the new england our 40th year blacksmiths...
TRANSCRIPT
Spring 2018
To discover, to help
The New England Blacksmiths
Our 40th
Year
1978-
2018
VOL. 38 NO. 2
Toby Hickman Spring Meet Demonstrator
Photo by Rory McNamara
NEB Contacts ............................................................ 2
Around New England ............................................... 3
President’s Message ................................................ 4
Editors Note & Book Report ..................................... 5
Forjadores Argen nos ............................................ 6‐9
Hola Herreros ....................................................... 10‐11
Forging a Shamrock ................................................ 12
Members’ Gallery ................................................ 13‐16
Spring Meet Promo .................................................. 17
Brentwood North .................................................... 18
A Ram’s Head ........................................................ 19‐21
Manipula ng Lines ................................................ 23‐24
Classified .................................................................. 25
NEB Scholarship Criteria ......................................... 26
NEB Scholarship Applica on .................................... 27
Table of ContentsTable of Contents
Spring 2018 Page 2 New England Blacksmiths
Justin Morrell - President (18)
207 Greenfield Rd.
Colrain, MA. 01340
Phone: 413-624-1200
Bob Menard - Vice President (18) 56 Warren Ave. Suite 106
Portland, ME 04103
Phone: 207-878-2217
Jim Crothers - Secretary (18)
953 Tuckertown RD
Wakefield, RI 02879
Phone
Leigh Morrell - Treasurer (18) 207 Greenfield Rd Colrain, MA 01340
Phone: 413-624-1200
Karen Sims, Membership Chair. (18)
337 Rope Ferry Rd
Waterford, CT 06385
Phone: 860-442-3925
Martin Custer- NH Rep. (18)
77 Tremont St. Exeter, NH 03833
Phone: 571-233-0356
Taffy Case - NH Rep. (19)
1789 E. Madison Rd
Madison, NH 03849
Phone: 603-367-8225
Fred Mikkelsen - RI Rep (19) 23 Waterman Dr. N. Scituate, RI 02857-2036 Phone: 401-647-3086 fredmikkelsen@gmailcom
Justin Mercier - RI Rep. (18)
144 Rebekah St
Woonsocket, RI 02895
Phone: 617-816-3272
The New England Blacksmiths, an affiliate of the Artists-Blacksmith’s Association of North America, is devoted to the preservation and advancement of blacksmithing. Letters to the editor, articles, tech-nical tips, tools for sale, or other materials which furthers these ends, will be considered for publica-tion in this newsletter.
Nicholas Downing - ME Rep. (18)
22 Orange St Apt 1
Portland, ME 04102
Joel Wentworth - ME Rep. (19)
618 Overlock Hill Road
Union, ME 04862
Phone: 207-785-4268
Lynn Lang- VT Rep. (18) 405 Browns River Rd.
Essex Jct. VT 05452 Phone: 802-879-7977 [email protected]
Judson Yaggy - VT Rep. (19)
846 S Rt. 116
Bristol, VT 05443
Phone 802-453-6005
Bob Phillips - MA Rep. (19)
P.O. Box 583
Westminster, MA 01473
Phone: 978-874-1367 [email protected]
Carl West- MA Rep. (18)
PO Box 541372
Waltham, MA 02454-1372
Phone: 781-608-0900
Nick Szlosek - CT Rep. (19)
3 Barnard Dr
Simsbury, CT 06070
Phone: 701-340-0759
Stephan Connor- CT Rep. (18)
141 Old Field Lane
Milford, CT 06460
Phone: 203-882-0965
Note: The number ( ) after each name denotes the year of term expiration of that Board Member.
The New England Blacksmiths disclaim any responsi-bility or liability for damages or injuries as a result of any design, construction, manufacture, use or other activity undertaken as a result of the use or applica-tion of information contained in the newsletter of the New England Blacksmiths.
Thanks to all
Contributors to this issue: Add your name to this list
Become a contributor!
Jerry Coe
Matt Jenkins
Randy McDaniels
Mike Mumford
Photo Credits
Lisa Tutinas
Hugh Lovell
James Micirelli
Dana Flanders
Judson Yaggy
Russ Jennings
Next newsletter deadline:
Junr 15, 2018
Contact information for NEB officers and directors
Spring 2018 Page 3 New England Blacksmiths
Around New England Brentwood Teaching Center
New Hampshire The Brentwood Teaching Center has resumed operations. Look for us to be open the last Sat. of the month through Nov. for open forge days.
