Sunday, July 18, 2010
Glimpses from Market Fair
We had a wonderful weekend at Market Fair. It was terribly hot (upper 90s and high humidity), but everyone had a great sense of humor and we all had fun.
Many thanks to our friends who came out and supported us. Thank you so much!
Many thanks to our friends who came out and supported us. Thank you so much!
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Forge Welding
I was making some crosses last evening in preparation for Market Fair. You can see some shots of these crosses in one of my recent posts here: http://blackforestironworks.blogspot.com/2010/06/beautiful-rustic-cross.html.
These crosses require some welding. There are various techniques for welding (i.e. forge, MIG, Oxy-Acetylene), and I have taken a few classes in the various methods.
These crosses require some welding. There are various techniques for welding (i.e. forge, MIG, Oxy-Acetylene), and I have taken a few classes in the various methods.
This is my Chile Forge "Tabasco" at full burn (~20 psi) ready to weld:
Last night, I forge-welded, which involves scarfing the two ends to be joined (tapering them to thin, flat ends which overlap), heating the metal to immediately below its melting point and using a powder called flux (borax) to impede oxidation and increase the chance that the weld will stick. Once the two ends get to "white-hot" in the forge, the piece comes quickly out of the forge and is hammered together to make the weld.
Monday, July 5, 2010
Reviewing the Day's Work
After an evening in the forge, I often bring my work in to study it and to share it with the family; I often "tweak" it the following day to get it just how I want it.
You can see it was pretty hot out there. The temp went over 90 during the day this day, and most of this week. Even at almost 9PM, it had to be close to 100 degrees out there!
I noticed this one had a slight bend in the tail that made it sit funny and the cup was also tilted, neither of which I could let slide, so I fixed both the next day.
Saturday, July 3, 2010
In the Forge: Scroll Candlestick Holders
Market Fair is July 17th and 18th, and I am getting ready. Today, I was making some scroll candlestick holders:
Here's the flier for Market Fair. Please mark your calenders -- we'd love to see you!
Friday, July 2, 2010
Tasks
Make MF Inventory - 3 candlestick holders, 3 letter openers, 3 crosses, leaves
Finish ring
Make trivet
Make Tongs
Buy Drill Press
Buy Drill Press
Buy Sander
Make anvil Swage box (from Mark's book)
Make vise stand (from Mark's book)
Scott Forge (Illinois) family tour
Make vise stand (from Mark's book)
Scott Forge (Illinois) family tour
Claude Moore Colonial Farm Market Fair Brochure
Hello Market Fair visitors --
This is shaping up to be a great Fair. Below is a PDF that you can print and post to get the word out about the July Market Fair. Put it up at work, in your neighborhood, anywhere you can think of!
This is shaping up to be a great Fair. Below is a PDF that you can print and post to get the word out about the July Market Fair. Put it up at work, in your neighborhood, anywhere you can think of!
Hope to see you there!
Please see more details at Claude Moore Colonial Farm website at: http://www.1771.org/