Profession blacksmith originated many centuries ago. Kuznetsov in those days was personified with people endowed with remarkable, magical powers. They often became heroes of traditions and fairy tales, were very respected people in society. How useful is the profession of a blacksmith these days? In the sections of this article we will try to answer this question.
Facts from the story
People began to use metal products from ancient times. The blacksmiths who lived in primitive times, with the help of fire, could turn shapeless pieces of iron ore into a tool for hunting and farming, forging jewelry from them. Over time, people involved in blacksmithing, more and more honed their skills and forging techniques. They began to appear their professional secrets, traditions and rituals.
Representatives of the blacksmith profession learned to cast sophisticated, advanced weapons and household items: shields, armor, various agricultural equipment, and much more. They, in order to satisfy the growing needs of their clientele, were forced to keep up to date. The blacksmiths of past eras "produced" a large number of forged products, which we today attribute to works of art. Openwork metal grilles on the windows, strong forged gates, intricate locks forged by blacksmiths, and to this day serve as ornaments of architectural monuments in many countries.
The blacksmith's job responsibilities these days
In order to have an idea of what work is currently being done by representatives of the blacksmith profession, it is necessary to know their main job responsibilities. These people in perfection must possess certain knowledge and skills, which include:
- skills in working with hammers, presses and curlers;
- forging certain parts using special blanks;
- ability, following the generally accepted technology, to heat preforms in the furnace;
- mastery of the basic forging operations: drawing, draft, bending, chopping off, flashing and welding;
- the ability to put into practice drawings and sketches;
- knowledge of safety regulations;
- knowledge of drawing, physics and chemistry.
Modern blacksmiths in their work combine the art of forging of old times and achievements in the field of scientific and technological progress. They use not only a traditional hammer, but also various technical devices.
Necessary qualities
In order to become a highly qualified specialist, a blacksmith in a profession needs to have certain personal qualities:
- perfect physical shape;
- one hundred percent vision and a good eye;
- stamina;
- excellent visual memory;
- high temperature tolerance.
Pros and cons of the profession
The main advantage of the blacksmith's profession is considered to be the possibility of revealing creative ideas that can deliver aesthetic pleasure to people. An important advantage of this profession is also a high salary.
At present, the work of blacksmithing masters is gaining more and more demand. Professionals in this field often open their own workshops for the production of high-quality metal products.
The disadvantages of this profession primarily include difficult working conditions and increased injury risk. Blacksmiths carry out their work in a hot and noisy room, in which non-compliance with basic safety rules invariably leads to burns.
The disadvantage of the blacksmith profession (a description of the work responsibilities of blacksmithing masters indicates this) is also increased physical activity. Its representatives often have to deal with very heavy workpieces and metal products. As a result, mostly men go to work as blacksmiths.
How to become a blacksmith
In the old days, one could master this interesting profession only by settling in an apprentice to a blacksmith. By tradition, fathers taught this craft to their sons. At present, everyone can get higher or secondary special education in the specialty "Master of art forging of metals."
To fully comprehend the intricacies of the profession of a blacksmith is real only in practice. Training gives good theoretical knowledge, develops creative skills, but the ability to forge can be acquired only at the forge. Making various products with his own hands, the blacksmith begins to feel the character of the metal and make non-standard decisions, without which it is difficult to imagine his work.
For specialists working in a manufacturing enterprise, it is extremely important to obtain a rank confirming their qualifications. It can be upgraded with special certification.
The profession of a blacksmith in the 21st century can be called a mystical and mysterious occupation. Indeed, under the hands of modern forges, metal seems to come to life. From it, as if by magic, flowers bloom, become like living animals and birds. Piece products created by masters of art forging, filled with grace and beauty, can be safely attributed to luxury goods.