Welcome To My Hudson Hammerworks: A Tour of My Workshop
- hudsonhammerworks
- Jan 19
- 4 min read
When you think of a blacksmith's workshop, you might be thinking of a huge industrial setting with a deep inferno for a forge. But in reality, forging isn't about the massive workshop. It's about the way you use your space and your creative instincts. I have managed to undertake some rather large projects within the constraints of a space of 8 square metres. But it's all I need to do my work. And now, allow me to take you on a quick tour of my humble workshop.
The Anvil
This is where most of the work takes place. A nice flat surface and curved horn for drawing out, flattening and shaping metal. This is where I fashion the blades for my swords and anything else in steel or iron. It's not the best anvil in the world, weighing in at only 60kg, it's extremely loud, and annoying, but it does exactly what I need it to. It's lasted three years through some pretty complex projects and it perseveres even when exposed to the harsh British weather.
The Forges
The propane forge is gas-powered and has five burners, allowing me to heat up long swords evenly for heat treatment and quenching. It's not the most traditional type of forge but it's a necessity with the tight space that I have to work with.
The charcoal forge is the more traditional of the two, using solid fuels. This allows me to do more forge-welding and traditional ironworking techniques, which is what I love about this craft. I much prefer using this forge as it's quieter and more authentic. This forge is also special to me as it was a gift from a special someone in my life.
The Tong Rack
Forging is hot work, as you might have guessed. The steel I work with can reach up to 1000' Celsius or even hotter when forge-welding. That's why it's important to have sturdy tongs that can grip different shapes of metal firmly and safely. My tong collection here allows me to work on many different projects efficiently.
Tool Rack
This is where I keep all my tools for working hot metal. They're kept near my forge so they're easy to access. This is important when dealing with the time limit of the heat of the metal before the steel goes cold. Things here include:
Hot chisels
Punches
Drifts
Assortment of hammers
Holdfast tools
Bending tools
Hardy tools
Metal stakes
Brushes
And many others with technical names!
Leg Vice
This leg vice could be more than a hundred years old. After replacing the spring, it was in full working order. This tool allows me to hold hot steel while I twist it or chisel in finer details.
Quench Tank
This quenching tank is a simple metal tube with a solid bottom long enough for a sword blade. I use this for hardening my blades by dipping them in the oil after reaching critical temperature. This process is always very scary and tense as any little mistake could break or warp my blade.
Grinder
This model is called the Baby Shark. I use this for grinding steel and refining my forged products. I try not to rely too much on stock removal as I like to forge things as close to shape as possible. I can't deny that this is an extremely handy tool and the electric motor allows me to grind steel without having an apprentice to crank a traditional stone grinding wheel (even though that would be very cool!)
Drill Press
This is a simple machine for drilling holes in metal and wood. I use it to save time but I do prefer punching holes in the steel when it's hot.
The Workbench
This is where all the hand finishing, assembling and detailing work takes place. This is where I keep the blueprints for all my projects and this is where they take their final form as finished products. I also use this spot for leather and woodworking.
This part is mostly used for storage, such as for my materials, fuel and my casting furnace for when I work on bronze projects.
The Tool Box
I have many shelves in my workshop to contain all my gear. On this particular shelf, I store my fletching jig for making arrows for my homemade bow and sharpening stones. Underneath, you can see my respirator and sanding belts hanging - this shows that I am practising good health and safety!
Greetings From The Hudson Family!
These two girls are my little helpers who keep me going even through the most difficult and complex projects.
This shop is growing every day, increasing in storage, stock and production capabilities. I love what I do here at Hudson Hammerworks and I can't wait to meet new customers.
Get in touch with me to find out more about what I could forge for you by emailing hudsonhammerworks@gmail.com or by filling out the contact form on the home page. You can also give me a call if you like on 07384 619296 to discuss your needs in detail with me.
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