章 988: The Iron Workshops (Part-4)

With the tour of the iron tools workshop completed, Alexander then moved on to the next section of the manufacturing complex- the household items. 

This was where utensils like pots, pans, and cauldrons, cutlery such as knives, forks and spoons, cups and mugs, hinges, locks, keys, and door fittings to name only a few were created.

And many of the operations here were similar to the tools making section. 

For instance, the immense variety of knives, spoons, forks, hinges, and locks were all made using forged steel.

But there were exceptions too.

Things like cooking utensils and furnishings like iron frame supports, and decorative elements used in chairs, tables, beds, and chests were made instead by casting- i.e.- pouring liquid iron into silica (sand) molds.

And this was where Alexander got to see many of the casting techniques he had imparted to the blacksmiths being utilized.