I CLINKER BREAKER - Blacksmithing

MARCH, 1991

CONTRIBUTORS:

Carl Austin Norma Austin Steve Bloom Mary Brandenburg Pete Brandenburg Fred Caylor

J. C. Hawkins Herm Leukhardt

Jim Lollis Clyde Payton

Skeeter Prather Maggi Rubio

The FIorlda I CLINKER BREAKER

Florida Artist Blacksmith Association-Chapter of ABANA, Inc. Established May 18, 1985 Treasury: $6055.45 Membership: 203

FRED CAYLOR'S SPRING BLACKSMITHING CLASS

red's spring class for beginning and intermediate smiths will be held April 1-5 at Walt Anderson's place near Ocala. Fred is a professional blacksmith and a moving force behind the Rural Smiths of Mid- America, which publishes The Traditionalist. He's also a great guy; you'll enjoy getting to know him. He has been teaching this popular course here in Florida for several years, and it always fills quickly. Fred is a wonderful teacher, and since he accepts only a few students at a time, you'll get a lot of individual attention. There's no better way to get started in blacksmithing, or to polish your techniques.

There are only three openings, get your reservation in early. Enrollment is on a "first come, first servedw basis, but if the class is already filled, you'll be placed on a waiting list in case of a cancel- lation. The cost for the course is $150; to reserve your spot, send a $75 deposit to Fred Caylor, 3602 South 800 E., Zionsville, IN 46077. Pay the remaining $75 when you arrive. If you have to cancel, Fred will return your deposit only if he can find a replacement for you.

You can reach Fred at (317) 769-6537 days, or (317) 769-6351 evenings.

1991 MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL NOTICES IN THE MAIL

FABA secretary Norma Austin has sent renewal notices to those whose memberships expire on April 30. Our annual dues are $15 per family for the year running from May 1 through April 30. New members joining after January 31 are credited for the following year. Your membership expires on the date shown on your mailing label.

The Florida Clinker Breaker, March, 1991

MEETING SCHEDULE-MARCH, 1991

The regions have no boundaries-everyone i s welcome everywhere. Come t o more than one i f you-can. We hold regular monrhly meetings i n each region (except that we a l l t r y t o get together a t one Statewide Meetlng quarter ly) on the f o l - Lowing Saturdays of each month: NE-lst, NU-Znd, SE-3rd, & SW-Last. The actual dates may vary from month t o month- check the schedule below. We also hold short board meetings a t the quarter!y statewide meetings, and a board meeting and general membership meeting a t the annual conference. Our meetings are informal gatherings around the forge. Pros ective members are always welcome, of course! Come for a l l or any part of a meeting. Bring your tools, or just watcK. Most meetings run from 9 am t o 4 pm, and y o u ' l l need lunch i f you stay a l l day, unless otherwise noted.

March 2, 9 am: Northeast region, J. C. & Eleanor Hawkins' shop, Morriston. J. C. will demonstrate tool-making techniques. This is a hands-on class for those who want to do more than watch. Bring a portable forge if you have one. Bring lunch-J. C. & Eleanor will provide cold drinks.

March 9, 9 am: Northwest region, Sam Adkins Park, Blountstown. Willard Smith will supervise a work party peeling pine logs for the blacksmith shop to be built on the site of the new Panhandle Pioneer Settlement. Wear clothes you can get dirty and bring any barking tools you have, such as draw knives or slicks. Go one mile past the light in Blountstown to right turn on road marked "Sam Adkins Park."

March 16, 9 am: Southeast region, Bob Ringer's shop, Fort Lauderdale. March 30, 10 am: Southwest region, Crowley Museum, Sarasota.

UPCOMING EVENTS

March 9:

April 1-5:

April 6, 9 am:

April 19-21:

April 20, 9 am:

April 27-28:

May 4, 9 am: May 17-18:

July 27, 10 am: August 5-9 :

Deadline for getting something in next month's newsletter (four weeks before the first Saturday of the month). Fred Caylor's Spring blacksmith class, Ocala area. Cost is $150; $75 deposit to sign up and $75 when you arrive. See page 1. Con- tact Fred Caylor for more details: 3602 S. 800 E., Zionsville, IN 46077, home (317) 769-6351, shop (317) 769-6537. Northeast regional meeting, Pioneer Settlement, Barberville. In the blacksmith shop, Tico Rubio will lead several teams in projects T

that will need people of all skill levels. For interested family members, Maggi Rubio will hold a workshop on decorating painted horseshoes. Bring sharp scissors (and a glue gun, if you have one). Maggi will supply everything else. Tico and Maggi will provide lunch. Alabama Forge Council's third annual Bladesmithing Symposium, Madi- son, Alabama. See page 5. Contact Barbara Batson, 176 Brentwood Lane, Madison, AL 35758, or call her at (205) 837-6160. Quarterly Statewide Meeting, Bob Ringer's shop, Fort Lauderdale. Program details next month. Barbecue Friday at 6 pm, April 19 and Saturday April 20 at 4 pm. Mississippi Forge Council's Blacksmith Conference, Meridian, Mis- sissippi. See page 16. For information, contact: Mississippi Forge Council, Rt. 13, Box 48, Meridian, MS 39301. Northeast region, Steve & Kimmy Bloom's shop, Archer. See page 17. Southeastern Regional Blacksmiths Conference, Madison Lion's Club Fairgrounds, Madison, Georgia. Demonstrators include Jerry Grice, Robb Gunter (see page 8), Hans Peot (see page 7 ) , Mike Rose, Brad Silberberg, and Roger Stuart. The family program will feature 8 workshops and a tour of historical, pre-Civil War Madison homes. This Conference is held every other year, alternating with the biennial ABANA Conference. It is sponsored by the Alabama Forge Council, the Appalachian Area Chapter of ABANA, the Florida Artist Blacksmith Association, the North Carolina Chapter of ABANA, and the Tullie Smith House Blacksmith Guild. If you have not received a conference brochure, contact conference chairman Mike Shaffer, 1155 Dantel Ct., Stone Mountain, GA 30083, (404) 469-2680. Quarterly Statewide Meeting, Crowley Museum, Sarasota. Damascus Steel class by Charles Ochs, Texarkana College's School of Bladesmithing. See page 16. For information, write to Texarkana

- College, school of ~ladesmithing, 2500 N. Robison Road, Texarkana, TX 75501.

