This article is a sub section from the transcripts of "Working with an Artist Blacksmith" - originally published in hard copy by BABA - the British Artist Blacksmith Association.

The traditional material of the blacksmith is Wrought Iron which is almost pure iron physically mixed with silicates and exhibiting a fine grain not unlike wood. This is still available as re-rolled salvaged bar and in very limited production as new material. Thought by some to be more rust resistant than mild steel, it is also available in a more limited range of sections and is considerably more expensive.

Black Mild Steel is the material most widely used by contemporary smiths. This is iron containing about .25% carbon, is available in a very wide range of sections and produced by hot rolling which leaves the characteristic "Black" iron oxide surface. It is "mild" because of the small amount of carbon it contains, giving rise to a strong yet eminently workable material. A relatively cheap metal.

Stainless Steels of various kinds may also be forged, and provide a more expensive but corrosion resistant alternative to mild steel, the cost depending on the precise grade of stainless steel selected. It is a stronger and harder material, provides rust resistant components where, for instance, metalwork enters the ground, is fixed into porous masonry, or is subject to abrasion which would remove protective coatings on parts such as latches and drop bolts.

There are also forgeable Bronzes, which are strictly alloys of copper and tin, but may contain other elements such as silicone, manganese aluminium and zinc. Many alloys have specific names, of which Gunmetal is a good example. Their colors vary from reddish brown to yellow depending on content. Aluminum Bronze is a pale yellow colored high strength alloy of Aluminum and Copper, offering excellent corrosion resistance, particularly in marine conditions. Bronzes are more expensive again than stainless steels but offer a very distinctive appearance and good corrosion resistance, when left unpainted. They may also be chemically patinated. Forged bronze has been far more widely used in Germany than in Britain, for structural work such as gates and screens.

Brasses may also be forged. These are alloys of copper and zinc. Low zinc brasses like Gilding Metal are reddish brown in color, while brasses with a higher zinc content become yellow. Regular maintenance will retain the color of the metal, but left unattended, brasses will tarnish to a black. They may also be chemically patinated.

Aluminum is available in a wide variety of sections and alloys, some of which are readily forgeable. At nearly one third the density of steel, aluminum can offer significant weight advantages. Aluminum alloys do not corrode as readily as steels, but nevertheless require protection, particularly in marine situations. The metal requires a special etch primer before painting, or may be anodized, offering a range of color finishes.

Author: Peter Parkinson

ArtMetal Editor/Curator: enrique

Last Updated: Tue, Nov 14, 1995