June 1,2,3 NEB Spring Meet at the Brentwood Facility. Join us as we make tools for the 2020 ABANA conference
Massachusetts Classes at Morrell Metalsmiths
For more informa on about all their programs go to www.morrellmetalsmiths.com
A taste of blacksmithing May 19th & June 23
Beginner blacksmithing starts June 18th
Teen summer camp Aug. 6-10
Maine No submissions at press time
Off the west coast of New England The Adirondack Folk School, Lake Luzern NY
adirondackfolkschool.org
Camp ax by Lucian Avery May 4-6
Marshmallow roaster by Steve Gurzler May 12
Beginner Blacksmithing with Garry Kalajian
May 14-17
Beginner Blacksmithing with Dick Sargent
May 18-21
Finials & Twists with Jordan Mauro May 26-27
BBQ utensils with Colin Roy June 2-3
Forge a carving knife, make a case, carve a spoon with
Lucian Avery June 8-10
Forged door knocker with Garry Kalajian June 13-14
Garden shepherd hook with Jordan Mauro June 16
Blacksmithing fundamentals with Dick Sargent
June 22-25
Rhode Island
Join the Southern Bunch at South County Museum in Narraganse , RI on the 4th Saturday of the Month. Contact Jim Crothers 401‐783‐5400 or [email protected] for more informa on.
Every first Friday of the month, we have a 2.5 hour class called Sip & Smash. It is a 1.5 hour lesson where you forge a hook and bottle opener, and then a 1 hour beer tasting from a local brewery. We also have private lessons that people can book every Wednesday and Saturday.
Iron Mountain Forge & Furniture, LLC 122 Manton Avenue #105B Providence, RI 02909 (401) 648-7079 [email protected]
Vermont Warren Rinehart will once again host his spring hammer-in at the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum on May 26th from 9:00 to 4:00. The cost is usually around $35 (TBD) and lunch is included. This year’s featured demonstrator will be Judson Yaggy. Please RSVP to [email protected].
Connecticut Connecticut Antique Machinery Association Spring Power up, May 5&6
31 Kent-Cornwall Rd (Rt.7), Kent , CT
Quinebaug Valley Engineers Association Inc. Spring show at Zagray Farm 544 Amston Rd. Colchester CT May 5&6
Recently the new CAMA President, Bob Burton contacted me to see if there was anyone in our group that would be interested in volunteering in the George C. Lay Blacksmith shop for periods of time during the week and/or on weekends. If you are unfamiliar this is at the museum grounds in Kent, CT www.ctamachinery.com
Bob Burton said that the shop is self sufficient with forges, tools, material stock and coal, so that anyone interested just needs to bring themselves. You would be free to work on your own projects, even conduct your own classes, all he asks is that you be able to talk to visitors about what you are doing as they happen by.
This is a nice facility that will support camping (no hook-ups) and hoping to foster a partnership for possible future events, hammer-ins and the like.
Anyone interested in learning more can contact Bob directly at 917-376-4182 or [email protected]
Spring 2018 Page 4 New England Blacksmiths
Editors note;
The past few months have been an especially busy me personally and
professionally. A ten day trip to Buenos Aries to teach and demonstrate
following closely on the heels of our two week Caribbean beach vaca on
pre y much ate Feb. The project list in the shop shows no sign of clearing
up. One job goes out and two more come in. Planning for the spring meet
progresses. This promises to be a perfect storm of learning. I hope many
of you will be able to a end and not only be able to help out but take
valuable knowledge back to your own shop.
The planning for the 2020 ABANA conference is well underway. We have submi ed a dra budget to ABANA
and most of the broad strokes have been ironed out. I will be happy to answer anyone’s ques ons at the
meet.
With the turn in the weather a work day has been planned and executed at Brentwood and the building has
been freshly stained and the 6 new grills installed on the totem. No me to rest just yet, there is the 2018
ABANA conference to plan for. How is your spring going?
Book report‐The Blacksmiths Project Book by Antonello Rizzo
Published by Ar san Ideas ISBN 978‐0‐9979798‐2‐4
This new publica on, in this reviewer’s opinion, fills a void in blacksmithing
texts available today. It has 21 chapters within it’s 245 pages that are a
selec on of projects geared toward the intermediate and advanced smith.
Each chapter is a different project submi ed by a different Master Smith
from around the world. The text is a reasonable descrip on of the project
backed up by well presented photos of the process. Not every li le detail is
discussed in depth. Instead it is up to the more advanced smith to u lize
their knowledge and experience to see where the project is going and
within their style, track toward comple on. This is not to say it has no value to the beginner blacksmith.
The quality of the projects will challenge all ability levels. It may necessitate more than one run through to
complete each sec on but isn’t that the essence of a good text book.
This is a serious treatment of a large collec on of different skills that
once every project contained within is completed will have advanced
any blacksmith’s skills to a higher level. It can also serve as a catalyst to
for adding design elements to an exis ng project to enhance the
blacksmith’s own style.
At $49.95 it is priced slightly below what comparable advanced text
books are selling for. With the wealth of informa on contained it is
truly a bargain.