Oct. 11-12: FABA Annual Conference, Pioneer Settlement, Barberville.


HOW TO FIND THE MARCH, 1991, MEETINGS

In Blountstown, go one mile past the light. Turn right on road marked

ItSam Adkins Park. You can't get lost.

LOOK FOR SIGN

/f LOST COLL 526-3348

March 9, 9 am March 2, 9 am NORTHWEST REGION NORTHEAST REGION Sam Adkins Park J. C. & Eleanor Hawkins* shop

Willard Smith (904) 674-8055 (904) 528-3348 Blountstown 13534 NW 160 Avenue

Morriston

~WJZ.ISC 8LVD.

March 30, 10 am March 16, 9 am SOUTHWEST REGION SOUTHEAST REGION

Dale Kipp (813) 747-6743 Old Dixie Welding

Bob Ringer (305) 772-3802 Crowley Museum (813) 322-1000 16404 Myakka Road, Sarasota 792 NE 45 St., Fort Lauderdale


FOR SALE

Clyde Payton, who has been collecting stuff for 50 years, has finally run out of room, and is actually going to part with some things. Hews giving FABA members the first chance at some GOOD stuff. He's even throwing in free hardware and plumbing fittings with your purchases. This is only a partial listing, so visit Clyde at Rt. 3, Box 124-D, Mon- ticello, or call him at (904) 997-3627 for full details. He's offering:

a 115 lb. anvil in very good shape; a 50 lb. Cain & Roach power hammer, newly rebuilt; hand tools, including hammers, anvil tools, blacksmith tongs, etc.; power, hand, and foot grinders and grinding stones; a tire shrinker; line shaft, pulleys, shaft blocks, pillow blocks, & thrust blocks; miscellaneous pulleys of all sizes; heavy duty metal work benches; logging equipment, tongs, grabs, cant hooks, and peavies; cable and chain tackle and rigging, cable winch, cable hardware, pulley blocks, turn buckles, and tackle hardware rope and marine tackle (wooden pulley blocks, new rope, rigging hardware) ; file cabinets and tool chests; grist meal for grinding corn meal, flour, or feed; tons of miscellaneous metal of every description; antique horse-drawn hay rake; cord wood cut-off saw with two 30" blades, late model with ball bearing shaft and carriage, flat belt pulley; - different sizes of heavy duty heavy metal wheels; various garden tools; L hand pumps for drums, tanks, and basements; scythe reapers (snaths) ; saw mill-edger saw blades; 2 extra-heavy gauge H-beam grease rack lifts from garage; many antique tools and antique cooking pots, grills, etc.; antique post drills and drill press; many antique woodworking tools; dozens of axes, many of which are antique; wood augers, up to 4" in diameter; and miscellaneous goodies too numerous to name.

NEWS FOR PROFESSIONALS

An article in the January, 1991, issue of Folk Art News described Art and Craft News, a newsletter that lists information and dates on events in Florida and Georgia. It lists craft shows, competitions, fairs, etc., where work may be displayed and sold. This publication is available for $2 per issue, or $12.60 per year. To order, write to P. 0. Box 26624, Jacksonville, FL 32218-0624.

ABANA DEMONSTRATOR LIST

We have some talented blacksmiths in Florida; there are other chapters who need youtodemonstrate. To make it easy for them to find you, ? *

add your name to the ABANA demonstrator list. Send your name, address, - phone number, fee, and 100 words or less on what you do to Clayton Carr, ABANA Chapter Liaison Committee, Rt. 2, Box 2911, Kennewick, WA 99337.


BLADESMITHING SYMPOSIUM

The Alabama Forge Council is sponsoring their third annual Blade- smithing Symposium in Madison, AL, on April 19, 20, and 21. This symposium is for all bladesmiths, beginners and masters both.

The featured demonstrators are: Hugh Bartrug, "Nickel Damascus t Mokume-Gane;" Bill Moran, "His Knives and Blade Cutting Tests;I1 Cleston Sinyard, IgForging Internal Guards and Bolsters;" Chuck Patrick, "Making Damascus Steel;It Keith Kilby, "Hafting and Knife Finishing;" James Bat- son, "Bladesmithing and Heat Treating;" Cliff Polk, ItThe Making of Fold- ing Knives;" Allan Eldridge, ''Wire Inlay;" Billy Bates, "Simple Engrav- ing;" Trena Polk, wScrimshaw;lt and Gary Long, "Advertising.

The demonstrators will take you step by step from building the fire through making damascus to the finished blade. It sounds like a ter- rific opportunity! If you register before April 9 the symposium fee is $55. For a descriptive brochure, write to Barbara Batson, 176 Brentwood Lane, Madison, AL 35758, or call her at (205) 837-6160.

WHEELWRIGHTING CLASS

New Mexico blacksmith Joe De La Ronde will lead a 2 day wheelwrighting workshop April 13-14, 1991, in Wichita, Kansas. For details, write to Greg Franklin, Blacksmith/Interpreter, Old Cowtown Museum, 1817 Sim Park Drive, Wichita, KS 67203.

GRISAILLE ENAMELING ON IRON

Grisaille enamels are produced by firing multiple layers of white enamel on a black base. The end result is a detailed graphic design incorporating the full range of grays from black to white. Transparent and opaque colors can be added in the last few firings.

Interested in learning the technique? That's one of the hands-on workshops being offered at this year's Florida Craftsmen Conference, to be held March 22-24 in Tampa. Elvie Zell, of Cleveland, is teaching the workshop. She is a professional enamelist and exhibits widely.

