|
|
|
|
Irontree Works was started with lots of hard work and assistance from many people. Most blacksmiths that you meet today can give you a long list of other blacksmiths who got them started. The day I bought my first forge, I visited a blacksmith named Bob Bergman, The Postville Blacksmith. Bob spent about 45 minutes outlining the very basics to me, gave me some coal, loaned me a text book and during my second visit, a week later, spent over an hour with me, a total stranger, and put me in contact with The Guild of Metalsmiths. The guild has helped me, guided me, advised me and cajoled me into becoming a better smith every time I lit my forge. If you are interested in learning to smith, use the links below or contact me and I will try to steer you in the right direction. Tours If you are interested in a tour of our shop, contact us for dates and times Groups you can contact for education Florida Artist Blacksmith Association IFORGEIRON: A good blacksmithing forum! Forges Books to Read The Backyard Blacksmith: Traditional Techniques for the Modern Smith (Turtleback) by Lorelei Sims New Edge of the Anvil: A Resource Book for the Blacksmith by Jack Andrews The Art of Blacksmithing by Alex Bealer, The Complete Modern Blacksmith by Alexander G. Weygers The Mastermyr Find: A Viking Age Tool Chest from Gotland by Greta
Arwidsson and Gosta Berg (Paperback - Jan 2000): A great period reference
on Vking metalwork and tools.
Wayne Goddard's $50 Knife Shop by Wayne Goddard (Paperback - Jan 2001) A very good book on starting knifemaking with minimal tools, also
lots of information on how make your own tools. Lots of information on
sharpening and more advanced tecniquies. A good second or first book on
knifemaking
Step-by-Step Knifemaking: You Can Do It! (Paperback) by David
Boye: Easier book in the beginning than Goddard's book but with a different
focus. More information art knives, less on pattern welding. More basic
than goddards and great for starting out knife making. A good first book!
Decorative
and Sculptural Ironwork:
Tools, Techniques,
Inspiration (Schiffer
Book for Collectors)
by Dona Z. Meilach |
Apprentice Skills: Check out this link to see what an apprentice should learn!