Hand-forged Iron
Forging is manufacturing process where wrought iron is pressed, pounded
or squeezed under great pressure into high strength parts known as
forging. The process is normally performed by preheating the metal to a
desired temperature before it is worked. Hand forging wrought iron is
not an easy task. It requires art, skills and good physical strength of
a blacksmith.
It is important to note that the forging process is entirely different
from the casting process, as metal used to make forged parts is never
melted and poured (as in the casting process).
The Forge
Shaping hot metal with a hammer is known as forging and, the forge is
the place that holds the blacksmith's fire. A forge includes the place
to hold the fire, the passageway for the air and a source of air such as
a bellows, fan or blower.
A forge can be as simple as a hole in the Earth or a box lined with
clay. The air supply can be provided by hand or power from machines made
of wood, wood and leather or all metal. Forges have been made of stone
and brick and modern forges are made of cast iron and steel.
Forges burn various fuels. Early forges were fueled by charcoal and
peat, later, coal was been used. Modern forges also operate on natural
gas, propane & fuel oil and are built with refractory brick and
ceramic insulation.
