When one thinks of the tools of a blacksmith, images of a hot coal forge and a hand-held hammer come to mind. The blacksmith concentrating on the hot work at hand, heats the heavy metal until it is malleable enough to bend and shape as needed. It is an intricate and physically demanding work.

And, even in the technologically-savvy world of the 21st century, it remains as such, although the modern blacksmith has received a little help from some modern inventions - not least of all being the computer. Using computer- generated design images, Rob Anderson, a blacksmith with Anderson Welding in Oreland, is able to show a client what he can do before he can actually do it.

Still, when it comes down to doing what blacksmiths do, technology must step aside to allow Anderson's creativity to flow. "When you're doing detail work, you got to do it by hand," he said.

Sitting in the kitchen of his boyhood home to the rear of his father's welding company, 26-year- old Anderson said he never planned on becoming a blacksmith or even following in the family business.

"When I was in high school, I didn't think that I was going into this business," said the 1992 Springfield grad. "When I was 21, 22, I started working here, and it was surprising how much I picked up just being around it. . . . I just kind of fell into it."

And so he stayed on and began the process of learning the blacksmith's trade, under the tutelage of his father. But mostly he learned by doing, practicing on a variety of projects for the family's back yard.

"I started out building exterior railings, and from there, it just kind of grew little by little," Anderson said. ''It just seemed like every project got a little more involved and nicer."

He recently completed an iron gate and fencing project for a gardening enthusiast, which included vine-like metal strips and hand crafted roses. After sketching some ideas, generating a computer design and working it to the satisfaction of his client – a process that took about six months – the actual project was a piece of cake, taking only about three weeks.

First, Anderson took the computer drawings and created full-scale drawings to guide him through the project. "It comes to life a lot more when you see it full scale," he said. "I don't want to tie myself to what I see on the computer."

After creating the gate's basic frame, Anderson began hand-hammering the vines into place. After that was completed, he shaped. The entire structure was then zinc plated, to protect it from the elements, primed and given a final coat of black paint. An artist finished the job, giving the roses, leaves and vines a natural color.

"I just like seeing a project go from paper to figuring out how to build it and seeing it done," Anderson said. "I would like to head more toward custom work like this in the future - high-end work."

In his workshop, Anderson demonstrated the gas forge, similar to a coal forge but more fuel efficient. It is used to heat the metal, while a powered hammer is employed to create different shapes and textures.

A regular attendee of black smithing conventions, Anderson said he is always learning new techniques to try out on his next project. But, as far as an ongoing source of support and information, he gives his dad, Rick, chief credit.

"I learned pretty much everything from my dad," the blacksmith said. "If I have any questions, he's the first one I go to, and he usually knows the answer."