A Blacksmithing Primer : A Course in Basic and Intermediate Blacksmithing

Randy McDaniel

ISBN 10: 1737604493 / ISBN 13: 9781737604495

Published by Artisan Ideas Nov 2023, 2023

About this Item

Neuware - A Blacksmithing Primer (Revised Edition) by Master Blacksmith Randy McDaniel is a modern classic in the craft, relied upon by thousands of smiths, schools, and hobbyists around the world. Selling more than 40,000 copies, this authoritative guide bridges traditional technique and modern instruction with clarity and precision.This updated hardcover edition features durable lay-flat binding for workshop use and over 400 detailed drawings that illustrate every step of the process. McDaniel begins with foundational shop knowledge tools, forge setup, fuels, and safety then moves systematically through hammering techniques, heating methods, and controlled forging practices. The book culminates in a rich series of projects and lessons that teach the practical skills needed to fabricate tongs, chisels, scrolls, and decorative forms, progressing to advanced methods such as heat treating, twisting, and forge welding.Recognized for its conversational, easy-to-follow tone, A Blacksmithing Primer has been praised by readers for its accessibility, logical progression, and the author s ability to make complex processes understandable. Educators often adopt it as a textbook for beginning blacksmithing courses, and reviewers call it a "superb instructional manual" and "a great reference book for both novices and experienced smiths."Concluding with plans for a forge table, firebox, and anvil fabrication, along with resources for further training, this volume remains the essential foundation text for the resurgence of the craft. Durable, clearly written, and thoroughly field-tested, A Blacksmithing Primer continues to set the standard for blacksmithing education and practice.

Seller Inventory # 9781737604495

Bibliographic Details

• Title: A Blacksmithing Primer : A Course in Basic and Intermediate Blacksmithing
• Publisher: Artisan Ideas Nov 2023
• Publication Date: 2023
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1737604493
• ISBN 13: 9781737604495
• Binding: Buch
• Condition: Neu
• Dimensions: 261W x 211H x 12D millimeters 261 millimeters width by 211 millimeters height by 12 millimeters depth
• Weight: 821 grams

About this title

Synopsis

This is a new corrected and revised printing of Master Blacksmith Randy McDaniel'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.

About the Author

Randy McDaniel began forging metal in 1972 after taking a class from an 81-year-old blacksmith, an experience that sparked a lifelong passion for the craft. He learned from retired smiths, craft schools, libraries, and conferences, and in 1987 traveled to England to study ironwork and attend the British Artist Blacksmith Association’s International Conference. In 1988, he was baptized as a master smith by Manfred Bredhol of Aachen, Germany.

Randy has taught basic and advanced blacksmithing workshops since 1975 at colleges, craft schools, and regional blacksmithing groups, and has lectured and demonstrated at international conferences in the U.S. and Canada. He specializes in work using the hydraulic forging press and creates all of his own tooling and dies.

He is the author and illustrator of A Blacksmithing Primer: A Course in Basic and Intermediate Blacksmithing, widely used worldwide to teach forging skills. He is also the author of the young adult novel The Glint in the Dragon’s Eye: A Blacksmith’s Journey, a coming-of-age story blending craft, creativity, and gentle mythic elements. Randy teaches at the Expressive Metals School of Blacksmithing in West Virginia.