Senior Capstone: Blacksmithing and Industrialization
(Physical products pictured above.)
For my senior capstone project I did a deep dive into the historical role of blacksmithing; the profession of working with and shaping metal. I looked at the role this profession has historically filled as well as how that role has shifted and changed with the industrialization of many metalworking processes. I looked at the other effects that Industrialization has had including the effects it has had on worker exploitation, climate change, and more. I completed a two week internship with a blacksmith in order to gain a more complete understanding of the work and what it takes to be a part of that field of work. I learned the basics of blacksmithing and created a number of smithed products. using footage I took during my internship I created the film below.
Research paper highlights:
A major step in the capstone process is the writing of a research paper. My paper breaks down many of the topics covered in my video in a significantly more detailed and academic light, starting with the history of Pre-Industrial society and the origins of the Industrial Revolution, the paper eventually moves to a more specific focus on the impact of the Industrial Revolution on workers rights and the environment. Anyone who would like to read this paper can do so here.
Capstone Photo Gallery
Left to right:
Punch made from Tool Steel.
Techniques used: Draw.
Total time taken to make: 15 minutes
Hooks.
Techniques used: Draw, twist, cut, flatten.
Total time taken for four hooks: 3 hours
Bracelets.
Techniques used: Draw, twist, cut, flatten, bend.
Total time taken for four bracelets: 4 hours
Cheese cutter.
Techniques used: Draw, bend, split, drift, curl, string.
Total time taken: 3.5 hours
Damascus steel and Knife.
Techniques used: Forge weld, flux, draw, cut, fold, file, sharpen, etch, rasp.
Total time taken: 9 hours
Everything grouped together on the anvil.
Punch made from Tool Steel.
Techniques used: Draw.
Total time taken to make: 15 minutes
Hooks.
Techniques used: Draw, twist, cut, flatten.
Total time taken for four hooks: 3 hours
Bracelets.
Techniques used: Draw, twist, cut, flatten, bend.
Total time taken for four bracelets: 4 hours
Cheese cutter.
Techniques used: Draw, bend, split, drift, curl, string.
Total time taken: 3.5 hours
Damascus steel and Knife.
Techniques used: Forge weld, flux, draw, cut, fold, file, sharpen, etch, rasp.
Total time taken: 9 hours
Everything grouped together on the anvil.
