How Loud Is Forging? An In-Depth Analysis

Without any doubt, I can tell you that blacksmithing is one of the loudest hobbies. Since noise is not something you should take lightly, I decided to write this article which will provide you with useful information on this topic.

So, how loud is forging?

During forging, you can expect the noise level to be somewhere between 80 and 150 dB. The highest noise level during blacksmithing is at the anvil (110 – 140 dB). Note that exceeding noise above 80 dB is damaging to human hearing. Wearing ear protection is strongly recommended during forging.

In the following paragraphs, I will give you more information about the noise level in the blacksmith shop, tips for dealing with neighbors, and finally how to protect your hearing during work.

Why Forging Is Loud

It is interesting that among all hundreds of jobs in today’s world, people working with metals are typically at much higher risk for developing hearing loss (Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, October 2010.) This is primarily because of metal’s properties and also how they are handled.

For example, sound travels through air at 1,130 feet per second. Now, if you would compare that with steel, the reason for such a noise level would be clear. Namely, sound travels through steel at 16,000 feet per second. As you can see, this is almost 16x faster.

This is also why train robbers would know that a train is coming before they can see it. They would listen to vibrations on the railroad tracks to identify an oncoming train.

In terms of metal properties, they have varying acoustic impedances and densities that play important role in sound transmission. For example, the acoustic impedance of steel is in the range of 45-57. The higher the number, the greater the noise. Compared with all other materials, metals by far produce the most noise.

When metal is hammered, chiseled, or pressed, the sound is characterized by extremely high sound which varies anywhere between 110 and 140 dB, sometimes even more. Remember that the noise at the anvil is highly unpredictable because the sound occurs randomly and at different speeds. Also, longer noise durations are generally more damaging than short ones.

Another common source of noise is the propane forge with power burners. While it may not be as high as the noise produced at the anvil, it is still high enough to cause hearing problems since it exceeds 80 dB.

Depending on the level and duration, noise can cause varying degrees of difficulties in communication, relaxation, and sleep quality.

Blacksmiths typically experience a high level of noise so it is not uncommon to see one with damaged hearing. This is especially the case with older smiths who didnâ€t use ear protection in the past.

Don’t forget that various types of grinders also produce a lot of noise. To be more specific, belt grinders typically produce noise between 90 and 105 Db. As you can notice, it noticeably exceeds the recommended noise level. The noise level of the grinder depends primarily on the condition and quality of the tool. I should mention here that the power hammer is another source of noise in the shop, especially if it is not properly installed.

If you have neighbors, especially if they are complaining, you have even bigger problems. It doesn’t matter if you are just a hobbyist or a professional blacksmith, you will produce noise in the shop. This is why it is important to know when you should work and which level of noise is tolerable.

Time of the dayAcceptablePossible complaintsUnacceptable
Day (7 am – 7 pm)50 – 55 dB55 – 60 dB60+ dB
Evening (7 pm – 11 pm)45 – 50 dB50 – 55 dB55+ dB
Night (11 pm – 7 am)40 – 45 dB45 – 50 dB50+ dB

How to Reduce Noise in the Blacksmith Shop

Ok, we know that blacksmithing is very loud. The question is what can we do about it? The answer is yes, we can. I should immediately say that it is impossible to completely reduce the noise. If you are that sensitive, I think it is time for you to change your hobby.

As I have already said, neighbors are an important factor you should consider when starting with forging at home. If you don’t have any near neighbors, you are lucky. On the other hand, if you live in a residential area, you have to be careful.

There are 3 things you can do to make you and your neighbors very happy:

  1. Silencing the anvil
  2. Using Venturi burners instead of power burners
  3. Soundproofing your workshop

Silencing the anvil

This is the number one thing you should do if you are concerned with the noise level coming out of your shop. Striking the hammer on the anvil produces the highest level of noise. Not just that, but the majority of the work happens exactly there. The ringing sound of the anvil is not just a problem for your neighbors but also for a smith. This annoying sound generally doesn’t allow a smith to work with enough concentration. I can hardly imagine someone who likes that annoying sound.

The key to reducing the anvil noise is to reduce the level of vibration that the striking of the hammer makes. With that in mind, I suggest picking some (or combining) of the following ways of silencing the anvil:

  • Placing magnets on the anvil
  • Mounting the anvil on a solid metal stand
  • Gluing the anvil with silicon
  • Putting rubber between the anvil and the stand
  • Wrapping chains around the neck of the anvil

To learn more about this topic, be sure to read How to Silence the Anvil (5 Proven Ways That Actually Work) in which everything is explained in great detail.

Using Venturi burners instead of power burners

If you have a gas forge that produces a lot of noise during forging, it is probably the one with a power burner. Power burners require a mechanical blower for proper function. The problem is, that blower produces a lot of noise. The noise is even higher if you have several such burners.

One way of dealing with that problem would be to reduce the pressure. Another one would be to change it to a Venturi burner. Venturi burners don’t require any power source to function properly which makes them quieter.

Soundproofing your workshop

Soundproofing the blacksmith workshop is an excellent way of silencing the noise and your neighbors. Keep in mind that this idea works much better in the winter when doors are typically closed. In the summer, however, the effect won’t be as good because all the windows will be opened. Since silencing the anvil usually does the trick, I don’t know many blacksmiths who soundproofed their workshops.

Soundproofing the shop allows a blacksmith to work in complete peace and with a greater focus because he doesn’t have to be concerned about the noise and other people. Before you decide to do any major work, consider filling the cracks and empty spaces in the walls. Green glue or weatherstrip is typically used for this. In case you already have some insulation, don’t bother any further.

If you want to learn more about soundproofing blacksmithing shops, check Blacksmithing With Neighbours 3 Effective Solutions.

Don’t Forget Ear Protection

According to several studies, it has been estimated that more than 12% of the global population is at risk for hearing loss from noise and about 1/3 of all cases can be attributed to noise exposure. When I read that study, I was shocked. As we have already established, blacksmithing is loud. So make sure to wear ear protection while working in the forge.

When it comes to ear protection, you have two choices: earplugs and earmuffs. Noise level, comfort, and appropriateness are some of the factors that impact the decision between the two.

Earplugs

Earplugs are stuck in the block of the ear canal. They are usually cheaper than earmuffs. Some people report that wearing them instead of earmuffs is much more comfortable, however, that is highly debatable.

The temperature of the shop plays an important role here. If you work in a cold environment, earplugs may not be the best choice. The crucial thing is to properly insert them. If you don’t, you will reduce the noise protection.

PROS of Earplugs

  • Simple to use
  • Easy to carry
  • Appropriate for hot working areas
  • Easy to replace
  • Cheaper than ear muffs

CONS of Earplugs

  • More challenging to insert and remove
  • May cause irritation
  • Requires a more demanding hygiene
  • Inappropriate for people with ear infections and similar problems

Ear Muffs

On the other hand, you have earmuffs which are very similar to headphones. Ear Muffs consist of sound-reducing material and soft ear cushions. Altogether, they fit mostly perfectly around the ears. However, they must be constricted but not so much that they become uncomfortable to wear. Note that they are easier to put on than earplugs. If you have an extreme level of noise, you can combine the two.

PROS of Ear Muffs

  • Generally, one size fits all
  • Easier to put on and remove
  • More durable

CONS of Ear Muffs

  • Bigger and heavier
  • More expensive
  • Inconvenient for very hot areas

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