Blacksmiths work mainly with iron and steel, heating metal in a forge and shaping it by hand or with machinery. Their work may involve drawing out, bending, twisting, punching and joining metal to make new items or repair existing ones. Traditional techniques are often used alongside modern equipment, depending on the material, design and intended use. Typical commissions include gates, railings, handrails, hinges, hooks, brackets, furniture, tools and decorative metalwork. Some blacksmiths produce bespoke architectural features or carry out repairs and restoration on historic ironwork. Services can include discussing a design, making components to measure, finishing or protecting the metal, and fitting completed work. Although blacksmiths may make horseshoes, shoeing horses is a separate specialist trade generally carried out by farriers.