Country Blacksmithing

The Country Blacksmith has the physical power and control over Iron and Steel and thereby become the creator. McRaven's book, Country Blacksmithing, is deserving of a five-star rating, because of his detail regarding the building of a forge, the material used, the heat treating information, and the details for tempering the material. Upon completion of this book one will be able to build a forge, collect the tools, understand the different metals needed, and follow the process to temper the materials. Two drawbacks to following this book are the ability to work with one's hands and the strength in their arms to form the material. Individual who enjoy working with their hands and creating with different metals will enjoy this book. Introduction gives the history of Country Blacksmithing, Which is very interesting; then there is a short lesson on the Pioneer Smith. The second chapter is "Getting Your Tools Together" which covers the building of a forge and the uses of junkyard car part, again very interesting. It covers the hand tools needed for working the metal hammers and tongs and other miscellaneous tools. There is a drawing of a London Anvil, which is a very important piece of equipment for working metal. Major weaknesses of following this book are the ability to work with one's hands and the strength in one's arms to perform the art of blacksmithing. Coal, Iron, and Steel are some of the most common materials one will be working with when creating different items. There is a basic chart on page 46 covering the Junkyard material that can be used and their carbon content; depending on the item being made, the hardness of the material is very important. When making an item the proper heat-treating for forming is needed, either to cause the material to become soft or to harden. There is a chart for iron/steel for heating the material in order to work it; this chart indicates the color of the material needed in order to properly work it. Item being made will require tempering. Many items will need proper tempering to prevent them from breaking or being too soft to be used as cutting tool. The process chart is on page 73. There is also a Tempering Colors chart on page 77. If proper tempering is done the item or tool will last a good period of time. This book has many projects that can build self-confidence as one creates them. Building one's independence is one of the best feelings in the world; this book is one of the best sources for making this happen. After reading this book I believe there is nothing more fun and pleasurable than the projects present in the book. The enjoyment I received from reading this book was unbelievable, as it will be for other readers of the book. Vern Chicago, IL

The best book on blacksmithing I have ever read. If you are going to get just one book make it this one, its the best. After reading this book you know the basics of blacksmithing very well. Lots of fun to read, Charles McRavens wit, humor and storys keep you laughing to the last page