Education - Ontario Artist Blacksmith Association Notice Board

IRON SMELT - Oct 13

Darrell Markewitz — Tue, 08 Oct 2019 12:11:18 +0000

Experimental Iron Smelt
the Wareham Forge
Sunday Oct 13, 2109

‘Icelandic’ Stone Block - Re-used Slag Bowl

The furnace construction is one variation suggested by the excavations at Skogar, Iceland, in combination with the very real problem of available materials in Iceland. (1)
The on hand stone block furnace was constructed and test fired in June 2019. (2)

Excavations at Hals show clear C shaped remnants of the slag bowls created during an iron making sequence. (3)

Most of the experimental tests undertaken at Wareham involve attempting to explore limited variables, focused to understanding historic process. To that end, it is common to only use any single furnace build at most only 2 or 3 times - often only a single use. The standard has been to completely clear away any remaining interior debris of slag before a second experiment.
It was noticed that the fragmented slag bowl from the June smelt closely resembled what was seen on the excavation drawings from Hals (and other sites).

The set up for the upcoming experiment will be to use the existing stone block furnace, retaining the slag bowl still in place (about 2/3 of the initial).
• ‘standard’ furnace layout (4)
• copper tuyere
• electric blower (high volume air)
• ‘DD2’ ore analog / 30 kg (5)

The specific question?
How will the retention of an earlier created slag bowl effect a second firing in the same furnace?

Interested in Attending ?

Day start : 9 AM
Main Sequence start (typically) : about 10:30 AM
Extraction (estimated) : 5 PM

This event is considered ‘Open Invitational’
Those wishing to attend are welcome, but I ask you e-mail me (info@warehamforge.ca) so I can manage things like parking and support equipments.
This is not specifically a teaching situation. There will be plenty of chances for those keen to both learn and especially participate. (Dirty jobs to be done!)
Those hoping to directly participate should wear work clothes of all natural fibre, and ideally wear boots that fit up over the ankle. Safety eyewear and gloves will be provided.
People are advised to bring lunches with them, the working team can expect to grab while they work.

Directions :

The Wareham Forge is ‘pinned’ on Google Maps
The location is roughly 1 1/2 hours north of Brampton, just off highway 10, beyond Dundalk.
(About 2 hours NE of Waterloo for any ML302 students)
http://www.warehamforge.ca/directions/index.html

Darrell Markewitz

(also with images : https://warehamforgeblog.blogspot.com/2019/10/fall-iron-smelt.html )

1) Clay is generally not found in Iceland. What few specific locations have only yielded a vary low melting point material, itself not suitable to withstand the normal operating temperatures within a bloomery furnace.
Excavations at Hals, Iceland exposed massive furnaces constructed of diagonally piled cut grass sod strips. These may (or may not ?) have had a thin liner of such clay, but the main support remains the sods. (see the earlier Hals series)
One of the furnaces at Skogar clearly indicates the remaining lower part of the furnace to be constructed of smaller stone blocks. As is most often the case, the entire upper portion of the furnace is missing.

2) http://warehamforgeblog.blogspot.com/2019/07/stone-block-furnace.html

3) ‘Towards an Icelandic Smelt’ An evaluation of the Hals site (Fall, 2008)
http://www.warehamforge.ca/ironsmelting/HALS/index.html

4) http://www.warehamforge.ca/ironsmelting/Brown-11/Ideal-Furnace.jpg

5) http://www.warehamforge.ca/ironsmelting/ores.html

Students WANTED - Introduction : July 12-14

Darrell Markewitz — Mon, 08 Jul 2019 13:49:32 +0000

I currently have openings for the next course:

Introduction to Blacksmithing

http://www.warehamforge.ca/TRAINING/course.html

July 12 / 13 / 14

This is a beginner's level program, maximum number of students is SIX, each student has their own complete anvil work station. Use of both coal and propane forges.

Darrell Markewitz has over 30 years experience teaching hands on workshop programs. He is well known for his depth of historical knowledge.