Spring 2018 Page 5 New England Blacksmiths
A Buenos Aries story by Jerry Coe
In the summer of 2014, I made a five‐minute video as part of a lesson at the local Apple Store. I populated my video with photos I had taken eight years earlier in Buenos Aires, Argen na. Olena Nevoyssa, editor of the Ukraine Blacksmith Magazine asked to use my photos but wanted a story to go with them.
I had visited BA on a tango tour some years earlier, dancing all over the city for ten days. While there, I was amazed to discover an incredible architectural heritage created between 1880 and 1930 when Argen na was one of the 10 richest na ons in the world. French, Bri sh, Italian, and Spanish architects designed some incredible buildings and talented skilled immigrants, most from northern Italy, did the construc on, blacksmithing, stone masonry, plasterwork, glass sculp ng, woodworking, and carpentry. Nearly all the work was done on site, except for architectural terra co a and cast iron. The close tolerances in installa on tell that story.
I learned that a coup d’etat in 1930 forced foreign investors to leave the country. Most major construc on ceased in the 1930s. The railroads were finally shut down in 1948 and remain parked and rus ng across the country. Carpenters and blacksmiths slowly died off, and all the cra s went to sleep and stayed asleep for the next 80 years
Showing my video to fellow blacksmiths Kirk McNiell and Dan Dole in my hometown of Berkeley, California, led to winning a grant from the California Blacksmith Associa on, and I returned to BA in October of 2014. My first chore was to look for ar sans working in fine cra today. I found one local blacksmith, Fabian Rossi, by using Facebook. There were some farriers and knife makers in Buenos Aires but no other ar s c blacksmiths. I also found a local architect, Salvador Napoli, who had a love for careful restora on and preserva on of historic structures. Fabian, who lives 30 minutes south of Buenos Aires, opened his home to me and fortunately spoke some English to help supplement my Spanish. He was self taught and hungry to learn more basic blacksmithing skills. At his home, we were immediately at his forge, pounding away while his wife Cris na, a psychologist
(every smith needs one), cooked for us. We met three mes over three weeks.
Salvador lives in an apartment in the Palermo neighborhood and invited me to dinner at his home with his wife Elena, a doctor. Salvador had created a Facebook page where people who love BA could post photos of their favorite architecture. With Salvador and Elena, I was shown the famous historic architectural sites.
A er returning home, I decided to bring Fabian and Salvador
to California for a three‐week visit in the spring of 2015.
While here, Fabian trained in six shops of master blacksmiths
and I introduced Salvador to San Francisco architects known
for restora on and preserva on in the Presidio, Coit Tower,
the Marina, Fishermen’s Wharf, and downtown. The
architects at San Francisco’s Page & Turnbull, a historic
preserva on architectural firm, responded with enthusiasm
and took Salvador to see their work.
Dana Flanders & Bob Menard
with a couple of local
blacksmiths
Bob Menard teaching tool making
Spring 2018 Page 6 New England Blacksmiths
Buenos Aries story con nued;
We three made a tour of central California and I spoke at the CBA Spring Conference. I announced my inten on to go to Buenos Aires with American blacksmiths and teach skills, and within two weeks had 35 ar sans agree to accompany me. I created an i nerary with walking tours and a four‐day period of classes in a public park downtown. We received the coopera on of the local mayor and city parks staff. We actually brought forges in our luggage and hundreds of tools.
Among our 35 members, we had Timofey Silich of St. Petersburg, Russia, and John McLellan, then president of the CBA, and my teacher Hugh Lovell, from Apple, Inc., who accompanied us and worked with solving people’s computer and digital photo issues. Timofey didn’t speak English, so he studied Spanish and tango before coming. One of our members, architect Natalia Chetvernina, translated for him at every occasion. We all stayed in the Hotel Costa Rica in Palermo, a central suburb. We shared all costs.
We brought out 30‐40 serious local ar sans to work with us‐‐‐welders, knifemakers, silversmiths. Two blacksmiths were among them, Rafael Gribaudo and Juan Yocca, from towns outside BA. A er our group flew home, this core group con nued to meet, share knowledge, and teach each other what they learned. New members con nued to arrive at these BA weekend events un l they reached an audience of over 2000 people. We were invited to return to BA.
By July of 2017, we had 34 members for our next teaching tour to BA, which would take place in February of 2018. We prepared months in advance, everyone prac cing what they would teach, such as how to make tools you can use to make other tools to create classic ar s c ironwork. Our members made over 60 pairs of tongs to use in the classes as well as a hammers and chisels, and flew to BA with them. We each had two 40‐lb checked bags (the airlines won’t forget us soon). We created two Facebook pages: “Forjadores Argen nos,”, in Spanish, and
“Ar sans Sharing Skills/Ar sanos Compar endo Habilidades” for ourselves. Google translate worked well.
