The Most Common Blacksmithing Techniques You Need To Know

The lengthy list of blacksmithing jargon, equipment, and techniques might seem a bit overwhelming when you’re first starting out. If this is the case for you, don’t try to understand everything all at once. Start with the essential tools and techniques that smiths use every day. Here is a quick list of the most common blacksmithing techniques you need to know as a beginner blacksmith.

Drawing Out

Drawing is one of the most essential techniques in blacksmithing. Blacksmiths use this technique to make a piece of metal thinner and longer. One of the best ways to draw out metal is by hammering the piece at an angle near the edges of the anvil. This technique pushes the metal towards the anvil, successfully lengthening the piece.

Upsetting Methods

Upsetting is the opposite of drawing out, meaning you can use it to shorten and thicken your piece of metal. During the upsetting process, you can choose to heat specific parts to restructure your piece. This technique provides more mass and strengthens the product.

Curling Methods

Curling is a common technique for blacksmiths crafting any sort of jewelry, tool, accessory, or art piece. Many beginner blacksmiths practice curling when they craft hooks and decorative pieces such as leaves. Curling involves taking a hot piece of metal and hammering the tip at an angle to create a curl. Blacksmiths can also heat the tip of the metal and push it into the top of the anvil at an angle. Curling is a common step after a smith has flattened the tip of the metal or drawn it out to a rounded point.

Rounding Out

Rounding is another technique that all blacksmiths use daily. This process takes a metal bar and smooths it out to create a conical or cylindrical shape. The rounding and drawing out processes help a blacksmith create points, which is common in art pieces, tools, and even weapons.

Cutting

Cutting is a technique blacksmiths use to shorten the metal materials they’re working with. Blacksmiths draw out the material, then hammer it at the edge of the anvil to break or “cut” the heated piece off. This technique can help when you need more precise lengths on metal bars and other materials.

These are just a few of the common blacksmithing techniques you’ll need to know as an apprentice or hobbyist smith. Fortunately, all you need to practice these techniques are the basic pieces of smelting equipment, including a forge, anvil, and hammers. You can find all the tools you need to get started at Cast Master Elite.