TWO COMMON SMITH ITEMS:

Metal Smithing is in most case more difficult to do then wood working. Almost any individual can learn to work with metal as long as they have some mechanical ability and strength to be able to lift the tools. Careful attention must be given to the actual theory and principles behind smithing for a quality object to be produced. In the following lines there is a basic descripton of an anvil, a break down of its parts, the uses of these parts, and a brief description of a forge.

Generally there are two types of materials that an anvil can be made from; Cast Iron and Steel. There is a difference between these two types of metals and the products that are produced when using them. The preferred metal to be used in the construction of an anvil is steel.

To distinguish between the two types, a blow can be delivered to the surface of the anvil with a hammer and a sound will resonate from the strike. If the sound is sharp and clear the anvil is made of steel, if the sound is dull and more of a thud quality then it is of cast iron.

Anvils come in many different weights ranging from 50 to 200 lbs. Mainly the weight of the anvil used in the Craft Shop will be around 100 to 125 lbs. The anvil is mounted on a block or stand and should be at such a height then when standing erect ones knuckles should just touch the surface of the anvil.

The location of the anvil in the shop area is just as important as the height that it is placed at. The anvil should be in front of the forge so that a worker can move easily from the fire and back to the anvil again without having to move.

There are several different parts to an anvil and they are,

Horn
Face
Chipping Block
Pritchel Hole
Hardy Hole

Horn - The horn of the anvil is used to assist in making bends and in the shaping of curved pieces.

Face - Is used for general hammering and has been hardened. No cutting or hole punching should be done on this area since it can damage or mar the surface of the metal. A corner of the face next to the horn is slightly rounded so sharp bends can be made without galling the iron.

Chipping Block - Is a softer area of the anvil and will not damage the tools when they cut through the metals being worked on.

Pritchel Hole - Is a round hole in the face of an anvil and is used for punching holes.

Hardy Hole - A square hole in the face of the anvil which can be used to hold the hardy and other tools that may be used during the course of Smithing.

The forge is very important in Smithing. The hearth should be a minimum of 18 inches wide, though hopefully there will be one that is larger and available to use. Proper ventilation is an important aspect in the building of the forge and will allow for the air to circulate and the smoke to be taken away.

A simple forge can be constructed from brick, stone, or other types of masonry. Although there are many pieces to the construction of the forge they will be covered in a later scroll as well as the proper building of a fire within the hearth.