On February 26, 2018, our group arrived in BA and had a
Welcome Dinner at a serious carnivore establishment. They had
amazingly good wines and the bo les kept coming. Fabian and
Salvador a ended with their wives and also in a endance was
Andrea Cerle of the Buenos Aires Ministry of Culture,
responsible for all the historic building in downtown. She also
manages a school of Trade Skills in line with our own interests.
Ellen Durkin, John Williams, Heather McLarty, and
Carol de Maintenon, US Smithing instructors
A cus Keesling & Jose’ Miguel Flores, US and
Spanish Smithing instructors
Ellen Durkin, Celeste Flores, & Jerry Coe, US
Smithing instructors
Spring 2018 Page 7 New England Blacksmiths
Buenos Aries story con nued;
What we discovered on this second trip was that we had awakened not just an interest in restora on but also an awakening of the trade skills that had lain dormant over 80 years. Not only were blacksmiths interested in our group, but also carpenters, stone and brick masons, glass sculptors, and plaster ar sans. Virtually all the classic cra s were showing an interest in our event.
My shop was able to able to give grants to cover airfare and hotel costs for five young blacksmiths who show a high level of talent and energy: A cus Keesling of Michigan; John Williams of California; Ellen Durkan of Delaware; Jose Flores of Catalonia, Spain; and Celeste Flores of California. It paid off well to have these sincere young people on our team. Thank you, guys!
We had to move our demonstra on site to a new park this me. We would be in the park outside the Museum of
Humor, a cartoon and illustra on museum in a historic 100‐year‐old building with a fenced lawn and 100‐year‐old poplars shading us from the bright summer sun. It was a perfect venue. We had modern public restrooms and secure storage. The local par cipants began arriving with truckloads of tools: anvils, vices, and forges. We had over 200 serious local students, some of whom had traveled from as far as Chile and Patagonia. Other students came from Uruguay, Peru, Brazil ,and towns all over Argen na. We es mated a thousand visitors over the four days of blacksmithing demonstra ons in the park.
Mark Aspery supervised the classes and Fabian managed the tools and forges. We had several tool‐making classes taught by John Williams, Mike Mumford, Randy Augsburger, and John West, all of California, and Peter Sevin of Arizona and Bob Menard of Maine. There was an acanthus‐leaf class run by Beth Holmberg and Carol de Maintenon of California; a wearable art class taught by Ellen Durkan of Delaware; and a repoussé class taught by Heather McLarty of Los Angeles. A team formed around Jose Miguel Flores of Spain and Celeste Flores of California to build a public bench that would ul mately involve everyone at the event. They were assisted by Laura Armstrong of Texas, A cus Keesling of Michigan, Len Ledet of Arizona, and Ma Stock of Nevada. Douglass Hyde of Texas and A cus set up a rivet‐making opera on to produce rivets to assemble the bench. At a moment when all the women smiths were swinging striking hammers on one of the huge bench parts, we were being filmed by the most important TV sta on in
Argen na. The footage was shown on na onal television that night. Dana Flanders was interviewed for Chinese television in Spanish!
The highlight for me was Sunday morning, March 4, when the biggest newspaper in the country, La Nacíon, hit the stands with an ar cle and color photos of our group, a big spread taking up half of the front and back pages. It was a culmina on of a four‐year project. I couldn’t have been happier. We made the papers in Chile and Spain as well.
That final evening a er cleaning up the site, we hosted a community dance with an orchestra, a dance performance, and a folk dance involving all the par cipants. The Argen ne con ngent surprised us by presen ng each of us with a le er of thanks from the city museums. We were surrounded by the local Argen ne blacksmiths, who gave each of us the tradi onal hug and a kiss on the cheek and thanked us. We were touched by their warmth.
John Williams & Mark Aspery, US Smithing
instructors
Spring 2018 Page 8 New England Blacksmiths
Buenos Aries story con nued;
One Argen ne blacksmith, Mariano Gara, wrote “All is true! All of you have changed the way we think, a new era for blacksmithing is coming to Argen na. I think it is because of the way you think and also how you make things. We want to change the past, and we have learned from you how! Thank you for all you have done.”
Another blacksmith, Flavio Parra, who drove to BA from Chile with his wife, wrote, “The first thing is to tell you how infinitely grateful I am to have been able to a end this mee ng of blacksmiths, and especially the knowledge and new friends I got. A er sharing these days with you, and seeing the dedica on and passion that you have for the art of iron, I felt very similar to you, maybe not with the same skills, because I s ll have a lot to learn ... but the passion for the forge. To be honest, I had never seen other blacksmiths. In my country, it is a forgo en art, although there are a few others quite far from where I live. Among the things I learned is to recognize the superior purpose of art beyond personal interests, and realize that if I do not give my knowledge, it will be lost forever. Barely had I set foot back in my country and
rejoined with my appren ce, was I sharing the techniques that I learned from you, so as not to forget the details.”