Just three of the many other workshops are wPragmatics of Architec- tural Commissions,~ "Metals-Plus Seminar,lV and "Mixed Media Metals. Get more information from Florida Craftsmen, Inc., 235 Third Street South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, (813) 821-7391.

FLORIDA FOLK FESTIVAL

The 39th annual Florida Folk Festival will be held May 24-26 at the Stephen Foster State Folk Culture Center in White Springs, north of Gainesville. The 1991 Folklife Area will showcase African-American and Anglo-Celtic-American traditions in Florida, and features include African-American gospel singing, Scottish bagpiping, and Irish fiddling. There will be continuous performances on each of the nine stages. In addition, many arts and crafts, including blacksmithing, will be demon- strated and sold, workshops are planned, and a fiddle contest will be held. To keep up your strength you can purchase regional and ethnic foods such as Seminole fry bread, baklava, and hush puppies. An adult's one-day ticket is $9.


A Spanish Cleat? Steve Bloom

One of the realities of lifc in Spa~lish Florida was ihc nced t o keep food out of the rench of the wee beasties that are still much with us in Florida. There was also the need to light by candles. The solution t o tlicse problcnis was t o sink :L hook into a ceiling beam and suspend a tray or a light fixture from a rope. When access was needed, the object could be lowered to a reasonable --

height off the floor. Such a tray can be seen in St. Augustine Antigua (the historical area in St. Augustine).

There was thus a need to tie the rope to something. I suspect that the piece of ironwork described in the last issue of the Clinker Breaker was a cleat used to secure the rope. In general, there would be no need to have a multiplicity of possible heights, since two would do ('up' and 'down'). This could be accomplished by tying two loops in the rope, one in the middle of the rope (the 'up' position - see Fig.1) and one on the end of the rope (the 'down' position - see Fig.11). The lower two limbs which curve back towards the wall would securely hold a loop (with perhaps the rope running between the limbs). When the fixture was 'up', the slack could

I tJ \

Tray or Lwp ,....-- Uk be neatly handled by flipping the Light Fixhlre 'down' loop over the curl of metal on the top of the cleat. As least that's my guess - what's

i. Cleat i

-

yours?

ABANA chapter newsletters may repr int t h i s a r t i c l e , provided the author's copyright i s reproduced with the a r t i c l e and The Florlda C l ~ n k e r Breaker i s c r e d ~ t e d as the source. ----

6

The F l o r i d a C l i n k e r B r e a k e r , March, 1 9 9 1

P m ' s GAS m m

The f o r g e i s made from 10" p ipe w i t h a h o l e c u t c l o s e t o t h e t o p s u c h t h a t when t h e b u r n e r i s i n s t a l l e d t h e flame w i l l j u s t touch t h e t o p of t h e Durablanket . A p i e c e of 23" p i p e i s welded a t t h i s p o s i t i o n w i t h a 3/8 NC n u t welded t o t h e t o p t o a c c e p t a s e t screw t o hold t h e b u r n e r i n p l ace . The I h r a b l a n k e t is i n s t a l l e d and a l o n g k n i f e i s used t o c u t a h o l e where the b u r n e r i s i n s t a l l e d . F i r e b r i c k s can be p l aced a c r o s s t h e ends t o c o n t r d l t h e s i z e of t h e openings o r c l o s e off one end comple te ly . A o n e . i n c h t h i c k f i r e b r i c k 43" X 8" i s p l a c e d i n t h e bo+tom of t h e f o r g e t o p r o t e c t t h e d u r a b l a n k e t .

To start t h e f o r g e c l o s e o f f one end w i t h b r i c k . Turn on t h e e l e c t r i c b lower and open t h e a i r v a l v e s l i g h t l y . how l i g h t a p i e c e of p a p e r - h o l d i n g i t i n a p a i r o f t ongs and s t a n d i n g away from t h e end t u r n on t h e gas. The g a s p r e s s u r e shou ld be c o n t r o l l e d by a r e g u l a t o r t h a t p r o v i d e s 2 t o 20 p s i . Once t h e b u r n e r starts a d j u s t t h e a i r f l o w f o r minimum no i se . Once t h e f o r g e h a s been o p e r a t i n g f o r a few minutes t h e gas and a i r can be a d j u s t e d f o r maximum h e a t . T h i s i s accompl ished by a d j u s t i n g t h e a i r f low t o give maximum b r i g h t n e s s o f t h e Durablanket . F h i s shou ld b e done eve ry t ime t h e gas p r e s s u r e i s a d j u s t e d . Maximum h e a t i s p rov ided w i t h maximum gas p r e s s u r e .

(The illustrations belm reflect Hans' changes to the design originally in the newsletter cf the Western Canadian Blackdths Guild. Ceramic blanket material be located by looking under the "Refractories" heading in the local Business-to- Business Yellod Pages. 'lbo sources in the Dayton-area are F d i W. Schaefer, Inc., 1500 Humphrey Ave. - 253-9356 and HI-TEQ, INC., 3820 Keenan Ave. - 275-3522. Hans says this forge will operate for about 11 hours on a 40 pound tank of propane. - ed).

- k r _ - 2's' - - 0 0

w-w .a Ll >> : k ? rCI 0

v V X F ' . a a d - a: L l g z = N ... 5

Reprinted from the Dec., 1990/Jan., 1991, SOFA Sounds, newsletter of the Southern- Ohio Forge & Anyil . Hans Peot w i l l be demonstrating a t the 1991 Southeastern Regional BLacksmiths Conference i n Madison Georgla on May 17-

18.

7


UOT IRON CllI1.E PEPPER WITH SEEDS

By Robb Gunter Photos by Ron Taylor

A few y e a r s ago whi le working i n SWADA1s S t a t e Fair E x h i b i t , a young l ady s a i d "be t you c a n ' t f o r g e n c h i l e pepper.: The cha l l enge w a s on1 . I t o l d h e r t o come back i n an hour and w e ' d s e e about t h a t . With a p i e c e of 3/4" black gas p i p e and a p i e c e of 3/8" rod f o r stem, t h e f i r s t a t t e m p t began. Although somewhat c rude , it w a s rewarding when t h e young l a d y came back and had t o e a t h e r words. As it turned o u t , she pa.id a h e a l t h y p r i c e f o r it.

