MAJOR EQUIPMENT IN THE SHOP


Over the many years of blacksmithing I've discerned the best types of equipment needed to perform typical, and some not so typical, blacksmithing techniques.  The equipment listed below is available for use by students and each have been arranged to optimize safety and accomodate instruction.  Of course, safety is a key concern and students will be instructed on the proper use of the equipment, and must adhere to advice given.

3 Coal Forges
2 Propane Forges
8 Anvils
3 post Vises

4 Regular Vises

1 Power Hammer

1 12 Ton Press

2 Drill Presses

There are also a large variety of hammers, tongs, metal and other miscellaneous items used during instruction..

Layout of Shop
The sketch below will give you an idea of the layout of the shop you will use when you come to class.
Blacksmithing shop showing anvils, forge and tools.

Typical Work Station Layout

Work Station Workflow

You will use three pieces of equipment most often: the forge, anvil and vise.
A coal forge sits in the middle with two anvils on wooden supports on each side. The room is walled with raw wood and gravel floor. Many hand tools are lying about.
The gas forge is an insulated cylinder open on one end with gas pipes connected at the top.

Propane Forge

Propane is usually easily obtained, more portable and cleaner than coal. It will get metal hot enough to forge, but may take longer to reach that forge-welding temperature. This also may depend upon the size of the gas forge. Propane forges are more complicated to build than coal forges, especially when it comes to the burners.  Purchasing a commercial-made propane forge is always an option. There are a wide variety of shapes, sizes and numbers of burners for propane forges. Note: a propane forge can be noisier, sometimes producing a whooshing sound.

"Lil' John" Hammer
Named in honor of my dad, John Sabo.

Power hammers have been around since the late 1880s. They serve the same purpose as a manual hammer, except they are more efficient, accurate, incredibly powerful and effective pieces of equipment. They help blacksmiths complete projects faster. Aside from quickly drawing out metal, one can use it for texturing, shaping, flattening, etc.  They are great for using with top and/or bottom dies.
Lil’ John is named after my dad who helped me build the hammer. It started out with an electric motor but, I converted it air powered. It has a 65# head that moves up and down striking the metal about 60 times a minute. A lot more power than a 3# hammer being mover with my arm.
The blue I beam and channel iron frame holds a vertical cylinder used for pounding metal.