The day following our demonstra ons, our group headed out to a tourist ranch outside the city for an asado, the classic Argen ne BBQ. We were entertained by gauchos, music, and tradi onal dance in a park‐like se ng. Many of us enjoyed cooling off in the Olympic‐sized pool.
Back in the city that night, now veteran travelers, we spread out to small restaurants across our neighborhood. A er some last‐minute shopping and a BBQ lunch on the roof of our hotel, we slowly headed homeward.
Now that we are home, I want to say we made a pilgrimage. We had felt the call, the inspira on, to take our skills to our Argen ne friends. We prepared for our journey by prac cing what and how we would teach. We made our long trip through the maze of passport checks and baggage allowances and an incredibly long flight. When we reached our goal, our park and our forging sta ons, we gave from our hearts and received the reward. We have awakened the long sleeping trade skills of Argen na and changed the way people share their skills, now openly and freely. We have returned enriched. Thank you all.
Ma Stock & Tony Swa on , US Smithing instructors
Three Local Smiths working with Bob Menard Three local Smiths working with Ellen Durkin
Spring 2018 Page 9 New England Blacksmiths
Hola Herreros, Bienvenido (Hello Blacksmiths, Welcome)
A traveler’s view of Buenos Aries
I wanted to add some personal observa ons of the Forjadores Argen nos, the fes val of blacksmiths in Buenos Aries,
Argen na. Jerry Coe has covered the history of this memorable event quite well so my perspec ve is one that is more
immediate. I have traveled in other group se ngs in the past and I have to say this was hands down the most
enjoyable group of people I have ever traveled with. There was never a moment of crisis or anger. Never a discordant
note. Everyone was helpful and encouraging. With the number of excep onally talented individuals there were no
surprise egos that needed to be massaged. This is how blacksmiths travel! The support that is seen with in the
community in the States is a true reflec on of who we are
even when no one is looking.
We ate together and played together. There was laughter
and pictures swapped of what we might be doing back
home. Sketches on napkins and to the unini ated, cryp c
conversa ons using vernacular not understood by the
public around us. If this looks familiar it is because
everyone that has a ended a Meet or any get together of
blacksmiths has experienced the same phenomena. It
defines us as a group.
The fes val was four days but we were there for ten. This
le me for sight seeing, museums, cafés and quite a bit of Malbec. Not every night but many nights there was a
roo op party at the hotel. It was a me for conversa on, ea ng, laughing, and cribbage.
Buenos Aries is a beau ful city. The architecture is
stunning in an old world style. My pre‐conceived
no on was the economy was in a shambles and the
city was crumbling. The economy is in trouble but the
upside for this traveler was our currency went pre y
far there. The condi on of the city was remarkable. It
was clean and very well maintained. People were
always sweeping and washing and pain ng the
exteriors. Small well stocked shops and markets do ed
each neighborhood. There were cafés with outdoor
sea ng everywhere. Parks and green spaces
abounded. All were used regularly but none looked
worn. The feel of this community was vibrant. The
people were friendly and I always felt safe. Pre y
surprising considering it is a city of 13 million people. ( Interes ng factoid, two thirds of all the popula on in Argen na
lives in Buenos Aries) The locals enjoy a vibrant night life. They eat long suppers, are prone to spontaneous laughter,
and they love to dance. If you are an early morning riser don’t expect to find much going on in the morning. The
residents are in no par cular hurry to start the day.
Spring 2018 Page 10 New England Blacksmiths
A traveler’s view of Buenos Aries, con nued;
The language barrier was a source of concern for me. I speak
Spanish like a 2 year old. Fortunately there generally seemed
like there was either one of our group the could speak Spanish
or a local with pre y good English skills to jump in always
around. The locals went out of their way to accommodate my
poor language skills. The only challenge I ended up having was
on the last day. I was going to the airport by cab, alone. The
driver spoke no English and as I have already stated my Spanish
language skills, there was a communica on break down. I told
him I wanted to go to the airport and this was when I
discovered there are two airports in BA. In my financial favor
the first one was not too far out of the way. The translator app
on my phone saved the day.
I won’t try and deceive, the flight from and to the Northeast was
grueling. Each way, bed to bed, was 40 hours unless you are
successful sleeping on a plane. I am not. S ll the experience was
worth it. It was a rewarding. I learned quite a bit as I prepared
for the trip. Skills that enhance my own knowledge base. The city
is a jewel of South America and it’s people wonderful. I have
expanded my blacksmithing family with many new friends that I
hope to see as o en as I can. I have new South American
contacts whose smithing careers I can watch grow and expand.
All the elements of a successful and enriching adventure were
realized in this one trip. I extend my deepest gra tude to all the
people that have touched my life during this event.
