What is a Blower in Blacksmithing?
A blower is an essential tool in the blacksmithing process. It is used to increase the oxygen flow to the forge, which in turn increases the heat of the fire. This allows the blacksmith to work with hotter temperatures and create a wider range of metal pieces.
Types of Blowers
There are several types of blowers that can be used in blacksmithing and each have their own pros and cons.
Bellows Blower
The most common type is the bellows blower, which is a hand-operated pump that uses a series of leather or canvas bellows to increase the airflow to the forge. These bellows are typically made from multiple layers of leather or canvas and are operated by a handle that is pulled and pushed to create a pumping action.
Electric Blower
Another type of blower used in blacksmithing is the electric blower. These blowers use a motor to power a fan that increases the airflow to the forge. Electric blowers are typically more powerful than bellows blowers, and they can be adjusted to provide more or less airflow as needed.
Uses of Blowers
Blowers are also used to control the airflow to the forge in order to create different types of fires. For example, a strong blast of air can create a hot and intense fire, while a gentler flow of air can create a cooler and longer-lasting fire. This allows the blacksmith to work with different types of metal, such as iron and steel, and create a variety of different pieces.
Safety Benefits
In addition, the use of blowers in blacksmithing also provides safety benefits. The increased airflow helps to dissipate harmful gases and smoke, which can be dangerous to inhale. It also helps to prevent the fire from getting out of control, which can be a serious safety hazard.
Video: Old Blacksmith Forge Blower Restoration
Summary
Overall, a blower is a crucial tool in the blacksmithing process. It allows the blacksmith to work with hotter temperatures, create a wider range of metal pieces, and provides safety benefits. Whether you are a professional blacksmith or a hobbyist, investing in a good quality blower is an important step in ensuring that you can create high-quality metal pieces that are both beautiful and functional.
To learn more about forging in greater details, please reference our Blacksmithing Forge Guide & Directory
This post is part of The Forge Hub’s Blacksmithing Complete Guide & Directory.
