A blacksmith's most important function was to make tools - for himself and other craftsmen. In an age of horse-drawn vehicles he also shod horses and made, fitted and repaired the parts of a wide variety of wagons, carriages, sleighs, and agricultural implements. From the beginning of the 19th century, blacksmiths were also involved with the making and repair of mill machinery, as many mills of various kinds were being built, and their machines had to be kept in good running order. The blacksmith's services were essential to the smooth running of the community.

Visitors to the smithy can see the forge, which is always kept hot. Here the blacksmith heats and softens the metal he works with. He then transfers it to the anvil, where he uses a variety of hammers to pound and shape the metal into a variety of shapes, such as horseshoes, hinges, weathervanes, and grill work for fences and railings. Most blacksmiths developed distinctive patterns to their work, and these became known as their signatures.

Today, the Village blacksmith, practising his ancient skill, provides much of the current hardware needs of the Village, and shoes all the oxen and horses.