Smith's Work, a Hasluck's work handbook series
Paul N Hasluck
Originally published Cassell & Co
original copyright© 1899
Reprinted by Lindsay Publications
copyright ©2005
ISBN 1-55918-339-X
www.lindsaybks.comTrade paperback, 156 pgs B&W illustrations and line drawings
This is another one in the excellent series of “work” books that he did at the turn of the century. Covering a lot of the metal working arts when the field was expanding and the need for trained newcomers was great.
It is sort of encyclopedia, book for the tools and equipment of smiths work, along with a couple of interesting sections on working wrought iron and the grain pattern directions for different items. Something that modern steels cause less concern today.
1. Forges and Appliances: Some very nice drawings of a number of different style of forges with the air supply devices, anvils and other items that a smith would find use for. All have a very good description of there uses.
2. Hand Tools: All the common hand tools and some uncommon ones today, all with nice clear line drawings and illustrations. That aid in making the assorted tools, whether it is tongs in all their shapes and sizes. Hammers, swags, fullers both hand and anvil, to cold and hot cutters.
3. Drawing Down and Upsetting: is covered with clear drawings.
4. Welding and Punching: is given a brief description, with the emphasis on the two most important items. Correct heat and cleanliness of the material and fire to do the joining.
5. Conditions of Work; Principles of Formation: The first part is the types of smithy shops that are worked in a one man shop, a two man shop(smith and helper/striker) and a two man shop with a power hammer now, would have been a steam hammer. The second part is the use of the fibrous nature of wrought for the design of crank shafts, tie rods, eyes and lifting hooks.
6. Bending and Ring Making
7. Miscellaneous Examples of Forged work
8. Cranks, Model Work, and Die Forging: Mostly describing the types of tie rods, levers, bolts and cranks that are used on steam engines.
9. Home-made Portable Forges: In the round style or rectangular pan styles along with a bellows type of continuous blower style. Given the interest in home shop made forges for solid fuels. These will give one the basics that you can design a very good functioning forge for your use and style.
10. Manipulating Steel at the Forge: Covers the differences between steel and wrought iron, in there characteristics on material and there workings and forgings along with the drawbacks and benefits of each.
This is a great primer for those with either a passing interest in the craft or for those that want to expand their knowledge base or practical and practicing smithing.
It is available at nation builders books or Lindsay books on line.
