The New Spruce Forge Manual of Locksmithing

Denis Frechette

ISBN 10: 173332500X / ISBN 13: 9781733325004

Published by Artisan Ideas, US, 2021

About this Item

The New Spruce Forge Manual of Locksmithing: A Blacksmith's Guide to Simple Lock Mechanisms (Revised and Expanded) is the definitive modern handbook on traditional locksmithing for blacksmiths, restorers, and historical craft enthusiasts.Completely rewritten and more than twice the size of the original 1999 edition, this 304-page hardcover features over 800 full-color photographs and drawings, making it one of the most detailed and visually engaging manuals ever published on the subject.The book is divided into two main sections. "Technical Information" functions as a blacksmithing reference in its own right, introducing the tools, techniques, and metalworking procedures necessary for creating lock components. Topics include forging, cold working, filing, chiseling, riveting, broaching, pattern creation, and other essential low-tech processes achievable with a basic hand-tool setup.The second section, The Locks: Patterns and Instructions, presents 14 fully dimensioned lock projects, each illustrated with clear step-by-step photographs and written guidance. The authors' practical, low-technology approach demonstrates how intricate and precise mechanisms can be built without modern machinery, relying instead on skill, patience, and a deep understanding of metal.Praised by blacksmithing guilds across North America and Europe, this award-winning manual has been described as "a goldmine of information" and "a must-have book for anyone interested in basic locks." It not only revives the nearly lost art of hand-forged lock making but also enriches the knowledge of any craftsman working in blacksmithing, furniture restoration, period hardware fabrication, or architectural conservation.With its clarity, breadth, and historical insight, The New Spruce Forge Manual of Locksmithing is both a technical guide and a celebration of craftsmanship, an essential volume for every forge and workshop library.

Seller Inventory # LU-9781733325004

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The New Spruce Forge Manual of Locksmithing
• Publisher: Artisan Ideas, US
• Publication Date: 2021
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 173332500X
• ISBN 13: 9781733325004
• Binding: Hardback
• Edition: Second Edition.
• Condition: New
• Dimensions: 22.23W x 2.54H x 29.21D centimeters 22.23 centimeters width by 2.54 centimeters height by 29.21 centimeters depth
• Weight: 1420 grams

About this title

Synopsis

The New Spruce Forge Manual of Locksmithing: a Blacksmith’s Guide to Simple Lock Mechanisms is a totally revised and expanded version of the original work from 1999. This new hardcover edition, at 304 pages and with more than 800 color photos and illustrations, is more than double the size of the original manual.It is divided into two distinct sections:Technical Information - This section is a reference manual in itself that covers the specific tools and techniques needed to build all the parts for each lock, as well as providing the information needed to understand the assembly instructions outlined in the second section.The Locks: Patterns & Instructions - This section provides the plans and detailed instructions for each of the 14 lock projects in this new edition. The clear assembly instructions describe when and how to use the technical information provided in section one.The authors have maintained their original trademark style that relies on well-illustrated step-by-step instructions that guide you through the whole lock-making process. They have also kept their low-tech approach that demonstrates how to go about creating good work using only a handful of simple tools.Making blacksmith locks is an age-old skill the authors of this manual are helping to preserve by passing on their knowledge to this book’s readers. The New Spruce Forge Manual of Locksmithing is also an excellent introduction to benchwork, which is a useful skill for any blacksmith to acquire. This manual will become a valuable, trusted and often referred to sourcebook in your blacksmithing library.

About the Author

Denis Frechette has spent his entire adult life working with hand tools. He started woodworking at an early age, set up his first forge in 1979, studied pottery in college and worked for several years as a professional craftsman. In 2005 he began producing videos documenting his approach to early technology. In 2008 he transfered his collection of videos from his website to YouTube. As of 2021 his channel - DF InTheShop - has a library of over 300 instructional videos that have given many people the confidence to pursue blacksmithing. William Morrison’s interest in blacksmithing began over 40 years ago, about the same time he was beginning his career as an art instructor. He received his Bachelor of Arts from Eastern Michigan University in 1970. William developed and taught both a blacksmithing course, offered at the high school level, as well as a week-long summer blacksmithing camp at Michigan Tech University for its Summer Youth Program. His blacksmithing experience includes working summers on Mackinac Island, both demonstrating in the Island Blacksmith Shop making period pieces, and participating in specific projects such as the Fort’s weathervane, gates and railings, and consulting work in the restoration of locks from the 1700s. William currently owns and operates Spruce Forge in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, where he designs custom ironwork―everything from kitchen utensils to gates.