Muchas Gracias, buenas noches, (Thank you very much, good
night)
Shirley West, Penny Augsburger, & Nancy Bruce
3 charming wives that entertained and helped keep
us on task
Nancy Bruce and Dana Flanders Bill Ganoe from Tucson AZ
Carol de Maintenon & Celeste Flores
Spring 2018 Page 11 New England Blacksmiths
Though I have missed St Paddy’s day this is s ll a fun project. This style
of isola ng and peening out material is a useful skill. Think the
technique of forging a key hole spatula. This has been provided by
Ma Jenkins of Cloverdale Forge ,Selkirk, Manitoba
Forging a Shamrock
Spring 2018 Page 12 New England Blacksmiths
Our new touch marks
We now have a new collec on of touch marks for making our equipment dis nc ve.
There are 3 sets of three and they are staged with the primary tool producers for the
organiza on. This includes John D’Abate, Bob Menard, and Jus n Morrell.
These were made by Buckeye Engraving, 486 S. Paint St, Chillicothe, OH. 45601
(740)‐851‐4995, mybuckeyedesigns,com
Many thanks to Connec cut Rep Steve Connor for designing and ac ng as the point man
in ge ng these tools.
Spring 2018 Page 13 New England Blacksmiths
MEMBERS’ GALLERY
James “Mic” Micarelli
Spring 2018 Page 14 New England Blacksmiths
MEMBERS’ GALLERY
Dana Flanders
Ziwa Forge
Spring 2018 Page 15 New England Blacksmiths
MEMBERS’ GALLERY
Judson Yaggy
Spring 2018 Page 16 New England Blacksmiths
MEMBERS’ GALLERY
Russ Jennings
Spring 2018 Page 17 New England Blacksmiths
2018 SPRING MEET
June 1,2,3 It is me for a New England Blacksmiths favorite, a Working Meet.
We will gather forges and anvils at our Brentwood NH home base for a weekend of forging and fabbing fun.
The extra tools needed for the 2020 ABANA conference teaching area will be made and assembled.
The slate includes a tong making area where we will make 60 pairs of tongs. A hammer handling venue as
we have a few buckets of hammers without handles. Fire tending tools for 20 sta ons, 60 punches and
chisels. The fab area will be welding up another 6 portable forges designed by Bob Menard and Bob Lavoie.
It is hoped that Smiths will be able to visit different opera ons to create a well rounded forging experience
and enhance the learning environment.
Our efforts will not just be lost to the ether a er this Meet or the ABANA conference. In addi on to new
skills learned, once we no longer have immediate use for this equipment it will come back to our
membership in the form of iron in the hat, raffles, and other give aways. I believe this is called a win win.
Are we doing this the wrong
way? Perhaps some
experimenta on is in order.
Spring 2018 Page 18 New England Blacksmiths
Brentwood North
The Brentwood North program hosted by the Ball & Chain Forge
enjoyed its 14th consecu ve run on March 10th.
As usual it was a sold out crowd of a dozen students and four great
Smith instructors. This years staff line up was similar to last year, ok in
the spirit of full disclosure it was the same four guys. Kyle Connolly had
every one making a trammel. Bob LaVoie taught some g welding skills
as they made a spider welding support tool. Joel Tripp had probably
the most ambi ous project, a BBQ fork with a bo le opener in the
handle. Nick Downing rounded out the
slate with a swivel hook. This was not planned but it went perfectly with Kyle’s trammel.
The weather was no concern for travelers this year as it was a bright and sunny day. The
weather has been a point of stress some mes in the past so gratefully it just didn’t
come up.
The student body this year was a typical make up.
Some beginner Smiths with one that had never picked up a hammer ranging to
some very solid intermediates. There were a few who’s skills had drama cally
improved. It is always gra fying to witness such solid progress. Those
individuals are headed in the right direc on and are facing a long and enriched
career. NEB can and should bask in some sa sfac on seeing the effec veness
of good mentoring.
Every student completed all 4 projects and
went home with the knowledge and the
loot from this successful event. As usual the success of the day rests with the great
staff and the mo vated students.
As you read this you might be thinking, hey I want to try this next year. This year
the program was sold out by Christmas. To those interested it can’t be stressed
enough, if you would like to a end sign up early as it always sells out. Generally it
is held the last Saturday in February when many folks shops are a frozen lump. The
warmth and comforts of the Ball & Chain Forge make this the perfect cabin fever
reliever and will shake the cobwebs off your favorite hammer. All skill levels are welcome but to be perfectly honest an
advanced Smith will probably be asked to teach.
Joel Tripp and Dylan Swaicki
Kyle Connolly and Nick Cerniauskas
Spring 2018 Page 19 New England Blacksmiths
Ram’s Head Mike Mumford, Ridgecrest Taught to me by Darryl Nelson
Material: 1/2” square stock; 26” if you want to make a fireplace poker/hook. I do this in a gas forge - if you use a coal forge, be very careful not to burn tips of horns off. Also be careful to keep the work area hot - the junction of the horns and the head should always be kept at least at a red heat to avoid cracking. In particu-lar, the horns are prone to cracking - be sure to work them warm.
