Originally published in 1904, this book was the first blacksmithing book written by a working blacksmith. It contains information on how to set up a blacksmithing shop, make a good fire, fabricate all sorts of useful tools, and repair wagons and machinery. A great deal is mentioned about horses – their anatomy, treatment of common diseases, and different methods of shoeing horses.
Interspersed among the information on annealing and babbitting are general life lessons (such as avoiding intemperance and incompetency), advice for young men and horse owners, and rules for the smith and his helper. Whether or not you are a blacksmith, you’ll find that the broad advice in this book is as relevant today as it was a century ago.
Only an experienced blacksmith with genuine care for his craft and the livelihood of all blacksmiths could produce such a wonderful guide. More than a snapshot of a bygone era, the style and the content of Traditional Blacksmithing will appeal to readers of today, thanks to Holmstrom’s generous and patient approach. Topics covered include: setting up shop, building your own machinery, repairing horse hooves, fixing your tools, and even building a strong reputation in the community.
Softcover, 5" x 7", 202 pages, Black-and-white illustrations throughout, reprinted in 2012.