Designs

In the panorama of traditional forging techniques, damascus has always represented a great challenge for those who tried to make it; so much so that throughout the centuries it has had alternating periods of decline and rebirth which were sometimes caused by these very difficulties in producing it. Damascus forging techniques, which are connected to a level of skill obtainable only through long and patient practice, have witnessed a rebirth of great quality in good part owing to bold experimentation. This is a practical manual with an introduction covering ancient damascus production techniques. In simple languag and with over 350 full color photos the book covers a great number of techniques fo obtaining many different kinds of damascus. English/Italian

Format: Hard Cover   Dimentions: 8 1/2" x 11"   Pages: 240   Illustrations: 350

DECORATIVE WROUGHT IRONWORK: Projects for Beginners is an excellent introduction to the exciting world of ironwork. This easy-to-follow guide features dozens of simple, traditional plans for use by amateur craftspeople and students interested in metalworking. This manual contains everything metalsmiths and hobbyists could wish for, including precisely drawn-to-scale patterns, descriptive notes on the tools of the trade, and detailed instructions on the metalworking process.

Format: Soft cover   Dimentions: 6" x 9"   Pages: 79   Illustrations:  70

Draw Better is a visual book for visual learners. Sequential drawings and simple text show how even complicated objects can be reduced to steps that a beginner can grasp. Fundamental concepts of perspective and light are explained through clear illustrations and commonsense language. Beginners will be surprised at how quickly they succeed and advanced artists will be reminded of skills that will improve their drawing. 

Dominique Audette teaches jewelry design, sculpture and the history of jewelry in Quebéc, Canada.

Format: Soft Cover   Dimentions: 8 1/2" x 10"  Pages: 126  Illustrations: over 600

 After a brief, enlightening history of the art of enameling on metal, the authors discuss the nature and characteristics of glass-based pigments, which are the special types of enamel required for application to metal. The materials and tools required for enameling on metal, the preparation process, and the various working techniques that produce finished objects are introduced followed by step-by-step instructions for crafting several different objects.

Foldforming refers to a collection of procedures that generate an incredibly wide range of forms in metal. These revolutionary ideas are presented here by the man who discovered them, and who has worked tirelessly to help other artists expand on his groundbreaking work. This book is the first and most comprehensive book on the topic, and one that will remain a vital resource for many years to come.

Format: Hard cover   Dimentions: 8 1/2" x 11"   Pages: 159   Illustrations: 425

For Forges, Furnaces and Kilns A portable metal melting furnace. Small enough for jewelry or large enough to heat a ceramic kiln. Mike Porter explains how to make:Gas burners for a forge - hand torch for metal arts - crucible furnace for metal and more! All equipment constructed from readily available materials. Full instructions and illustrations. Appropriate for beginners.

Format: Softcover.   Dimensions: 8" x 10"   Pages: 202   Illustrations: 32

In The General Blacksmith: Tales and Techniques of an Ancient Craft, Malcolm Paine puts the methods that he learned and used repeatedly, in his 60 blacksmithing years, into a simple form, that aspiring blacksmiths can follow step by step, and one that can still be of interest to the more experienced ironworker. Paine presents a clear text and drawings for any blacksmith to follow. A prefect book for beginners to get started and improving blacksmith to reach new levels in their craft.

Format: Hard cover   Dimentions: 7 1/2" x 9 1/2"   Pages: 217   Illustrations: 410

The primary purpose of "Handles and Guards" by joe Keeslar is to provide students of handles and guards with guidelines for completing the forged knife. Theoritically the blade is completely finished before moving on to the handle and guard. Every knife you make should reflect the very best work that you can do at that point in time.

joe received his Journeyman Smith rating in 1987 and Master Smith rating in 1989. He is a frequent Instructor at the William F Moran School of Bladesmithing, serves on the Board of Directors of the association since 1989 and was Chairman of the ABS from June 2003 through June 2007.

Format: Soft Cover  Dimentions: 8 1/2" x 11"  Pages: 127  Illustrations:  84