Blacksmith - Research

Before making any models for the 'Blacksmith' section of my scene, I thought it would be a really good idea to research what kind of tools and equipment they would use, as well as what kind of items they would make for their village.

The Life of a Blacksmith

A Blacksmith was a very important member of the village in which they lived in, and their job would vary quite a lot depending on where they are situated.

• Village Blacksmith - They would make items, either to help their village, or defend it. This would include such items as tools, household objects and weapons.
• Castle Blacksmith - They would specialise purely on armour and weaponry, to protect the castle from invaders. 
• City of Tower Blacksmith - Belonged to a guild, and lived in towns.
• Monasteries or Abbeys - Monks were also blacksmiths.
• Blacksmiths also played a very big part in armies, as they had to keep up with the demand of weapons for combat, arrowheads and repairing/maintenance of old weapons and armour.  

Description of a Blacksmith Forge

This is where the process in which different items made from metal takes place by a blacksmith. This is done by heating up metal and hammering via a furnace that consists of a special hearth where the metal must be heated before it can be shaped. The term 'Forge' is also known as a 'Smithy'. Different tools were also needed to acquire the shape and size of whatever was being made, with a selection of tools available to the blacksmith. The main role for a blacksmith is generally to provide the village, town, city, or castle everyday items, weapons, armour etc.

Items made by Blacksmiths

• Weapons - Daggers, Swords, Lances, Arrowheads etc
• Siege Weapons
• Armour and Shields
• Tools
• Nails
• Church and Castle Doors - Hinges, locks, keys
• Portcullis
• Instruments of torture and chains
• Household Objects - Knives, light fittings, pokers etc
• Ornaments
• Jewellery
• Decorative Objects

Tools and Equipment

• Tongs
• Bellows
• Anvil - A heavy block of iron or steel that allows the shaping of hot metal by hammering.
• Variety of Hammers - Different sizes to allow different shaping and finishing.
• Fullers - A Hammer with a half-round end, used to form grooves and spreading iron. Also know as a 'Creaser'.
• Swages - Tools that have different shapes or grooves on the end or face used for shaping their work by holding the swage upon the work and striking back with a sledge hammer.
• Swage Block - A block of iron that has been perforated, by having grooved sides and adapted for heading bolts and swaging objects if a larger size.
• Sledge Hammers
• Punches - Tools used usually for making circular holes.
• Axe
• Chisels
• Drifts - Slightly tapered tools generally made from steel that are used for shaping or enlarging a hole in metal, by being driven or forced through it. Also known as a 'Broach'.
• Bit - A tool for boring, of various sizes and forms.
• Auger Bit - A bit with a cutting blade or edge.
• Moulds - For making popular and everyday items.
• Nails
• Tables, Stools, Shelves etc.