Practical work

The blacksmith's shop must be laid out so as to minimize the amount of movement needed to work efficiently. The layout will generally be dictated by the smith's preference, but the anvil should be only about one pace from the fire in order to permit rapid positioning and working of the metal. Both bench and vice should be within easy reach and at a comfortable working height. The cooling tank should also be within easy reach. All the tools needed for a particular operation should be ready and close at hand.

The work area should be shaded but well ventilated. For a right-handed person the beak of the anvil should be to the smith's left and to the right for a left-handed person.

Safety is a case of common sense, but a few pointers may be in order.

• All hammer and tool heads must be securely fastened and checked at regular intervals.
• All tools struck with hammers must have correctly shaped heads. Tool heads must not be allowed to "mushroom" and create the danger of sharp chips of metal flying off, perhaps with disastrous results.
• The anvil face must be kept clean and free of water.
• Sturdy footwear must be worn and trousers should cover the tops of boots or shoes.
• Goggles should be worn when grinding tools and may be used for forging.
• Don't touch metal without being sure it is cool. Hot pieces of metal should be put in a safe place and a warning sign placed nearby.
• The workshop floor should be kept clean and clear of odd pieces of metal.
• A first-aid kit should be available to deal with minor cuts and burns and restocked as needed.
• The fire should be put out after the day's work.
• A leather apron will prevent burns to clothing from sparks.

The most used tool is the hand hammer. This must be gripped as near to the end of its shaft as is comfortable (Fig. 24). Most hammering is done using a wrist-and-elbow action. Shoulder action is needed only for heavy hammering. For accurate work, a "snapping" action of elbow and wrist produces the best results and least fatigue. Sledgehammers are used with both hands and a straight up-and-down action is required, not the swinging action used for other work.

All hammering must be positive. Avoid the tendency to "stroke" the work with the hammer. Even light blows must be direct and positive if effort is not to be wasted.

Figure 24