The Backyard Blacksmith

This used book is in excellent condition. It is a high-quality publication with very good illustrations and very useful information. I am well satisfied with this.

Recently, I entertained the idea of learning to blacksmith. During my research into the subject, I came across some information that directed me to this title. This book covers everything from lighting a coal forge to a few, basic blacksmithing projects. The different types of tools and their uses are explained; mostly traditional tools (hammers, tongs, etc) but some modern tools and their uses are covered as well. There is a lot of information in this book and as a novice, I would consider this book a wonderful primer for anyone interested in the subject. The information it contains is easy to understand and the pictures help to reinforce the text. This book inspired me to give blacksmithing a try and I hope to be setting up my own "Backyard Blacksmith shop" in the near future. I've yet to pick up a blacksmith hammer and strike hot iron, but after reading the included instructions on the various smithing techniques, I feel like I could complete most of the exercises and perhaps a few of the easier projects this book contains. If you never pick up the hammer, I think you would still enjoy this book, as it gives great insight into the world, work and art of traditional blacksmithing.

I have really enjoyed the book, but beware it is really only a supplemental reading and should not be taken as anything like a full course in blacksmithing. First of all, I really enjoy the depth that Lorelei does go into. Most basic terms are covered with a sentence or so worth of explanation and she does a good job assuming you know nothing and teaching you from the ground up. The projects in the back are also great practice for the skills that will help make you proficient with your tools. On the flip side of the coin, I sometimes get annoyed with the lack of explanation. I like to know why, and often times she leaves things with a simple once sentence explanation that tells you what to or not to do, but does not go into detail as to why its good or bad. Maybe a brief explanation is offered, don't burn the metal, you'll ruin it, but often times I'm looking for more. What is happening to the metal that is causing me to ruin it? Also, I'd have preferred projects a little more in the direction I want to take my blacksmithing. Basically, if you want to make garden accessories, dinner bells, that sort of thing, this is perfect, if your goal is knives, swords, armor and the like, then this is simply a good starting place to learn terms and basic techniques.

This is a good book for the beginning smith. Lorelei Sims presents a good primer for the modern metalworker, from assembling a proper shop with tools from yesterday and today, to material choices, to projects designed to help a smith develop his or her skills. Sims particularly focuses on metal art, and this book is a much-needed entry-level book for that field. While farriers, cutlers, swordsmiths, historical smiths, and general repair smiths will find some help here too, this won't be a be-all end-all source for them. Still - a good read, and a good reference for those who want to shape the black metals. The Backyard Blacksmith shows you how -- with some patience and a working knowledge of metals, basic tools, and techniques -- blacksmithing can be easy to learn, and a rewarding hobby. Through instructions and illustrations, readers will learn to make simple tools and useful items, such as nails, hinges, and handles, and also an interesting mix of artful projects, such letter openers, door knockers and botanical ornaments. Written by an expert in blacksmith and metal artist, this book provides readers with a basic understanding of blacksmithing, including an explanation of tools like an anvil, an anvil stand, hammers, and tongs. Heating techniques like coal forging and fire tending are explained in detail, along with different types of metal like wrought iron, cast iron, and steel. The Backyard Blacksmith walks readers through step-by-step, illustrated projects including hooks, door and gate pulls, wall-mounted hooks, knockers, racks, and more. These expert blacksmithing lessons come to life with full-color photography to illustrate the steps and provide a better understanding of the text. With this book, beginning blacksmiths can learn to turn metal from its raw shape into something useful and beautiful to behold.

This book is truly an amazing resource for anyone just starting to blacksmith. It's very well written and easy to follow with lots of beautiful photos to help you along, and teaches you how to do nearly everything, from your basic smithing techniques, to making your own tools, and then of course some really nice projects that range in difficulty. It really taught me so much and I'd recommend it to anyone and everyone, despite their experience. Each smith brings their own style and knowledge to their work so you're always leaning and its not only possible but common for the most experienced smiths to pick up new techniques from others. I should mention that the one thing Sims leaves out is how to make your own tongs which is a bummer, but overall, a fantastic book!

Lo compré como regalo para mi novio que es herrero y le ha encantado, ya esta viendo como hacer las técnicas que aprendió con el libro.

My son wants to learn to forge and cast so I got him books for Christmas to get him started and this was one of them. This book is fantastic. It has amazing photos, diagrams and instructions. It shows you how to safely do things and even has projects in it to get you going. If forging interests you at all I think this is an excellent book to get started with.

Montones de técnicas básicas, posiblemente no sea un libro para que un herrero perfecciones sus habilidades, pero sí muy adecuado para empezar.

Libro ben strutturato per un approccio pratico diretto. C'è una parte iniziale con consigli su sicurezza, allestimento del laboratorio, tecniche di battitura, tempra dell'acciaio e altro, ma la parte più consistente è fatta da progetti dettagliati, con fasi guidate e molte immagini. I progetti sono molto belli, ma se state cercando un libro fatto solo di progetti, non è questo. Comunque, il libro è più che consigliato

I am just starting out doing a bit of blacksmithing and found this very good in all respects. Techniques are clearly explained, 100s of colour pictures and well-written. Has a series of projects towards the end of increasing level of complexity. While the author is US based, don't let that put you off - all measurements in both metric and imperial and the text reads fine for a non-American audience. My only (slight) negative is that she assumes that you have access to a professional level forge - naturally many begineers won't and will want to set up their own. However, how to make DIY forges is well covered elsewhere on the internet (U-Tube is v good on this). Overall, I would rate this book highly - and her web site is also worth a browse: see [...]. Well worth the money, and I think that this book is by no means just for beginners.