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The work of another local Artisan now available at the Edinburg Mill

By Dan Harshman

I told you last month about Clyde Jenkins and basket making. This month is about something a little more indestructible; the work of a local Blacksmith. 

Our Museum features an exhibit that includes a Great Bellows along with the anvils, a hand cranked forge and the tools of a blacksmith. In earlier times the blacksmith had a general knowledge of how to make or repair a wide variety of items out of wrought iron or steel. These items ranged from tools, weapons, armor and simple things like nails and chain.   

A blacksmith works by heating pieces of wrought iron or steel to a temperature where the metal becomes soft enough to be shaped with hand tools, such as a hammer, an anvil and a chisel. Heating originally took place in a forge that would be fueled by coal, charcoal or coke. In more recent years the fuel used might be propane, natural gas or oil. Some current blacksmiths might also use oxyacetylene or a similar blowtorch to create a more pinpoint source of heat for a project.

The temperature and workability of the metal is determined by the color as it is heated. Iron heats to a high temperature and first glows red, then orange, yellow and will reach white. The ideal heat for most work is the bright yellow-orange color that indicates the metal has reached forging heat.

Forging is the process used by the blacksmith to shape the metal by hammering. Unlike machining metal, forging does not remove any of the material. The blacksmith uses the hammer to shape the piece of heated metal into what he is making. This process usually requires at least a hammer and an anvil; however, other tools may be used to accomplish a specific task.

The blacksmith uses a variety of techniques when forging a piece of metal. Drawing is basically the lengthening of the metal by the forger. As the metal is hammered on the anvil its thickness is reduced and its length is increased. Bending is another process used on the metal once it is at forging heat. This can also be done with a hammer over the horn or sharp edge of an anvil. The shapes can be adjusted by hammering them over the different shaped part of the anvil. 

Another technique used by the blacksmith is called upsetting. This is a process where the piece of metal is made thicker by shortening it. Imagine heating a rod of metal and then trying to hammer it into the anvil like it’s a nail. As the rod gets shorter, the heated part at the bottom gets wider since it obviously can not penetrate the surface of the anvil.

The blacksmith may also punch the heated metal to create a decorative pattern or to make a hole. This process would be used to create a hole for the handle when making something like a hammerhead. Even when creating a hole, the blacksmith is usually rearranging the heated metal around the hole rather than drilling through the piece.

All of the basic forging techniques may come into play to create and fine-tune the shape of the finished product. Making something like a chisel requires the heated metal to be lengthened by the technique of drawing. As this is done the metal would also spread in width. The blacksmith would use the technique of upsetting to correct this by frequently turning the chisel on its side and hammering it back down to the desired width and overall thickness.

Welding is another process that might be used by the blacksmith. It simply is the joining together of pieces of the same or similar metals. To forge weld the metal is heated to a welding heat where the metal glows to an intense yellow or white color. At this temperature the metal is near molten allowing the separate metal pieces to join wherever they touch. A modern blacksmith may also use a modern method to weld, such as oxyacetylene and arc welding. 

The finishing of a forged piece may vary depending on its ultimate use. A simple tool to be used in the blacksmith’s shop may only get a rap on the anvil to break off any scale and then be hit with a hand wire brush. When a more finished product is desired, files will be used to bring the piece to its final shape. This will remove any burrs or sharp edges, and smooth the surface. A wire brush, either by hand or using a power tool, can be used to further smooth, polish and brighten the surface. If further finishing is desired, the blacksmith may use an emery wheel, abrasive papers like emery cloth, and grinding stones to shape, smooth and polish the piece. There is also a process that allows the metal to be heat treated and case hardened to achieve a desired hardness for the finished piece.

The industrial revolution and the need for interchangeable metal parts eventually caused a decline in blacksmiths. A renewed interest began occurring in the 1970s. Today there are many books on the subject as well as individuals and groups that are helping to educate the public about the subject. Demonstrations of blacksmithing can be found today at many historic sites and living history events. 

I met Fort Valley resident, Dennis Clem when he was demonstrating his blacksmith skills at the 2024 Edinburg Ole Time Festival. I’m pleased to say that Dennis has provided the Museum’s Gift Shop with some of his handiwork for sale year round. Please stop in and check out our blacksmith exhibit and maybe pick up one of Dennis’ creations while.

Photo: The Great Bellows shown in the exhibit. Leaning against the anvil are three of Dennis Clem’s pieces: a fireplace shovel, a fire poker and a trivet.