Blacksmith
Blacksmith
Master Liew
About Blacksmithing
Metal roofing (白铁), also known technically as "metal dack," has been a staple material since the 1960s for crafting household essentials like scoops, water tanks, and kitchenware. Known for its durability and rust resistance, metal roofing remains versatile and easily shaped into functional pieces. Hence, this material was favoured by both consumers and craftsmen before the rise of machinery and the widespread use of plastic products.
A significant advantage of metal roofing over plastic is its resilience. Unlike plastic, which can crack or break easily, metal roofing items like water tanks and scoops were crafted for longevity, making them invaluable for past generations. Another unique benefit is that metal roofing products can be easily repaired. If a tank starts to leak, it can be taken back to the blacksmith, where a quick weld with tin restores it to good-as-new condition! Despite these advantages, Master Liew explains that metal roofing products have gradually lost favour as consumers have shifted to affordable, lighter plastic items. This change has impacted the blacksmithing trade, which once relied on the demand for metal roofing materials. However, some businesses, particularly in the food industry, still value metal roofing for kitchen tools like cooking pots—you can even spot some of these kitchenwares in Hainan Kopitiams!
Traditionally, metal roofing items were completely handmade, requiring precision, skill, and steady hands. Master Liew recalls crafting custom water tanks and scoops, each with complex designs and tailored dimensions to meet his clients’ exact needs. Without the benefit of modern design software, craftsmen need to ‘imagine’ each piece in three dimensions, relying on their experience and intuition. Then, they started to draw the layout on the metal roofing sheet, cut, bend and finish it, the process was manually done. Back in those days, blacksmiths not only used metal roofing, but also aluminium and copper as the alternative materials. But with copper becoming scarcer and more costly, it is now rarely seen in modern production.
“I feel good knowing that, even if small, there is a loyal group of customers who still appreciate my creations.”
- Master Liew
Process of Blacksmithing
STEP 1: MEASUREMENT
The process begins with sketching the item’s dimensions on paper, carefully marking the width, height, and length. Traditionally, craftsmen used a tool called a "drawing needle" (画针) to etch these measurements onto a metal roofing sheet (白铁片) before cutting it into pieces.
STEP 2: BENDING/FOLDING
Next, craftsmen align the markings on the metal roofing sheet, and use a machine (屈床) to bend it into shape. In earlier days, this bending was done manually with a hammer. The introduction of machinery has greatly improved speed and precision, resulting in a more refined finish.
STEP 3: WELDING
The individual pieces are then assembled through welding. Craftsmen use tin and acid to fuse the joints, requiring a steady hand to ensure seamless connections that prevent leaks or cracks.
STEP 4: POLISHING
Finally, the welded joints are smoothed, and the entire piece is polished to enhance its appearance. A thorough inspection checks for any defects, uneven surfaces, or potential leaks to ensure the item is ready for use.