With a b i t more p r a c t i c e I g o t t h e bugs o u t , and h e r e l s t h e r e c i p e f o r growin' your own c h i l e s .

S t a r t with:

3/4" o r 1" b l a c k . i r o n ( g a s ) p ipe 18"-24" long - p l e n t y of handle.

Plug o r t a p e o f f t h e end n o t going i n t o t h e f i r e .

Reat 3" e v e n l y - t u r n i n g t h e p i p e i n t h e f i r e -- t o a good yellow (don ' t burn it I .

F u l l e r t h e pipe w i t h e i t h e r a 3/8" rod f u l l e r i n g t o o l or a f u l l e r i n g j i g , a s s e e n i n photos i 2 and 13 , 1. from t h e end, t u r n i n g t h e p i p e between e a c h h i t . F u l l e r down u n t i l a 3/8" rod w i l l j u s t f i t i n s i d e .

You're r eady f o r a f l u x i n g hea t . Both p i p e and rod must be c a r e f u l l y heated yellow. Brush and f l u x t h e rod.

U s e p lumber ' s 1/2" r a d i a l wire brush t o c l e a n i n s i d e f u l l e r e d p ipe . Flux q u i c k l y and i n s e r t rod t o t h e f u l l e r mark.

Close f u l l e r e d p i p e down on rod i n t h e f u l l e r i n g j i g . T h i s needs t o be done q u i c k l y and r e t u r n e d t o t h e f i r e be fo re t h e f l u x cools too much.

Slowly b r i n g t o a welding hea t a l lowing t h e p i p e and rod to ooak a t welding heat to insure temperature i s i n s i d e f u l l e r e d a r e a .

Forge weld i n t h e f u l l e r i n g j i g wi th quick l i g h t t a p s -- t u r n i n g t h e p ipe between each hit. See photos i l and i2 . A second welding h e a t can be taken i f necessary. -

Reprinted from a Cal i fornia Blacksmith repr int from The Pounder's Press, newsletter of the Southwest A r t i s t Blacksmith's Association. R o b Gunter u i 11 be demonstrating a t the 1991 Southeastern Regional Blacksmiths Conference i n Madison Georgia on May 17-18.

The F l o r i d a C l i n k e r B r e a k e r , March, 1991

~ l l o w p i p e w i t h welded stem t o cool .

Cut p i p e and stem as shown i n Sketch ( 2 .

Forge s t e m o u t t o a s h o r t t a p e r -- avoid h i t t i n g s e p t a l a r e a ,

Shape t h e sepal' : -- on a r e a l c h i l e it i s 5 . l o b e d o r somewha t

Take a good y e l l o w h e a t o v e r e n t i r e f u l l e r e d a r e a and s t e m , By s e l e c t i v e l y quinching t h e stem and sepa l : a r e a , upse t it down on t o t h e p i p e , I n s e r t t h e s tem i n t h e p r i t c h e l h o l e of your a n v i l and hammer t h e o t h e r end o f t h e L , p i p e . . Al low t h e , p i p e j u s t below t h e s e p t a l t o s w e l l somewhat, as t h i s looks more normal:

A f t e r u p s e t t i n g sepa l and b e f o r e c u r l i n g t h e s t e m -- u s e a s m a l l r a d i u s grooving c h i s e l t o d e f i n e r i d g e s on s e p t a l which p o i n t ' t o each lobe.

Sketch # 4 and 16 (see next page)

Curl t h e s t e m .

Racksaw o f f t h e p ipe 6"-64" for 3/4" p i p e o r 7' x 7+' f o r 1' p i p e from t h e s e p t a l .

In mwedgm or swedge block , taper the open and oC t h m pipa #tom yel low h e a t , t u r n i n g t h e p ipe between each h i t t o a v o i d any f o l d s . Make t h e t a p e r r e l a t i v e l y s h o r t a t t h i s p o i n t -- t h e t a p e r can be smoothed and made longe r a f t e r t h e p ipe i s c losed and forge-welded.

T h e F l o r i d a C l i n k e r B r e a k e r , March, 1 9 9 1

Tho chile can bo taparcd and forge-waldcd onto a rod at this point to make an interesting tool handle (3/4" pipe makes best handle), n

After forge-welding --.'hot rasp the closed end t o a small hemispherical radius-

With a coarse -3/8" .sq. file, shape a cleft in the radius end. Most chile peppers have a.2-lobed end, much like a bell pepper has 4 or 5 lobes. See Sketch I $ (next page).

Lengthen taper for a smooth transition back toward stem and septal,

Wrinkling the peppers Sketch 16 (next page) shows 2 primary wrinkles which-line up with the cleft in the end and are 180 degrees apart,

A n y other w r l n k es, f o l d a or bends are up to your taste -- k0 t w o chiles nie ever t i e same, and in nature they are never straight.

T h e Florida C l i n k e r B r e a k e r , March, 1991

t f o u n d i t m o s t h e l p f u l t o b u y a " D i g J i m ' ' c h i l e p e p p e r o r t w o i n t h e g r o c e r y s tore a n d s t u d y t h e r e a l t h i n g .

My f a v o r i t e h a m m e r f o r w r i n k l i n g i s t h e P e p p i n g h a l l s C h a s i n g Hammer 4 0 0 Crams $52986 a v a i l a b l e f r o m R o l ~ t . . Q u i n g s M e t a l D e s i g n o r C e n t a u r Forge L t d . S e e P h o t o # 4 .

A n i c e f i n a l t o u c h b e f o r e w a x i n g i s t o u s e a f i n e b r a s s w i r e b r u s h a t b l a c k heat o n t h e s t e m a n d s e p t a 1 f o r c o n t r a s t .

