CHAPTER I
Tools and Appliances
1. The Forge.—The forge is an open hearth or fireplace used by the blacksmith for heating his metals. The kind most commonly used by the general smiths is such as can be seen in small villages or where the ordinary class of blacksmithing is done. (See [Fig. 1].)
Forges are usually built of brick; in form they are square or rectangular, and generally extend out from a side wall of the shop. The chimney is built up from the middle of the left side and is provided with a hood B, which projects over the fire sufficiently to catch the smoke and convey it to the flue.
The fire is kindled on the hearth A under the hood and over the tuyère iron. This iron, the terminal of the blast pipe that leads from the bellows E, is made in various forms and of cast iron; sometimes it has a large opening at the bottom, but often it has none.
The bellows are operated by the lever F, which expands the sides and forces air through the tuyère iron, thereby causing the fire to burn freely and creating a temperature sufficient for heating the metals.
The coal box C is to the right, where it is convenient. The coal should always be dampened with water to prevent the fire from spreading. This will produce a more intense and more concentrated heat, so that a certain part of the metal can be heated without danger of affecting the rest.
Fig. 2.—A Manual Training Forge.
The water tub, or slack tub D, as it is more properly called, stands at the right of the forge near the coal box, where the water for dampening the coal can be most readily obtained. It is used for cooling the iron or tongs and for tempering tools.
Modern forges are made of cast iron or sheet steel. There are various kinds designed mostly for special purposes. They are generally used with the fan blast instead of the bellows and have a suction fan for withdrawing the smoke.