The job of a blacksmith involves heating metal with fire to forge, make repairs and create welds.If you're more artistic, you can use your skills to make railings, gates, furniture and sculptures from metal.To become a blacksmith, you need physical strength, training and skills.
Step 1: There are books about blacksmithing.
Blacksmithing is a skill that requires a good deal of knowledge to be able to perform, and reading about it is the easiest way to start.The Edge of the Anvil by Jack Andrews and The Art of Blacksmithing by Alex Bealer are some books to start with.
Step 2: Take classes.
Basic blacksmithing skills can be learned at a community college.Start by locating community colleges.Take a look at what kind of classes they have.If you want to learn how to light the torch, safely handle hot metal, handle the tanks and what safety equipment to use while welding, begin with a class.Try to find classes that teach you how to control the heat in the forge.The blacksmithing tools include an anvil, hammer, tongs and punch.If you can't find any blacksmithing classes near you, look for online classes and purchase your own equipment.Use these tools to experiment.Drawing out, brazing, cutting, riveting and upsetting are some of the skills you'll learn in these classes.
Step 3: Take metal work classes.
Become a well-rounded blacksmith by learning more modern metal-working skills.If you want to do this, you need to complete the beginner classes offered at your local community college, a Vocational school, or online, and then move on to intermediate and advanced classes.The distance from the metal, the angle at which the electrode should be held, and the amperage used to cut different thicknesses of metal are some of the things to learn about.Become skilled as a MIG and TIG welder.MIG welding requires a continuous fed spool that is useful for long pieces of metal.TIG welding requires a rod.Being well-rounded in your metal working skills is important if you want to make a career out of Arc Welding.
Step 4: Start building your own equipment.
You're going to eventually need your own equipment if you want to make a career out of blacksmithing.A forge is a piece of equipment that allows you to heat metal so that it can be manipulated.You can either make your own forge or buy one online.These allow you to hold your heated metal so that it can be worked with securely and safely.When you hit into shape, you'll rest your metal on this.You'll hit the metal with hammers.They come in different shapes for different purposes.There are safety equipment.Strong leather gloves, a heavy-duty apron, and a blacksmith mask will keep you safe when dealing with dangerously hot temperatures.Most of the equipment can be purchased online.Before making a purchase, do some research.
Step 5: ABANA is an association of artists blacksmiths.
Look for an ABANA Chapter that you can join.Attend ABANA meetings.You will learn more about blacksmithing, meet other blacksmiths, and get a chance to become a part of the community.ABANA has both professional and hobby blacksmiths.
Step 6: If you join an apprenticeship program, you will be able to hone your skills as a blacksmith.
You can find blacksmithing apprenticeships and internship near you.One-on-one training with a master blacksmith is part of the structure of these apprenticeships.A demonstration of basic blacksmithing skills is required for some apprenticeship programs.
Step 7: Join a journeyman program to improve your skills.
You will work in the shop of a professional blacksmith if you become a journeyman.You can learn a variety of styles and work with architects to design details for new and old construction.Through their website, ABANA gives the means to join a journeyman program.If you want to join their registry, you have to fill out their questionnaire.You need to meet a minimum level of skill and competency to join a journeyman program.Drawing out, heat treating, and basic metallurgy are some of the skills a journeyman is expected to know.
Step 8: You can find metal working work.
If you want to build your experience and knowledge of the metal working business, look into jobs that don't require a lot of experience.As with most careers, starting from the bottom, gaining any experience you can, and slowly working your way up is a viable method for becoming a professional.It's possible to work in a steel center warehouse or be a cleaner at a local machine shop.Most of the jobs you'll be able to find as a hobbyist blacksmith won't involve any forging, but they will be a first step into the metal working business, and give you experience that can help you land a blacksmithing job later.
Step 9: Your own blacksmith shop is necessary.
Start your own small blacksmithing business if you're more of a self-starter.It becomes a matter of marketing and business skills once you have the tools and know-how.Blacksmiths who make their own shop focus on artistic blacksmithing.Start by learning how to make metal art, like swords and sculptures, and then sell them on websites like Etsy.To create a successful self-start blacksmith shop, you need to slowly build a base of satisfied customers and make a name for yourself.There is a market for hand-crafted functional metal art.It's your goal to find a place in that market.
Step 10: A job as a commercial blacksmith is available.
The skills of blacksmiths are required by many manufacturers of machines, transportation and railings.Networking is the key to getting your foot in the door.Once you have the skills, the next step is to get involved with blacksmith associations and affiliates.One way into a commercial blacksmithing job is to start working for the professional blacksmith you learned from in a journeyman or apprenticeship program.
Step 11: Become a demonstrator of blacksmith techniques.
Application for these positions can be made through blacksmithing guilds or chapters.If you're in the right place, you can find these jobs.Demonstration of the art of blacksmithing to the public is one of these jobs.