A m a z i n g l y e n o u g h , i n most c h i l e s , a s a ' r e s u l t o f f o r g e w e l d i n g t h e r e a re e v e n s e e d s i n s i d e when y o u s h a k e t h e c h i l e . - I 've h a d l o t s o f f u n u s i n g t h e c h i l e s b y t h e m s e l v e s o r a s h a n d l e s o n f i r ep lace t o o l s , b a r b e q u e se t s , a n d d o o r p u l l s . L e t m e k n o w w h a t o t h e r i d e a s y o u come u p w i t h .

PHOTO #1 -FORGE MELDING IN THE FULLERING JIG


$2 - QUICK LIGHT TAPS - TURNING PIPE BETWEEN EACH HIT

PHOTO #3 - FULLERING TOOL/FULLERING JIG Pnllering J i g - V e r y v e r s a t i l e a n d h a n d y . T h e o r i g i n a l c o n c e p t f o r t h i s , t o o l i s found i n J. .E. I lawley ' s book "The B l a c k Smi th & H i s A r t " , p. 149. Mine i s c o n s t r u c t e d of 3/8" *x 2 " a n g l e i r o n and 1 / 4 " x 2 " f l a t c o o l d r o l l e d h i n g e p l a t e s w i t h a 3 / 4 " x 1" hammer p a d . Qrn R a d i a l Wire Brush i s a p l u m b e r ' s t o o l f o r s h i n i n g t h e i n s i d e o f c o p p e r f i t t i n g s before s o l d e r i n g . T h e y ' r e c h e a p a t a n y p l u m b i n g s u p p l y o u t l e t .


PHOTO #4 - ROBR'S FAVORITE WRINKLING HAMMER 8 CHILE J


NEWS FROM THE NORTHWEST Jim Lollis

The Northwest reaion met March 9 at the Tallahassee Junior.Museum for a hammer-in on a beautiful, spring-like day when over 900 people visited the Museum. Michael Murphy and Jim Croft set up portable forges, and Virgil Mayo brought a finely crafted, new work table for vise and anvil. Billy Clutter and a lady named Cindy from FSU were new students, and Jim Croft and Willard Smith were quick to go over basics and get 'em hammerin'. Some oyster knives were banged out, book marks, and other small items appropriate for the novice. Both Cindy and Billy showed a lot of aptitude and enthusiasm for forge work, and we'll see more of them soon.

Beginnings were made on barking spuds or slicks for next month's meeting in Blountstown where we will be peeling logs for a new shop at Sam Adkins Park. Many Museum quests stopped to watch and learn, and some were rewarded with free samples of FABA work. Clyde Payton was present to share some very useful literature on blacksmithing and iron work, several books that are available locally, but can be received by mail through the state library lending system.

Also present at this meeting were Pat Imbimbo, Nathan Burgess and a friend, Virgil Mayo1s young companion, Jeremy from our last Museum workshop on blacksmithing for young folks, and Jim Lollis.

NEWS FROM THE SOUTHEAST Pete Brandenburg

The southeast region had a quiet meeting at Bob Ringer's shop in Fort Lauderdale on February 16. I spent the day making simple things, but burned up too many things talking to visitors and not paying attention. I talked Robert Modlik into selling a post vise, and we worked out some of the logistics for the statewide regional meeting in April.

Many out-of-towners have said they were coming to Fort Lauderdale for the April 20 statewide meeting so we will have two barbecues: one Friday, April 19, 6 pm until ?, and another Saturday, April 20, at 4 pm. These will be casual affairs with chicken or burgers and the trimmings. It will be a good chance to see everyone, even if you have to work dur- ing the day Saturday and can't make it to the scheduled demonstrations. We'll have a complete meeting announcement in next month's newsletter.

THOMAS RAINES

Rural north Florida blacksmith Thomas Raines died on December 28, 1990, at the age of 96. He had worked as a blacksmith for 80 years, and in honor of his contributions to smithing, FABA presented him with an honorary doctorate in 1988. He'll be missed. On behalf of Florida blacksmiths, Skeeter Prather delivered part of the eulogy.

GREETINGS FROM ESTONIA

We have been sending The Florida Clinker Breaker to a group of blacksmiths in Estonia, in the Soviet Union. This year FABA President Louis Riggleman received a holiday greeting card with the message, "All good wishes for Christmas and the New Year!'' It was signed "Estonian Blacksmiths' Union, Chairman Eerik Kouts." Despite political problems, blacksmiths are forging ahead-together. Eerik also sent Lewis photos of his recent work, which we'll print in next month's newsletter.


NEWS ABOUT MEMBERS

Tico Rubio and Maggi Rubio are now resident caretakers at the Pio- A4

neer Settlement for the Creative Arts in Barberville. In addition, Maggi, who takes care of the lambs, is learning to spin their fleece into wool. Tico and Maggi's new address is P. 0. Box 83, Barberville, FL 32105-0083, (904) 749-3328.

Once again, Steve Mitchell, a FABA member who lives clear up in Indiana, was the first to send in his annual dues. Carl and Norma Austin, FABA's Secretary/Treasurer, probably wish the rest of us would follow his example. Family dues of $15 are due by April 30. Carl and Norma have the dues notices in the mail now.

J. C. Hawkins cut his finger in his shop, and it was bad enough to keep the doctor stitching for quite a while. Luckily, no permanent dam- age was done, and hews on the mend.

Stan Strickland, of Stone Mountain, GA, is curating a major invita- tional exhibit of original work by southern blacksmiths entitled The Blacksmith's Art. Stan is a FABA member and a former ABANA president. FABA is one of the sponsors of the exhibit, which will be at the Madi- son-Morgan Culture Center in Madison, Georgia (where the Southeastern Regional Blacksmithing Conference will be held May 16-18, 1991). You can view the exhibit from February 23 through May 19. Look for work by some of FABA's members, including John Dittmeier and Jerry Grice. In connection with the exhibit, there will be blacksmithing demonstrations, a concert of "Forged Musicl1 on a hammer dulcimer, and a lecture by FABA member Jeff Mohr on life as a modern blacksmith.

