Metalsmith

A metalsmith, often shortened to smith, is a person involved in making metal objects. In contemporary use a metalsmith is a person who uses metal as a material, uses traditional metalsmithing techniques (though not necessarily the material), whose work thematically relates to the practice or history of the practice, or who engages in any number metal related activities.

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Etymology

The English word smith is cognate with the somewhat archaic word, "smite", which means "to hit" or "to strike". Originally, smiths were craftsmen who shaped or formed metal with hammer blows. However, the old etymological guess of "smite" as the source of "smith" is without foundation. The word smith derives from an old Teutonic word, smeithan, to forge. The root is seen in the Greek word σμίλη, a burin.[1]

As an English suffix, -smith connotes a meaning of specialized craftsmen — for example, wordsmith and tunesmith are nouns synonymous with writer or songwriter, respectively.

History

In pre-industrialized times, smiths held high or special social standing since they supplied the metal tools needed for farming (especially the plough) and warfare. This was especially true in some West African cultures.

Types

Types of smiths include:[2]

Artisans and craftpeople

The ancient traditional tool of the smith is a forge or smithy, which is a furnace designed to allow compressed air (through a bellows) to superheat the inside, allowing for efficient melting, soldering and annealing of metals. Today, this tool is still widely used by blacksmiths as it was traditionally.

The term, metalsmith, often refers to artisans and craftpersons who practice their craft in many different metals, including gold, copper and silver. Jewelers often refer to their craft as metalsmithing, and many universities offer degree programs in metalsmithing, jewelry, enameling and blacksmithing under the auspices of their fine arts programs.[4]

Machinists

Machinists are metalsmiths who produce high-precision parts and tools. The most advanced of these tools, CNC machines, are computer controlled and largely automated.

References

  1. ^  Chisholm, Hugh, ed (1911). "Smith". Encyclopædia Britannica (11th ed.). Cambridge University Press. 
  2. ^ John Fuller, Sr., Art of Coppersmithing, Astragal Press, 1993 (reprint of original edition, 1894) ISBN 1879335379
  3. ^ Rupert Finegold and William Seitz, Silversmithing, Krause Publications, 1983, ISBN 0801972329
  4. ^ Tim McCreight, Jewelry: Fundamentals of Metalsmithing, Hand Books Press, 1997, ISBN 1880140292

External links

 
Smithing
Smiths
Processes
Tools