When you’re first starting out as a beginner to blacksmithing, you might be tempted to jump right into crafting without much preparation. We’ve all been there—you’re so excited to try out a piece of new gear or a tool that you can’t wait for anything. However, when you’re starting out as a beginner, a lack of preparation can lead to mistakes. Be aware of the common mistakes beginner blacksmiths make and learn how to avoid them in your own crafting.
Not Heating Metal Thoroughly
It takes some practice to find the perfect length of time to heat a certain metal, and many beginner blacksmiths are too quick to heat the piece they’re working with. If the metal you’re working with doesn’t get hot enough, it will be difficult to work with, and you won’t be able to hammer it into shape very easily. Even worse, when you apply too much force to a piece of metal that isn’t heated well enough, you can break it. Be patient when heating metal and carefully monitor its color before removing it from the furnace.
Letting Your Fire Burn Down
While you’re focusing your attention on your metal or overall piece, don’t forget to keep an eye on your fire. There are a variety of heating materials for forges, and each works differently for fueling your fire. Depending on the fuel you use, your fire might burn hotter but cool down quickly. In this case, you’ll want to keep an eye on it and add more fuel before it has a chance to cool. This helps maintain the temperature of your forge and keeps your smelting consistent.
Quenching Metal Too Quickly
Quenching the metal piece you’ve been working on is an exciting step, but you shouldn’t rush this step either. If you quench a piece of hot material too quickly, you risk weakening the metal or breaking it altogether. Expert blacksmiths know exactly when to quench a material and make it look easy. However, as a beginner, make sure you practice patience and allow the metal a moment to cool before quenching it.
Spreading Your Tools Out Too Far
When working in any type of workshop, it’s important to stay organized and have your tools in their proper places. However, if your tools and equipment are too spread out, this could slow down your work speed and even put you at risk of accidents. Always be careful when transporting red-hot materials around your blacksmithing workshop. Keeping your various tools nearby can help reduce this risk.
Now that you know some of the most common mistakes beginner blacksmiths make, you can avoid these errors in your own work. And if you’re looking for all the right equipment to get you set up, check out our selection of propane forge kits right here at Cast Master Elite.
