The Blacksmith's Desk

The Evolution of Tabletop Wargaming: A Brief History
Origins of tabletop wargaming Tabletop wargaming has been around for a long time, with roots stretching back to the 19th century. It all started with the invention of miniature soldiers and small-scale battlefields, where enthusiasts could simulate historical battles. H.G. Wells' book Little Wars also played a significant role in popularizing the concept of tabletop wargaming in the early 20th century by introducing rules for playing with toy soldiers. In the following decades, wargaming evolved as enthusiasts started creating their own rules and scenarios, leading to the diverse and vibrant... Read more...
Free Warhammer Mini for January 2024
Happy New Years everyone, Every month, you can visit your local Warhammer store to collect a Miniature of the Month for free (while stocks last). From the 6th of January, you’ll be able to claim a Fellgor Warrior. This shaggy-furred beastman is part of the Fellgor Ravagers kill team, a set of brutal, bestial warriors that you can use in your far-future skirmish battles. They can also pull double duty as part of a Chaos Space Marines army in Warhammer 40,000, adding savage fury to your force. The Fellgor Warrior... Read more...
Miniature Building 101: 3D Printed Enter the Digital Realm!
Crafting Wonders: A Guide to Assembling 3D Printed Miniatures for Your Tabletop Army Embark on a journey into the cutting-edge world of tabletop gaming with 3D printed miniatures. The allure of crafting your army using digital designs brings a new dimension to the hobby. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the intricate process of assembling 3D printed miniatures, navigating challenges unique to this modern form of tabletop craftsmanship. 1. Preparing Your Workspace: The Digital Crafting Grounds Before diving into the assembly process, set up a workspace conducive to the intricacies... Read more...
Forging the Celestial Lions: A Detailed Odyssey into Miniature Mastery
In the sprawling Grim Dark cosmos of Warhammer 40,000, where celestial battles unfold, the Celestial Lions emerge as paragons of valor. As we dive deeper into the tapestry of this epic narrative, let's explore how you can enhance the key characters of the Celestial Lions using both Games Workshop and BW Terrain & Forge products. 🦁 Chapter Master Ekene Dubaku: A Majestic Centerpiece 🦁 At the heart of the Celestial Lions' saga stands Chapter Master Ekene Dubaku, a symbol of unwavering leadership. Elevate this iconic character by combining the regal... Read more...
Free Warhammer Mini for December 2023
Happy December everyone, Every month you can visit your local Warhammer store to collect a Miniature of the Month for free (while stocks last) – and this month, you’ll be able to go home with a Legions Imperialis Rhino. A wealth of small-scale infantry, walkers, and tanks for Legions Imperialis are currently available to pre-order. If you’re curious what it’s like to paint an armoured vehicle in this new scale, you can get yours from your local store on the 2nd of December – just ask your local store staff... Read more...
Miniature Building 101: Resin Minis... No need to fear
Mastering the Art of Miniature Assembly: Navigating the Challenges and Crafting Your Tabletop Army with Resin Elegance Embark on a journey into the realm of tabletop gaming with a heightened awareness of the challenges posed by resin miniatures. While resin brings a touch of elegance to your tabletop army, it's important to navigate potential pitfalls such as miscasts, bubbles, warping, and more. In this comprehensive guide, we'll not only explore the nuanced process of assembling resin tabletop miniatures but also address the common issues associated with this exquisite material. 1.... Read more...
Exploring the World of Custom Bits for Tabletop Wargaming
Introduction to custom bits for tabletop wargamingCustom bits for tabletop wargaming are a fascinating and creative way to enhance your gaming experience. These unique and personalized pieces allow you to truly make your army or tabletop terrain your own. From custom weapons and armor to intricate details and accessories, the possibilities are endless. Not only do custom bits add aesthetic appeal, but they can also provide strategic advantages by representing specific upgrades or abilities. Whether you are a seasoned wargamer looking to add a personal touch to your collection or... Read more...
Miniature building 101: Injection Plastic Miniatures
Crafting Excellence: A Comprehensive Guide to Assembling Injection Plastic Miniatures Dive into the heart of the hobby with the assembly of injection plastic miniatures, the standard bearers of tabletop gaming. With their prevalence and versatility, mastering the art of assembling these miniatures opens the door to a world of customization and strategic craftsmanship. In this detailed guide, we unravel the steps to ensure a seamless and visually stunning outcome for your injection plastic creations. After white metal miniatures companies like Games Workshop started offering injection mold plastics. This was a... Read more...
Miniature Building 101: White Metal Cast Miniatures
Embarking on the journey of assembling white metal cast miniatures is akin to unraveling a treasure trove of craftsmanship. These miniatures, with their roots deeply embedded in the history of tabletop gaming, exude a charm and character that resonate with hobbyists seeking an authentic connection to the hobby's origins. In this guide, we delve into the nuanced process of assembling white metal cast miniatures, unlocking the secrets to a seamless and visually stunning outcome. 1. The Prelude: Preparing Your Workspace   Before the delicate dance of assembly begins, ensure your... Read more...
Free Warhammer Mini for November 2023
Each and every month, when you make the journey to your local Warhammer store, you can collect a new Miniature of the Month for free (while stocks last). This month, you’ll be able to recruit a stalwart Freeguild Steelhelm. With the whole Cities of Sigmar range currently available to pre-order, what better way to whet your appetite than to test out painting one of the doughty militia of the Freeguild? You can get yours from your local store on the 11th of November – just ask your local store staff... Read more...
Missing Products!?!
Dear Valued Customers, We hope this message finds you well. We wanted to take a moment to address a recent development that may have caught your attention. We are currently dealing with a takedown order from Games Workshop regarding several of our items. While this situation has presented us with some hurdles, we want to reassure you that our commitment to serving you remains unwavering. Despite the challenges we're facing, we are pleased to inform you that we will continue to accept orders for our products. Our team is actively... Read more...
Unveiling the Galactic Lions: A Celestial Tale of Customization in the GrimDark of the 41st Millennium
In the unrelenting darkness of the Grim Dark and amidst the chaos of the 41st Millennium, a celestial force emerges to carve its destiny among the stars. Introducing the Galactic Lions, the latest creation from BW Terrain & Forge, destined to leave an indelible mark on the battlefield. Inspired by the celestial lore of the this mighty group of space knights, our Galactic Lions miniature bits bring forth a saga of customization and creativity of the celestial heroes in golden lion themed armor in the grim dark future.The Legendary Legacy... Read more...