Thanks for starting this thread.  I've been out of town on business, and will be leaving again tomorrow for about a week, but I'll be sure to check in when I can.

The first in several posts about Black Smith and Metal Working shop's, more to follow soon



I had a problem with photographing my own shop, i wanted to include everything and I realized their were to many images to post!
I compromised and put a 1700's black smith shop that has been faithfully recreated using archeology to determine  the exact placement of the forge. Knowing that bit of info tells us where everything else would be.
Above are a good selection of tongs which are needed for different projects.
The little stake anvil was used for field work when on the trail as well as small work in the shop. It has a pointed end which could be driven into a stump. I do not have one of these as my work is more stationary and is of a larger nature.
The large anvil is closer to what I have.
The bent semi closed knuckles of the metal worker should just touch the top of the anvil for use.
This insures a true and level strike of the hammer.



A swage block is next to the coal bucket. It's use is to help shape the hot metal, these large ones weigh in well over one hundred pounds.



Some of the tools that fit the pritcel and hardie holes in the anvils face or is used with the others. The round devices hanging on the work bench are measuring tools.





My preference is an open forge instead of the enclosed type here.
This one does heat differently then mine and seems to keep a even temp, but will not except the lengths of metal that I work with.



The tube on the right is the bellows air shaft which is made of leather. A common material in older days for this use.



This old sharpening stone was once turned by a treadle which is much like what a spinning wheel has.