1. Make Horns a. Cut the end to split it, 3 1/2”long. De-burr edges. b. While still together, forge the end down to 1/4” x
1/2”. This will make the two pieces equal in size, 1/4” x 1/4” each.
c. Split ends apart 90 degrees or so. d. Forge both horns to a square taper, about 6” long, to
about 1/8” square at the tip. Be sure to make the two horns even in length.
3 1/2”
1/2” A & B
C
D E
Reprinted from the California
Blacksmith Associa on
Spring 2018 Page 20 New England Blacksmiths
Ram’s Head continued;
e. Round the horns, using the square-octagonal-round process - the length will grow a bit - make sure to keep both sides the same. Let the ends go down to 1/16” - 1/8” diameter. f. Detail the horns. Fuller using matching 1/4” diameter top and bottom dies in a smoosh-a-matic. I make two fuller marks at each position, 90 degrees to each other. I go down one side, then do the orthogonal side. It takes several heats - the horn is fairly small and cools off rapidly - don’t work it too cold. [Alternate: twist the horns]. g. Heat and bend the horns back to parallel. Getting to this step is always a relief - now the piece will fit better into the forge. h. Break the corners of the 1/2” square section. 2. Fold Over and Shape Nose a. Make a centerpunch mark on the side, 1” from the split of the horns. Don’t worry about this for the final product: the mark will disappear as the nose is forged. b. Fold the nose over, keeping the center punch mark centered in the side of the bend. I use a bending fork in the vise. c. Hammer this bend closed, then draw out the nose to about
1/2” to 3/8” square. Leave the nose shaped so that the ram has a bit of an under bite. Such shaping often also adds a bit of a beard, which looks good.
3. Facial Features a. Use 1/4” diameter dies in the guillotine tool to set off the nose section. Fuller both sides. b. Punch the eyes, on the corners of the stock.
F
G
2a
2c
3 a+b
Spring 2018 Page 21 New England Blacksmiths
Ram’s Head continued;
3. Facial Features continued; c. Add nostrils - a moderate-size centerpunch will do, or you can use a nostril punch. d. Chisel a line for the mouth. e. Use a side set to push material down on the lower side of the mouth. f. Fuller a double center ridge down the center of the nose. g. Add any other details that you feel necessary: eye-
brow ridges, beard texture, etc. 4. S- Bend a. Using a bending fork in the vise, bend a 180 degree bend, about 3/4” behind the horn split. b. Make a reverse bend a pleasing inch or so down the stem. 5. Curl Horns Be sure to do this step hot - I have broken off several horns by letting them get too cold at this step. a. Heat, then hold the stem in the vise. Bend the horn using a bending fork, to whatever curve you desire. 6. Clean Up, add your touchmark and enjoy!
4a
4b
5a
Spring 2018 Page 22 New England Blacksmiths
Spring 2018 Page 23 New England Blacksmiths
Spring 2018 Page 24 New England Blacksmiths
FOR SALE : Old school dra sman table top. Hamilton
Brand. Overall dimensions 72 1/8" long, 38 5/8" wide, 1"
thick. Top only ‐ no base. With 36" T
square. $60.00 Located in Waterford, CT. Phone # 860‐442
‐3925 Charlie Sedell
Classifieds
A large number of family heirlooms have recently been passed on to me, and I would like to offer them to the NEB membership. Would prefer that fellow smiths get them, but I’ll sell to collectors at the right price.
I have most of the horns that Sherman knocked off all those anvils down south. My Great Great Grand-father rode with him during the Civil War and started collecting them round about the seventh or eighth one they sledgehammered (so my family history states). He spent his evenings playing and winning card games to get space in returning cavalry saddle bags, and it's amazing how much those Morgan horses can carry. Supposedly this is why Sherman’s march slowed the further they progressed. Great Grampy started numbering them at some point but his punch set was missing the #6 so the order in which he collected them is a little confusing. He sure brought a lot back here to Vermont thou. But any-way I have a pile of old horns out behind the shop, and besides welding 2 together to make a sweet (except for the wobble) double horned anvil I've never done anything with them so perhaps it's time to sell. My family has kept them well oiled so there is NO rust on any of them! I’d rather sell as a lot but bring a big truck, if no taker for the lot I will sell by the piece. $1000 each and $2k for the unusual ones as I’ve heard there is an anvil price bubble currently
Judson Yaggy Birdseye Building Company
http://www.birdseyebuilding.com 802.349.2469
Alldays & Onions 1800s mul stage bellows
$800
Richard Wright Troy NH
(603)‐998‐1737
Spring 2018 Page 25 New England Blacksmiths
NEB SCHOLARSHIP
The New England Blacksmiths (NEB) have a scholarship program open to all members — (a full year of mem-bership is required to apply). Apply now for financial aid to improve your blacksmithing knowledge & skills. NEB offers educational scholarships to cover up to $500 of the cost for NEB members to attend blacksmithing hands on classes.
