[TheForge] Book recommendations?

[Reynolds]

Dave:

Someone mentioned, Randy McDaniel's book as a good read, and I concur. Jack Andrews has two books out, "Edge.." and "New Edge ..."
Both are worth owning. Also contact Larson to see if he can locate a copy of Streeter's book (out of print) on "Professional Blacksmithing". Streeter was "the" blacksmith of New England 50 years ago and his efforts in preserving the craft when few cared, setting a standard for historical reproductions, and encouraging both collectors and other smiths to promote the craft were singularly important. His book is a must read for every smith that wants to know what was done and how they did it (I make no pretense of having a humble opinion -- I think it is better to have an informed opionion).

You might look on eBay. I've found numerous good books on smithing there over the last 5 years. I didn't say they were cheap, I just said you could find them. Short auctions mean you must look every week. Books are a valuable investment -- don't think it is a luxury.

Strike while the iron is hot.

Reynolds



Subject: [TheForge] Book recommendations?

<br>So my mom, bless her, has listened to me babble about smithing lately, and<br>has said "You need some books?  Which ones?  Just let me know!"<br><br>So I'm looking for, say, 3 books that I can tell her to get...<br><br>One should be a good metallurgy / reference book - something that can help<br>me identify types of steel.  I know someone has a sort of "Steel you'll<br>find in a junkyard" reference.  That would be great.<br><br>Another should be basic technique.  Shapes / forms / working techniques.<br>Nothing particularly fancy, but if I want to, say, make a set of tongs<br>(which I'll be doing pretty durned soon), a good reference on this would<br>be great.  I mean, I can do basic drawing, shouldering, etc.  I have piles<br>of hooks with lovely fini's etc, but I'll need to do more. :)<br><br>The third should be about tempering techniques.  Right now I know how to<br>heat and shape iron, but not really how to temper it, or proper quenching<br>techniques to keep somethign
  from being too brittle, or able to hold an<br>edge if I'm doing blade work.<br><br>Any good pointers / recommendations would be great.  Mom's footing the<br>bill 8)<br><br>	-dbs<br><br>-- <br>------------------.--------.<br>Dave Belfer-Shevett\ 

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