Artisanal blacksmithing is an ancient craft that involves transforming metals – usually iron or steel – into unique, ornamental pieces. This course is designed to to provide students with an in-depth understanding and skills in the field of traditional blacksmithing, focusing specifically on cutting techniques, which are an essential part of the process of creating forged pieces. This course will provide participants with the skills required to carry out cutting techniques in traditional blacksmithing, whilst also will immerse you in the rich world of this traditional and fascinating art form and craft. With the knowledge and experience they have gained, students will be able to embark on a career in the artisan blacksmithing or simply enjoying the process of creating pieces just as a hobby.
Cutting Techniques in the Production of Hand-Forged Pieces
Art and Crafts
70 hours
Introduction
Objectives
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Apply techniques and procedures for cutting of construction components handcrafted by means of shears, a guillotine and scissors, based on established production plans, with quality and safety criteria.
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Apply techniques and procedures for cutting parts from handcrafted wrought ironwork by means of manual and mechanical sawing based on plans of established production methods, in accordance with quality and safety standards.
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Apply techniques and procedures for cutting components for handcrafted forging using plasma and a blowtorch, based on established production plans, in accordance with quality and safety criteria.
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Apply joining and welding techniques and procedures to handcrafted forged pieces, using methods such as electric welding, welding oxy-acetylene or assembly techniques, with the aim of achieving a strong and durable joint, in accordance with established manufacturing plans, whilst maintaining high standards of quality and safety.
Table of Contents
TEACHING UNIT 1. TECHNIQUES AND PROCEDURES FOR CUTTING HAND-FORGED PIECES USING SHEARS, GUILLOTINES AND SCISSOR-TYPE CUTTING TOOLS
Cutting with guillotine shears and scissors: tool preparation and adjustment.
Criteria for selecting tools based on various decision-making factors:
- Thicknesses.
- Dimensions.
- Cutting contours.
Shear cutting technique: applications in traditional blacksmithing.
- Straight cut of sheet metal.
- Curved sheet metal cut.
- Cold cutting of small and medium-sized profiles.
- Hot cutting of thick sections.
Guillotine cutting technique: applications in traditional metalwork.
- Straight cut from thin sheet metal.
Scissor-cutting technique: applications in traditional blacksmithing.
- Wire cutter
- Straight cut from thin sheet metal.
- Curved cut from thin sheet metal.
Quality, occupational and environmental risks associated with shear, guillotine and scissor-cutting techniques and procedures for pieces of handcrafted wrought ironwork.
- High-quality cut.
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- Occupational risks associated with cutting using shears, guillotines and scissors. Storage and maintenance of tools to prevent risks. Signage warning of the risks posed by tools. Personal protective equipment.
- Environmental risks. Offcuts and waste. Reuse and recycling.
TEACHING UNIT 2. TECHNIQUES AND PROCEDURES FOR MANUAL AND MECHANICAL SAWING.
Hand tools for sawing metal:
- Background to chiselling.
- Types: bow saws and hair-cut saws.
- Features.
Mechanical metal-cutting sawing tools:
- Types: drill bits and drills, electric jigsaws, electric shears, grinders, band saws and cross-cut saws.
- Features.
Criteria for selecting tools based on various decision-making factors:
- Thicknesses.
- Dimensions.
- Cutting contours as decision-making factors.
Sawing: preparation and adjustment of the tool.
Cutting cooling systems and materials.
- Traditional systems.
- New systems.
Cutting techniques using hand saws: applications in traditional blacksmithing. – Straight or slightly curved cuts in solid pieces or tubes, using physical force.
- Mitre cuts on solid timber or pipes requiring physical effort.
- Artistic metal sheet cutting requiring physical effort.
Cutting techniques using power saws: applications in traditional metalwork.
- Straight or slightly curved cuts in solid pieces or tubes without any physical effort.
- Mitre cuts on solid timber or pipes without any physical effort.
- Artistic cutting of sheet metal without physical effort.
Quality, occupational and environmental risks associated with manual and mechanical sawing techniques and procedures for cutting pieces of handcrafted wrought ironwork. - Quality of the cut. - Occupational risks associated with manual and mechanical sawing.
- Storage and maintenance of tools to prevent hazards. Signage indicating hazards on machinery.
- Personal protective equipment.
- Environmental risks. Offcuts and waste. Reuse and recycling.
TEACHING UNIT 3. PLASMA AND TORCH CUTTING TECHNIQUES AND PROCEDURES.
Plasma cutting system:
- Components: DC power generator, compressor; torch and its consumables: protective cover, retaining cap, nozzle, electrode and diffuser ring.
- Features.
Torch cutting system:
- Components: oxygen cylinders, fuel gas cylinder, hose, pressure gauges, torch and nozzles.
- Features.
Criteria for selecting tools based on various decision-making factors:
- Thicknesses.
- Dimensions.
- Cutting contours.
Plasma and oxy-acetylene cutting:
- Preparation and adjustment of the tool.
- Use of templates.
Plasma cutting technique: applications in traditional metalwork.
- Straight or slightly curved cuts in solid blocks or tubes, carried out quickly and without physical effort.
- Fast, effortless cutting of intricate designs in sheet metal and solid materials.
Torch-cutting technique: applications in traditional metalwork.
- Straight or slightly curved cuts in solid blocks or tubes, carried out quickly and without physical effort.
- Complex artistic cutting of sheet metal and solid materials, carried out quickly and without physical effort.
Quality, occupational and environmental risks associated with plasma and oxy-acetylene cutting techniques and procedures for handcrafted wrought iron pieces.
- High-quality plasma and oxy-acetylene cutting.
- Occupational risks associated with plasma and oxy-fuel cutting.
- Storage and maintenance of tools to prevent hazards. Signage indicating hazards on machinery.
- Personal protective equipment.
- Collective protective equipment: fume extraction.
- Environmental risks. Offcuts and waste. Reuse and recycling.
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