Forging, as a method of metal processing, has been known since ancient times. Archaeological finds prove that blacksmithing was actively developed in the ancient settlements of the Black Sea region, Mesopotamia, and Egypt. The ancient masters possessed the secrets of both cold and hot forging. Blacksmiths made tools, weapons and household items from native metals. At first, they worked alone, using an anvil, hammer, forge, poker and tongs to work.
In the manufacture of chains, iron rings, bits and other complex forms, apprentices were involved in the work. In those days, do-it-yourself art forging was popular, the machines were not yet used. In the XII century, the first varieties of blacksmith speci alties appeared: helmet makers, gunsmiths, cutlers and others. This causes the emergence of new tools, the development of specific methods of work.
Machine forartistic forging appeared much later. In the 17th century, metal forging was actively used in decorating landscape design with park areas with gazebos, decorating buildings and fences. Aesthetic beauty gradually moves the practicality of metal products to the background. Forged elements in the interior become works of art along with the paintings of artists.
In the 19th century, casting and stamping partially replaced manual work. Fences, gates, and other decorative elements made using modern technologies were much cheaper than their predecessors. However, the consumer soon noticed that the machine was not capable of fully performing decorative and artistic design. Therefore, ancient manual methods and tools have been re-used alongside modern technology.
General information about tools (artistic forging machine)
Since artistic forging is a rather laborious process, craftsmen honor and carefully preserve its glorious traditions, passing on time-tested special tools from generation to generation. Before starting work, the metal is heated in a forge or gas furnace. The first furnace is a classic version that was used as far back as the Iron Age. Today, craftsmen purchase or independently manufacture gas forges for household needs. From time immemorial, the anvil has been considered a kind of altar for blacksmithing.
Anvil
Experience has shown that the mostsuccessful in form is a one-horned steel anvil, which is successfully used by modern craftsmen. On the conical process, the craftsmen bend the workpiece at the right angle or form rings. If necessary, a shperak is attached to the base - a portable anvil, where small parts are processed, individual elements of the pattern are corrected, the workpiece is held or turned over with tongs that have a different shape. When working with cold metal, pliers are used. Deform metal with a sledgehammer, hammer and hammer. They strike the workpiece with different strengths.
In the 19th century, huge steam hammers began to be replaced by hydraulic presses. An improved tool allows you to qualitatively process a large piece of metal, give it the desired shape without shaking the room. Cut iron with a hook and a chisel. The workpiece is separated (pinched) by cutting, the chisel is struck with a sledgehammer. To punch holes in the metal (round, square, rectangular and other shapes), punches are used, and to give the forging a certain shape (for example, faceted, ellipsoidal or cylindrical), crimps are used.
Categories of metal art forging machines
Today, all blacksmith tools are divided into 4 categories:
• support;
• drums;
• auxiliary;
• Measuring.
Most of them are descendants of ancient blacksmith tools.
The minimum set of tools for a DIYer
The set of necessary equipment will depend on the forging method that is planned to be used when working with iron. To create a product by cold forging, the following tools and machines for artistic forging should be prepared in advance:
• metal cutting machine (grinder type);
• mask welding machine;
• equipment for twisting blanks (strips and rods) in two planes;
• vise.
For hot forging you will additionally need:
• gas horn;
• eccentric, with which the ends of the parts will be rolled out;
• crimper - to give the product the desired shape;
• Volumetric - for creating curls.
Today, craftsmen are actively combining traditional and modern tools to create iron products at home. A little patience, advice from experienced craftsmen, a couple of minor failures - and you can safely start creating real works of art.
