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The forge and the anvill were the heart of any smithy. The blacksmith would use the forge to heat metal to a point where it could be shaped (forged) or even welded.2
Forge used for heating metal to malleable temperature20th century
Main Street, Mossbank SK
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Note that near the shovel,is some coke.It is coal that by being heated in the fire of the forge has had the impurities, such as sulfur, burned off t\o leave pure carbon. It is easier to light than coal and burns hotter than coal so is saved when the fire is put out, to start the next fire.4
Coal scuttle20th century
Main Street, Mossbank SK
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Forge blower20th century
Main Street, Mossbank SK
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nce the fire was established,the blower came into play. It forced air up through the fire, making it burn so intensely that temperatures could be reached that cause the steel to actually burn.(As people first learning to blacksmith almost invariably discover) This one is operated by turning the crank visible in this picture7
Powered blower for forge20th century
Main Street, Mossbank SK
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In later years, Mr.Ambroz installed a powered blower. It is the round object that can be seen above the saws.The belt connected it to a common driveshaft (the pulley seen at the left of the picture) which was in turn powered by a gasoline engine. As well as the blower, the common shaft drove a trip hammer, a grinder and a drill press. |
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