Blacksmiths forge a variety of metal items, such as tools, chains, wrought iron fixtures, agricultural implements and structural components. Die setters set up forging machines, such as forging presses, drop hammers, forging rolls and upsetters. They are employed primarily by fabricated metal products, machinery and transportation equipment manufacturing companies.

Main Duties
Blacksmiths perform some or all of the following duties:
-Heat metal items in forge
-Hammer, punch, cut or otherwise form metal workpieces into desired shapes and sizes
-Forge special tools from metal or devise special jigs or fixtures
-Temper, harden or anneal forged items
-Shape metal using power forging machinery.

Die setters perform some or all of the following duties:
-Select dies for forging according to work order and specifications
-Position, align and bolt dies to ram and anvil of power presses and hammers
-Check initial operation of forging machine to ensure that machine is set up properly for use by forging machine operators.

Employment Requirements
-Completion of secondary school is usually required.
-On-the-job training is provided.
-Several years of experience as a forging machine operator may be required.