Blacksmithing
Practical Action
The oil container – This container should be about the same size as the trough as it will be
used for the same material, which needs to be quenched. The important thing to note about
oil and therefore the design of the oil container is that the oil can some times catch fire.
Because of this the container should have a hinged lid, which can be shut depriving the
flames of oxygen should the oil catch fire. (Fire only usually occurs when there is insufficient
oil and so it is heated up and begins to burn)
The container holding the oil should be situated in a separate place, either outside or
somewhere else in the smithy. It should not be situated by any other combustible objects. It
is important to note that the forge and oil container should both be surrounded by metal
flooring, not wood, in case hot coals are dropped or flash fires occur.
Support for working material
Anvil
An anvil of some kind is essential equipment and whilst
one of many varieties could be selected, it is probable
that an improvised anvil made of stone with an iron insert
might suffice in an emergency. Some anvil patterns are
illustrated below, see figure.
A typical anvil
Figure 3a: Blacksmiths. Photo
credit: Practical Action / Tim Reeves
Old rail tracks
An improvised anvil made
from an old casting
Figure 3b: Different types of
Anvil layouts
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