A lot of energy is consumed to heat up steel in order to bend and shape it. This was done by solid fuel burning fires for ages. However, the blacksmiths these days use gas or induction forges to safely and quickly heat their metals. Timothy Miller, the producer of this youtube video, has demonstrated his induction forge to heat a section of mild steel so that he can hammer it into any shape. The forge is really impressive to heat the metal with speed and efficiency.
Induction heating is defined as ‘the process of heating an object by electromagnetic induction through the heat generated in the object by eddy currents.’ A metal induction forge can heat metal to 1100 and 1200 degree centigrade in a very short time. Miller is among the modern blacksmiths and is very keen to share his new techniques. He has a catalog of his videos on YouTube which shows various processes and hammering techniques.
Blacksmithing is enjoying a revival at the moment where many people are looking for objects which can be handcrafted and guarantee their long-lasting time. Modern blacksmithing has produced wonderful results while minimizing the danger and unpredictability of using solid fuel fires.
