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Forging is a crucial part of our daily existence, as it is an important process which involves the invention of metal goods for our everyday use. Forging is basically the changing and shaping of metal to create a certain shape for usability. There are different types of forging, namely cold and hot. Typically the most popular type of forging for iron and steel is the technique using extreme heat.

The workshop where forging takes place is known as a forge or even sometimes a foundry. In all correctness, the actual place can be called a smithy, with a forge being the hearth within the smithy where the metal is heated. A forge is technically just a hearth or a fireplace where a fire is able to be managed in a way that the metal can be brought to a malleable state through its heat. From there, the metal can be shaped into its desired form. The fire in a forge is usually controlled by volume of the fuel, the quantity of air in the hearth and also the shape of the fuel used. There are many different types of fuel used in forging. The key objective is to make the hearth as hot as possible. Popular resources for the fire are coal, charcoal and coke. Coke is the one other great fuel and reducing agent for creating fire in a furnace. The designs of forges have varied drastically over the years, but the need for these coal based fuels has not changed.

The forge will heat the metal to the ideal temperature and consistency; to a point where it is flexible and able to be shaped according to its requirements. The individual working on the metal piece usually known as a blacksmith, will then use his anvil to create the desired shape for the metal. In some cases, special moulds will be used for the shaping of the work piece. The work piece is then transferred into a large body of water which is referred to as the slack tub. This cools the metal down immediately and sets the shape. The presence of this body of water in the foundry assists in controlling the fire hazard.

There are many different kinds of equipment used in forging, besides the hearth. Firstly, tongs will be used to handle the hot metal. The tongs will also be used to hold the hot metal in place whilst the blacksmith is hammering the work piece into shape. This hammering and shaping will usually take place on an anvil. An anvil is basically the work bench of a blacksmith, as it is the place where the metal is worked on. Chisels made from high carbon steel will also be used, if necessary to chip away at the metal and change the form. There will be a different type of chisel necessary for cold or hot work, so it is imperative that the right type of chisel is being used, dependant on the work.

In conclusion, it is easy to see that forging is a very highly specialised field, and therefore it would be important to find a professional blacksmith for all your forging needs.