Forging, as a metal processing method, has been known since ancient times. Archaeological finds prove that blacksmithing was actively developed in the ancient settlements of the Black Sea, Mesopotamia, Egypt. Ancient masters possessed the secrets of both cold and hot forging. The blacksmiths made tools, weapons and household items from native metals. At first, they acted alone, using for work anvil, hammer, forge, poker and ticks.
In the manufacture of chains, iron rings, fishing rods and other complex shapes, apprentices were involved in the work. In those days, do-it-yourself art forging was popular, machine tools have not yet been used. In the XII century, the first varieties of blacksmithing specialties appeared: helmets, gunsmiths, hacksaws and others. This becomes the reason for the emergence of new tools, the development of specific working methods.
The art forging machine appeared much later. In the XVII century, metal forging is actively used in the decoration of landscape design with park areas with gazebos, the design of buildings, fences. Aesthetic beauty is gradually shifting the practicality of metal products to the background. Forged elements in the interior become works of art on a par with the paintings of artists.
In the 19th century, manual work was partially replaced by casting and stamping. Fences, gates, and other decorative elements made using modern technologies were much cheaper than their predecessors. However, the consumer soon noticed that the machine is not able to fully perform the decorative and artistic design. Therefore, ancient manual methods and tools began to be used again along with modern technologies.
General information about tools (forging machine)
Since art forging is a rather time-consuming process, craftsmen honor and carefully preserve its glorious traditions, passing on from time to time passing special tools that have been tested by time. Before starting work, the metal is heated in a forge or gas furnace. The first furnace is a classic version that was used as early as the Iron Age. Today craftsmen acquire or independently produce gas horns for domestic needs. From time immemorial, an anvil has been considered a kind of altar of blacksmithing.
Anvil
Experience has shown that the one-horned steel anvil, which is successfully used by modern craftsmen, is the most successful in shape. On the conical process, the craftsmen bend the workpiece at the right angle or form rings. If necessary, a shperk 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 different shapes. When working with cold metal, pliers are used. Deform the metal with a sledgehammer, hammer and hammer. They strike blows of varying strength on the workpiece.
In the XIX century, huge steam hammers began to be replaced by hydraulic presses. The improved tool allows you to process a large piece of metal with high quality, to give it the desired shape without shaking the room. Cut iron with a chisel and a chisel. By cutting, the workpiece is divided (pinched), a hammer is struck on the chisel. Punches are used to punch holes in a metal (round, square, rectangular and other shapes), and crimps are used to give the forging a certain shape (for example, faceted, ellipsoid or cylindrical).
Categories of metal forging machines
Today, all blacksmithing tools are divided into 4 categories:
• supporting;
• drums;
• auxiliary;
• measuring.
Most of them are descendants of ancient blacksmithing tools.
The minimum set of tools for the home craftsman
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 art forging should be prepared in advance:
• a machine for cutting metal (type "grinder");
• welding machine with mask;
• equipment for twisting blanks (strips and rods) in two planes;
• vise.
For hot forging, you will additionally need:
• gas horn;
• an eccentric with which the ends of the parts will be rolled;
• crimp - to give the product the desired shape;
• volume - to create curls.
Today, craftsmen are actively combining traditional and modern tools for creating iron products at home. A little patience, the advice of experienced masters, a couple of minor failures - and you can safely begin to create real works of art.