What You Need To Start Blacksmithing as a Hobby

If you’re interested in blacksmithing as a hobby, don’t let the long list of tools and equipment dissuade you. In fact, what you need to start blacksmithing as a hobby are just a few crucial tools. Once you have these main tools, an established workspace, and some beginner’s training, you’ll be ready to start smithing on your own.
 
 
Forge
 
First and most importantly, you will need a forge. A forge is a tool you will use to smelt ores into workable metals you can then transform into any project you want. There are various blacksmithing and metalworking forge types, including solid fuel, propane and gas, and induction forges. Each forge has its pros and cons when it comes to beginner use, so make sure you do your research into these varieties before you invest.
 
Anvil
 
Next, you will need an anvil to work with your materials. This is where you will shape the metal and other materials that you obtain from the forge. You will use some tools in close relation with the anvil, including:
 

Blacksmithing tongs: The blacksmith’s tongs are vital for transporting your materials around the workshop. These tongs must withstand high temperatures to carry heated materials from the forge to the anvil and elsewhere around the shop.

Hammers: Blacksmithing hammers are what you will use to shape your metals and other materials once you’ve melted them down in the forge. Blacksmiths use various hammers in different sizes and shapes to work these materials.

 
Protective Equipment
 
Whether they’re beginners or veterans, blacksmiths of all skill levels must follow proper safety procedures in the workshop to avoid injury. These include wearing the proper protective equipment while smithing. Make sure you have safety glasses, heavy-duty gloves, appropriate clothing, a smock, steel-toed boots, and earplugs before you get started. These items will help you avoid burns and other injuries when working on your own.
 
If you have been wondering what tools you need to start blacksmithing as a hobby, hopefully, this list will help shed some light. You don’t need a workshop’s worth of fancy tools to start smithing. In fact, these tools above are all you require to get started in the hobby. As you think about equipment, you should also decide on a workspace. You can set up a forge at home or rent a space and get some basic training. Then, you can start smithing on your own.