Primary blacksmithing processes

Primary Blacksmithing Processes

Drawing Out

  • This is a process that reduces the thickness of a section of iron.
  • The metal is lengthened in two directions which results in it becoming thinner.
  • Drawing out is essentially the blacksmithing term for stretching metal.

Upsetting

  • Upsetting is a technique used to make the metal thicker in one dimension through shortening in the other.
  • This technique is also known as ‘jumping up’.
  • These actions compress the metal and increase its mass in a specific area.

Punching and Drifting

  • Punching is the practice of creating a hole by shearing a piece of metal out of the iron.
  • Drifting is a similar process; however, it uses a tapered tool known as a drift to shape or enlarge the hole after it has been punched out.

Fullering

  • Fullering is a blacksmithing technique used to spread the iron out.
  • This technique employs a variety of tools, such as the fuller, the flatter, and the set hammer.
  • The fuller is used to mark the hot metal for controlled spreading, the flatter helps even out the marks made by the fuller, and the set hammer also aids in spreading the material.

Bending

  • Bending is a process where the metal is bent to various degrees to form a set shape or curved surface.
  • Specific tools are used for bending, like a bending fork or a horn on the anvil.
  • Bending doesn’t change the thickness or length of the metal.

Twisting

  • Twisting is a process in blacksmithing where a piece of metal is twisted to give it a decorative and aesthetic finish.
  • The metal needs to be uniformly hot for it to twist evenly.
  • This technique is commonly applied when creating ornamental pieces.

Welding

  • Welding in blacksmithing refers to the process of joining two pieces of metal together.
  • There are two primary types - forge welding and arc welding.
  • Forge welding involves heating the metal pieces until they are nearly at the same temperature as the forge, then hammering them together.
  • Arc welding involves an electric arc that produces high heat to melt the portions of metal that are to be joined.