By: B. Smith Thursday May 17 2012
Map: Home | Blacksmith - Date Submitted: 2010-10-21 16:25:19 - Views: 1242
In the profession of a Blacksmith, different tools, such as axe, saw, screw drivers, spanners and many more similar tools are used to do heavy duty work. Blacksmithing is hard work and at the same time needs a lot of planning and designing. Blacksmith make war weapons, they make armors and design them too. The blacksmith also moulds lockers, locks, keys and smart tools which are used for daily use.
The business of blacksmith is generally a family business and is passed from father to son. To work as a blacksmith it is essential to get trained under a professional blacksmith and acquire experience.
Architectural Blacksmith
This type of smith prepares fences, gates, window bars and other architectural iron using traditional techniques. They are often in dilemma with decorative or architectural iron welder.
Historical Blacksmith
The historical blacksmith specializes in creating steel and iron items from specific period of history. He will be highly educated and perhaps possess a degree in the history of the period he has chosen as his specialty. A historical smith will not only know how to prepare almost everything a smith in that time would know, but he will also know why and how the item was made, as well as its identity.
Work Activities
Work activities differ according to the type of blacksmithing and the specific project or 'commission':
* They may go on the scene to discuss requirements with a customer and to take measurements. They would draw and decide on the types and amounts of materials needed for the project.
* They mark up and cut out the metal to be heated in the forge. Each metal is heated to the required temperature in preparation for shaping and joining by fire welding or modern welding techniques. The blacksmith uses a variety of forge work techniques such as drawing down, twisting, punching and traditional joining methods.
* When the work is complete, the metal has to be over. The piece such as a chair is polished and protected with wax or linseed oil, in case it is for indoor use. In case it is a gate which is to be used for outdoor use then, it can be, cleaned, sprayed with zinc and painted.
* Apart from the ancient hand tools, blacksmiths further work with power tools like power hammers, air chisels, drills and hydraulic presses.
Requirement
A blacksmith should possess the following requirements:
* Should be informed regarding the health and safety issues.
* Processes linked to blacksmith work.
* Should know the properties of various metals.
* Should possess knowledge of the different applications for wrought metal work.
Skills
There are certain skills that should be possessed by a blacksmith. Some of them are as follows:
* Technical problem-solving.
* Ability to do basic calculations.
* Have good business skills if self-employed.
* Have good technical and manual handling skills.
* Should possess excellent organization skills.
Behavior and Personal Qualities
Some of the behavior and personal qualities that a blacksmith should possess are as follows:
* Should be physically fit and have a good level of stamina.
* Should have a creative approach and an eye for design.
* Have an interest in different types of metals and moulding techniques.
* Should be happy to work in a hot and noisy work environment.
Future Significance
There are a few who think that blacksmithing is a dying art, it is far from that. It stretches into many facets of society. There are very few who know what actually a blacksmith is. The profession of blacksmith shall always be a concealed societal wealth. There are a few blacksmiths who are quite zealous regarding their work and the record of their occupation.
If you would like to find out more about becoming a Blacksmith then visit our Career and Job Forum
A blacksmith is a professional who works with metals such as iron and shaping them into useful or decorative shapes. Most modern blacksmiths focus on producing fine art or custom metal pieces for clients Blacksmithing is a highly skilled trade, and although blacksmiths are not as abundant as they were historically, they can still command respect and high prices for their services. Viewed: 1242 Times. Read More ...
A blacksmith is a professional who works with metals such as iron and shaping them into useful or decorative shapes. Most modern blacksmiths focus on producing fine art or custom metal pieces for clients Blacksmithing is a highly skilled trade, and although blacksmiths are not as abundant as they were historically, they can still command respect and high prices for their services. Viewed: 1242 Times. Read More ...
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