Clay Spencer is one of four demonstrators who will work at the Mis- sissippi Forge Council's Blacksmith Conference on April 27-28 in Merid- - ian, Mississippi. He'll be repeating the demo on treadle hammering that he did at the ABANA Conference this past summer. Another feature of the Mississippi conference is an anvil shoot, conducted by none other than Floyd and Cordelia Daniel. This sounds like a great conference. If you're thinking about going, ask the Mississippi Forge Council, Rt. 13, Box 48, Meridian, MS 39301, to send you a brochure.

Master Bladesmith Charles Ochs will teach a class in Damascus Steel at Texarkana College's School of Bladesmithing August 5-9. For the full schedule and enrollment information, write to Texarkana College, School of Bladesmithing, 2500 N. Robison Road, Texarkana, TX 75501. Many FABA members have seen and admired Charles' work; he led a workshop at the 1989 FABA conference. The rest of the world has seen his knives featured in The Blade, Knife World, Knives Illustrated, and Knives '89.

Gerald Griffin's address was misprinted in a recent newsletter; it should be 10636 Gandy Blvd., Lot #51, St. Petersburg, FL 33702. We'll get this right yet.

Robert Modlik has a new address: 901 NE 18 Court Apt. 24, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33305.

FABA has some new members; welcome to Ken and Rochelle Whitney, John and Margie Funk, and Robert and Donna Jacoby! Ken Whitney (10465 SW 69 Ct., Ocala, FL 32676 [904] 854-8267) has had no blacksmithing experience, but is interested in the artistic and creative aspects of blacksmithing. John Funk (2779 Black Creek Drive, Middleburg, FL 32068 (9041 282-4458) also has had no experience, but is interested in general blacksmithing. Robert Jacoby (2809 Forest Circle, Jacksonville, FL 32257 [904] 733-8131) has manufactured small hand tools, and has heat - treating experience. He's interested in marine hardware and toolmaking. -


Our new members are looking for tools, and the free members1 ads on the back page of this newsletter are a good place to start looking. We especially invite new members to the next regional meeting, to meet some great Florida blacksmiths.

From a note from Steve Bloom: "I've enclosed my 'answer' to last month's puzzle [see page 61. I've asked Maggi Rubio to take over reporting for the next few months since my time has unexpectedly become wiped out-we had a major fire that obliterated my shop/garage/storage complex (hot enough to start melting cast iron!). Nobody was injured and we kept the fire from spreading-but now I've got to handle the insurance problems, get a new truck, rebuild a shop, repair a lot of equipment ... and I thought I was busy before! Anyway, it doesn't look likely that I'm going to get away until the May meeting . . . . I may have a functional shop by then, and several of the smiths in this area have volunteered their time for a shop raising (since I've already had a shop razing). The upshot of this is: don't hold your breath waiting for submissions until at least June. Sorry about that."

Steve and Kimmy had a MAJOR loss: their beautifully hand-built shop, all their tools, the van that was parked inside, the Volvo Steve was restoring, and lots more. Think about how you could help out.

SAFETY TIPS

David Court, a professional blacksmith in New Hampshire, forges wearing 20 oz. cotton gloves on both hands. One danger in cotton gloves is that they can smolder for hours. To prevent the danger of a shop fire, cotton gloves can be soaked in borax and dried. This prevents smoldering. [From an article by Ned Edelen, in the November-December

@ 1990 newsletter of The Blacksmiths Guild of the Potomac.] Getting the fire started using coke from the last fire is easy.

But what should you use to start the coke? A1 Bart, Yreka, CA, always uses wood shavings. This doesn't get his fire dirty (A1 says the news is so bad that it will spoil the fire). But if you do use newspaper to start the coke, use only newspaper printed with black ink. Colored ink newspapers and magazines should not be used. Colored inks usually con- tain barium, copper, and other metals. Pressure treated wood may release chrome and toxic arsenic. The EPA speculates that burning ply- wood or chipboard may release aldehydes, including the carcinogenic formaldehyde. A fireplace may take most of that junk outside, but a forge? Remember that black stuff you blew into your handkerchief? Bet- ter use wood shavings. [From an article by Bob Thomson, in the January, 1991, California Blacksmith.]

WHOLESALE SALE OPPORTUNITY

John and Margaret Guthrie of East Bay Gallery, 636 Coleman Blvd., I%. Pleasant, SC 29464, (803) 849-9603, write:

East Bay Gallery is a collection of fine crafts from over 250 artisans. We have two locations in the Charleston area and we are considering opening a third.

We are expanding our metal furnishings department in both production work and one of a kind pieces. If you are interested in having your work represented in our gallery, we request that you forward information to our Mt. Pleasant Loca- tion. Any slides or photographs that need to be returned to you must be accompa- nied by a S.A.S.E. Those not returned will be used as reference material for interested customers.

We are looking forward to your response and the possibility of including your work here at East Bay Gallery.


FINANCIAL REPORT, ANNUAL FABA CONFERENCE C a r l A u s t i n , FABA T r e a s u r e r

As of October, 1990:

T o t a [ conference income .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2621 . 00 includes r eg i s t r a t i on fees, T -sh i r t and jeuel ry sales, buck-in-the-bucket t i c k e t sales, and donations

Total conference expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2444.08 includes honorariuns, s t i l t s , p r i n t i n g and postage, misc. demonstrator expenses, name pins, hand- out packets, and advance funds f o r various recorded and d o c w n t e d expenses

YEAR END FINANCIAL REPORT C a r l A u s t i n , FABA T r e a s u r e r - F o r 1/1/90 t h r o u g h 12/31/90:

Total Income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $8865.58 includes dues, donations, misc. sales, T -sh i r t and jewelry sales, annual s t a t e conference, auc- t ion, misc. income, in te res t earned, buck-in-the-bucket t i c ke t sales

Total Expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6919.80 includes newsletter p r i n t i n g and postage; honorariuns; donation f o r h i s t o r i c a l development; taxes, Licences, and fees; misc. f o r resale, adn in is t ra t i ve postage, o f f i c e expenses, telephone, misc. expenses

