Valminen

Valminen refers to the process of shaping and forming metal through heating and subsequent manipulation. This ancient craft involves raising the temperature of the metal to a point where it becomes malleable and can be worked into a desired shape. The specific temperature and method of heating depend on the type of metal being worked. For instance, iron and steel are typically heated to a glowing red or orange color, while softer metals like copper or brass might require lower temperatures.

Once heated, the metal is shaped using various tools and techniques. Common methods include hammering, where the metal is struck repeatedly with a hammer on an anvil to flatten, stretch, or form it. Other techniques include bending, twisting, drawing, and punching. Specialized tools like tongs are used to hold the hot metal, while hammers of different weights and shapes help achieve specific contours. The process often involves repeated heating and cooling cycles, as the metal can harden as it cools. This strategic heating and cooling, sometimes referred to as heat treatment, can also be used to alter the metal's properties, making it harder, softer, or more resilient. Valminen is a fundamental technique in blacksmithing and metalworking, used to create a wide range of objects from tools and weapons to decorative art and structural components.