and beautiful projects on their first try. The Backyard Blacksmith shows you how blacksmithing can be easy to learn, and a rewarding hobby, with some patience and a working knowledge of metals, basic tools, and techniques. Through instructions and illustrations, readers will learn to make simple tools and useful items, such as nails, hinges, and handles, and also an interesting mix of artful projects, such letter openers, door knockers and botanical ornaments.