FINANCIAL MESSAGE C a r l A u s t i n , FABA T r e a s u r e r - J a n u a r y 20, 1991

Although our end o f the year account balance o f December 31, 1990, i n the amount o f $7437.05 looks p r e t t y good, - i t should be noted tha t our general funds are not a l l that great. I f i t had not been f o r conference and auction income,

Ly d i d not take i n enough money from general sources i n 1990 t o pay f o r general expenses tha t year. We were ;;7;!8 short and had - to d i p i n t o conference p r o f i t s t o pqy our way.

w I n fairness, i t should be noted tha t i n 1990 we d i d have some cruel and unusual expenses i n connection wi th

amending the A r t i c l es o f Incorporation, f i l i n g fees wi th the IRS f o r n o n - p r o f i t status, costs of the ex t ra ba l lo t , fees f o r f i l i n g f o r bu lk - ra te mailing, etc. These to ta led approximately $350, inc luding postage and one c a l l s i n r e above.

Even so, our budget i s precariously balanced insofar as general revenue i s concerned. here are some f inanc ia l questions we may have t o ask ourselves some way down the road:

s" Do we want t o jus t throw the auct ion proceeds i n t o general operating funds? Or should i t be earmarked

f o r education and scholarships? Should i t be allowed t o b u i l d up i n t o a cushion o f seed money f o r bigger and be t te r conferences?

Are we happy and sa t i s f i ed that pur big, beaut i fu l , h igh-cal iber conferences ( l i k e the one Last October) can be f i nanc i a l l y self-support ing, or d i d we expect t o der ive large p r o f i t s from them, t o be added t o the gen- - era1 fund?

Should we expect our c lub t o be able t o support i t s operating expenses from current dues income?

EDITORIAL: BLACKSMITHING IN FLORIDA ON $19 A DAY P e t e B r a n d e n b u r g

We spent $6900 Last year wi th income of about $8800, but we had t o use $375 of the Annual Conference surplus. We have been bu i ld ing a conference reserve fund f o r our Annual Conference. We need a conference reserve fund o f $5000 t o 87500. We now ha~e~S6055.45 i n the FABA treasury. Af ter we pay f o r the next few newsletters and the Southeastern Regional Conference reimburses FABA f o r p r i n t i n g and mai l ing expenses, we w i l l be Left w i th about the same amount before the 1991 dues s t a r t r o l l i n g in . So, our reserve i s s t i l l short o f a comfortable level. We need a reserve fund-because we have t o incur most of the conference expenses i n advance. Also, there's a chance we could have a hurr icane Instead of our Annual Conference someday. I t wouldn't be as much fun, but i t would cost almost as much and we wouldn't take i n any money. When we b u i l d up an adequate reserve we should be able t o a f f o rd more demonstrators and put on even be t te r Conferences. FABA1s Board-considered t h i s jus t a f t e r Last year's successful Annual Conference, but decided we d i d n ' t have enough money i n the k i t t y yet t o r i s k the higher expenses.

Aside from the Annual Conference, the newsletter i s our biggest expense. I n 1990, we spent $12.45 r member t o p r i n t and mail twelve news!etters. Actual1 we spent 826 t o r i n t and mail each one, but we exchange n e w s r t t e r s wi th about 50 other groups. This adds a"other 2% per member f o r tR cost o f the addi t ional n y s l e t t e r s - ( t h e newsletter exchange provides much o f the material f o r our own newsletter). Also, we s n t 76e t o r i n t and mai l the annual membership d i r ec to r y - t o each W r . The e lec t ion b a l l o t co r t around 40e per &r, but we & t o send out an ext ra b a l l o t i n 1990 t o rev ise our a r t i c l e s o f incorporat ion t o sa t i s f y the IRS. We usual ly spend about $1 per member on membershi renewal notices, membership appl icat ions, new member packages, s ta te f i l i n g fees etc., but these expenses were over $5 Last year because of the unusual expenses t o make our tax-exempt stautus o f f i c i a t .

We have two b r i gh t s t s i n the gradual r i s e i n the cost of everything that w i l l a c t ua l l y reduce fu tu re ---. expenses. F i rs t , the cost o p t h e newsletter exchange e f f ec t i ve l y goes down as our membership grows and spreads the cost , over more members. Second, changing t o non-prof i t bulk mai l ing w i l l save us about $500 on postage t h i s year i n sp i t e of Last month's b i g postage ra te increases. ~ o ~ e t h e r , these savings w i l l Let us put out a bigger newsletter whi le - s l i g h t l y reducing overa l l expenses. A1 1 i n a1 1, we can manage wel l on our $15 dues f o r a few more years.


FZORIDA ARTIST BLACKSMITH ASSOCIATION - Chapter of ABANA, Inc. P.O. Box 1601, Zolfo Springs, FL 33890

President (90-91): Lewis Riggleman P.O. Box 247, San Antonio, FL 33576 Chl (904) 521-3515 Cwl (813) 937-4281 Vice-President (91-92): J.C. Hawkins, 13534 NW 160 Avenue Morriston, FL 32668 Chl (904) 528-3318 Sec./Treas. (90-91): Norma & Carl Austin P.O. Box 160!, Zol fo Springs FL 33890 I h l (813) 735-0257 Newsletter Ed. (91-92): Pete Brandenburg, 259 Granada Rd., West Palm Beach FL 3340j Chl (407) 833-2708 I w l 640-0445 Program Chair (90-91): Steve Kalb 691 Astarias Circle, Fort Myers, FL 33519, Ih l (813) 481-8420, Cwl (813) 489-1620 Past-President (90-91): Wi l la rd smith, Route 1 Box 138, Blountstown, FL 32424, Ih l (904) 674-8055, Cwl (904) 877-7117 Board Memb. #1 (90-91 ): Clyde Payton, Route 3 Box 124D, Monticel lo, FL 32344 Chl (904) 997-3627 Cwl (904) 488-0577 Board Memb. #2 (91-92): Pat Imbjmbo, 2450-Kimberly Lane, Tal !ahassee FL 32361, Ih l (9041 656-3454 Board Memb. #3 (90-91): Joe Farina, 374 River Edge Road Jupiter ~ ~ ' 3 3 4 7 7 , I h l (407) 744-8323 Board Memb. #4 (91-92): Tico Rubio, PO Box 83, ~ a r b e r v i [ le, FL 32105, (904) 749-3327 Board Memb. #5 (90-91):Vacant