What you do
Decide on a class (anywhere, but it must be a real blacksmithing class or hands-on workshop, not a sit-on-duff work-shop or conference).
Procure the application form from the newsletter, our website or from a Board of Directors member.
Fill it out and return it,
If possible, include a class curriculum or brochure.
What we will do
Evaluate your application.
If you are chosen, we will notify you that you will receive an NEB scholarship
After your class, NEB will reimburse you the amount of the scholarship upon receipt of a copy of your receipts and certificate of completion.
What you owe NEB
Within one year of completing your class, you will provide:
A 2-hour demo of the skills you've learned in the class
A 2-page illustrated article to the New England Blacksmiths Newsletter on what you've learned.
Contacts
Any Board of Director Member or
Fred Mikkelsen Scholarship Chairman
23 Waterman Drive
N. Scituate, RI. 02857-2036
Spring 2018 Page 26 New England Blacksmiths
Name of applicant Date / /
Mailing address
Phone Fax. Email
Name and loca on of the blacksmithing school or sponsoring organiza on you wish to a end: (Please include a contact name,
phone number, Email)
NOTE: This must be a hands‐on class or workshop. No funding will be provided for sit‐on‐the– duff conferences !
Title of “hands‐on” class or workshop, dates and tui on cost: Include a copy of brochure or flyer if possible
Amount of scholarship applied for ($500 maximum) $
Please write a few lines as to what you hope to gain from a ending this class/workshop. Include any addi onal info you see fit.
Your commitment to the NEB, if you receive a scholarship award is to write a 2 page illustrated ar cle for our newsle er and
give a 2 hour demonstra on at a NEB workshop of a skill you learned in this class/workshop. Please give deadline dates you
expect to fulfill these requirements . (must be within one year of class/workshop)
Ar cle deadline commitment date:
Workshop Demo deadline commitment date:
Mail to: Fred Mikkelsen, 23 Waterman Drive, North Scituate, RI 02857‐3086
New England Blacksmiths Scholarship Applica on
Applicants must be dues current paid and have been
paid members for the year prior to applica on.
All applica ons must be received by September 1st
and commi ee approval will be by December 1st for
use during the following year.
You must print clearly !
Spring 2018 Page 27 New England Blacksmiths
ABANA Membership Application Primary ABANA Chapter Affiliation:_____________ Name: _____________________________________ Address: ___________________________________ City: _________________________State: _______ Phone: ( ) ___________________Zip: ________ New Member Renewing Member Includes a Subscription to the Anvil’s Ring and The Ham-mers’ Blow magazines Regular Member ..............................................$55 yr. Senior Citizen (Age 65+) .................................$50 yr. Full time student ..............................................$45 yr. Overseas airmail ..............................................$80 yr. Overseas surface mail ......................................$65 yr. Contributory ...................................................$100 yr. Public library ....................................................$45 yr.
ABANA Central Office 259 Muddy Fork Rd, Jonesborough, TN 37659
NEW ENGLAND BLACKSMITHS MEMBERSHIP FORM
Dues are $30.00 USD, and due January 1st of each year.
Send checks to: NEB Membership – 337 Rope Ferry Road- Waterford, CT 06385
Please Print Clearly and check whether New member __ or Renewal __
Name ______________________________________________ Date_______________
Business name, if applicable___________________________________________________
Address ____________________________________________ Phone _____________
City _______________________ State_______ Zip________ Fax _______________
E-mail__________________________________Web Site___________________________
Occupation________________________________________ Year of birth______________
Check forging skill: __Beginner __Intermediate __Advanced
Blacksmithing areas of interest ________________________________________________
Check all that apply:
__Teach Blacksmithing __Teach Related Metalworking Skills, which skills______
__Do you do Public Smithing Demos __Demo Fee (Amount: ) __Require Travel $
__Would hold NEB Office are you an ABANA Member Yes or No
Any demonstrator or demonstration requests for NEB Meets?_________________________
Spring 2018 Page 28 New England Blacksmiths
New England Blacksmiths
Bob Menard, ‐ Editor
Ball & Chain Forge
56 Warren Ave #106
Portland, Maine 04103
TIME SENSITIVE
NEB CASTINGS
Anvil Cone $70
Fire pot with Clinker Breaker $215
70 lb. Swage Block $180
Can be picked up at 4 different loca ons
in New England or shipped. Contact Bob
Menard, [email protected]
for more informa on
Visit us on line
www.newenglandblacksmiths.com