The Flor ida A r t i s t Blacksmith Association - Chapter of A r t i s t Blacksmith Association o f North America Inc. (FABA) i s a non-prof i t educational organizat ion whose purposes are t o teach, promote, end preserve the a r t o f blacksmithing. FABA i s a s t a t e cha t e r o f the A r t i s t Blacksmith Association of North America, Inc. (ABANA). The Flor ida Cl inker Breaker i s pub l i she f monthly, and annual subscript ion i s included wi th FABA membership. We s o l i c i t c o r r e s p o m a n d w i d a r t i c l e s on any-subjects re lated t o FABA1s purposes. Send to: 1532 Old Okeechobee Road #103, West Palm Beach, FL 33409. We need items by the f i r s t Saturday o f the month t o get them i n the next month's issue. Non-copy- r ighted material may be repr in ted i n ABANA chapter newsletters, i f i t i s credi ted t o the author and t h i s newsletter. You need the author's permission t o repr in t copyrighted material unless otherwise noted-we'll put you i n touch.

1990 HOW-TO ARTICLE REPRINT BOOKLET-$2.25, POSTPAID

We have reprinted a year of FABA members' how-to articles from The Florida Clinker Breaker in a 24-page, 8+" by 11" booklet. The booklet contains members' how-to articles from the twelve issues of The Florida Clinker Breaker from November, 1989, through October, 1990. We're selling the booklets at FABA's printing and mailing cost of $2.25 per copy. I

To order the booklet, make out a check or money order to "FABA" for 2.25 per copy, and send it to: Carl Austin, Treasurer, P. 0. Box 601, Zolfo Springs, FL 33890.

Walt Anderson

Ronnie Fowler Steve I<nlb Dale IGpp

Lewis Riggleman Willard Smith

FABA MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION Florida Artist Blacksmith Association

- Chapter of ABANA, Inc. ABANA MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION Artist Blacksmith Association

of North America, Inc.

Address 1 tY . State 1 1 Phone: ' LIP

€1 t y State ZIP

Home Business Phone: Phone:

Spousels name:

Are you in terested i n procuring:

[ 1 anvi 1 I 1 coal C I hand too ls I 1 blower I 1 forge I I post v ise I 1 other

Send t h i s appl icat ion and a membership fee of 815 to:

Norma & Carl Austin FABA Secretar /Treasurer P. 0. Box 1605: Zol fo Springs, FL 33890

Make check out t o FABA. The FABA membership year begins May 1. New m e r s h i p s received a f t e r Jan. 31 also cover the fo l lowing membership year. Membership i s a for a fami l You don' t have t o be an ABANA member t o join FABA, kt many FABA members are, and we encourage membership i n both organizations.

1, hereby apply f o r membership i n the A r t i s t Blacksmith Association o f North America and enclose as my annual membership dues f o r one year. Checks m u s t b e US funds. Membership includes a sub- sc r i p t i on t o The Anv i l ' s Ring.

VISA I I Card number 71 Master Card I I Exp. date

Signature

Fu l l time Student (1 year only) 825.00 per year Regular Membership ............. 835.00 per year Family Member (one vote) ....... 840.00 per year Senior C i t i zen (age 65) ........ 825.00 per year Overseas Membership ............ 845.00 per year Contr ibutory Member ........... 8100.00 per year Public L ib ra ry Subsrcipt ion .... 825.00 per year

Cal l (812) 988-6919 t o charge your membership t o VISA or Master Card, or make out a check t o ABANA and send to:

ABANA P. O..Box 1181 Nashville, Indiana 47488


FOR SALE: ANVIL, POWER HAMMER, ETC-, ETC-, ETC- Clyde Payton

I know no one is going to believe this, but I am really cleaning out my shop. But, what is more incredible-I am really going to sell off a bunch of stuff in this cleaning out process. I've been collecting for 50 years now, and I'm simply out of room. I have on our farm an old tenant house, large shop, covered shop addition, and a large tractor and equipment shed-all full.

[See Clyde's partial list of sale items on page 4.3

JOHNSON CASTING FURNACE FOR SALE

FABA member Herm Leukhardt, 504 East Jamestown Road, Greenville, PA 16125, has a complete Johnson Casting Furnace for sale for $600. Call him at (412) 588-0654.

DIRECTORY OF SUPPLIES

ABANA Board member Ron Porter is gathering information for a directory of blacksmith supplies. The list will be updated regularly and available for all chapters to use. Ron is looking for names and addresses of suppliers of tools, coal, forges, books, rivets, and any- thing else a blacksmith might need. Please do him a favor and tell him about your favorite supplier. Ron Porter's address is RR 1, Box 64, Bunker Hill, IN 46914.

The Florida Clinker Breaker Florida Artist Blacksmith Association Chapter of Artist Blacksmith Association of North America, Inc. 1532 Old Okeechobee Road #I03 West Palm Beach, FL 33409-5226

Morriston (March 2) Blountstown

(March 9)

Sarasota (March 30) Fort Lauderdale

(March 16)

March, 1991, MEETINGS See detailed meeting schedule on page 2.

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U. S. POSTAGE

WEST PALM BEACH, FL PERMIT NO. 108

Member Through 4130191 STEVE & KIMMY BLOOM IRONFLOWER FORGE PO BOX 542 ARCHER FL 32618

DATED MATERIAL

I CLINKER BREAKER - Blacksmithing

Documents

Transcript of I CLINKER BREAKER - Blacksmithing