OABA members? Ask for a $25 discount on the fee!

IRON SMELT - June 22 - Wareham Forge

Darrell Markewitz — Wed, 19 Jun 2019 12:21:32 +0000

I have been researching and acquiring materials to test the 'stone block' build I consider most likely used at the site at Skogar, Iceland (enclosed image).
I will be purchasing the needed granite stone later today. (Type chosen with consultation with Marcus Burnham, my geologist team member.)
- electric blower
- bog ore analog
- forged copper tuyere
- maple charcoal
I have worked with 'stone slab' construction a few times, so I am not expecting any special surprises. Granite is not basalt, and local stone is certain to have its own variations.

I am expecting to see:
- specific erosion / heat effects on the stones. This may serve useful in comparison to the archaeology.
- an effect from the massive weight of the stone build (in the range of 400 kg) that sinks the first course of stones into the ground soil level. This may also be done specifically, in a help to stabilize the construction. Again to compare to archaeology.
- specific problems with the clay fill into the gaps between stones shrinking as it dries and causing venting cracks. There may be small fragments of clay spalling off into the furnace interior. Will this leave traces?
- the much larger mass of the stone build is likely to effect at least the initial heating to temperature / overall charcoal consumption. How much on both?

Interested in Attending?

There will certainly be openings for people to assist directly with the smelt itself. Charcoal Money, direct work around the furnace, possible compaction at extraction. Those interested in just observing are welcome to attend!
I consider this a 'semi invitational' event. What that means is that if you are interested in coming up, just pop me back an e-mail letting me know. (This primarily so I can manage things like parking, etc.) Also feel free to pass this event notice to others you may know that may also want to come up (same rule).

Start time : 9:00 AM
Expected main sequence start : 11 - 12 PM
Estimated extraction of bloom : 6 - 7 PM

I have pulled the following off my standard 'student course information' - especially for those who have not attended an iron smelt at Wareham inthe past :

1) Directions
- See the web site http://www.warehamforge.ca/directions
- *Beware of GPS guides*, they often place the civic address of 307377 Centre Line in the centre of the 'farm block' - so a good 1 km west of the shop. The correct location is on the intersection of Centre Line and 41 Sideroad.
- the Wareham Forge is registered on Google Maps
- Travel times are roughly 2 hours from Toronto (depending), 1 1/2 hours from Waterloo.
- If you get lost, (you can try to) call me at 519-923-9219. I will try to keep my portable phone (land line) with me, but honestly expect to be out in the smelting area after about 8 am Saturday.

2) Weather
- Check the Weather Network for 'Dundalk' http://www.theweathernetwork.com/ca/weather/ontario/dundalk
- Generally the the temperature is 5 C less than posted temperature for Toronto
- The geography means conditions here can be radically different than further south, plan for this.

This is an OUTDOOR event - conducted rain or shine.
There is some limited overhead cover, but primarily just over the working area (which is limited to the working team only)
Dress in layers - warm footgear recommended.

3) Hours
- refer to above

4) Access
-Visitors are advised to park nose in along the front edge of the workshop (Centre Line)
- Parking on the side driveway is limited to working team only please.
- Any overflow is suggested to park along the road, east side on 41 Sideroad. (Too many high speed trucks on Centre Line on weekends!)

- The iron smelting area is under a pole frame with roof area, beside the pond, to the rear of the property. Just make your way down the east side of the main building, then through the gap at the edge of the small 'tin shop'.
- Entry to the workshop is the large cargo door to the south side of the building (Centre Line).
- Otherwise if you need to find me, there is a house door bell located (small sign) on the right hand * side * of the shop entrance frame. Note that the residence is to the rear of the same building - *not* at the church building next door.

5) Bring
- Safety gear (glasses, ear plugs) will be available (and enforced for work team) If you have better quality safety glasses you should bring them.
- Anyone hoping to get directly involved as the work team needs leather foot wear, and should be above ankle high. Steel toes are *not* required. (Generally most work or hiking boots are fine).
- Caution should be taken to avoid any 'polar fleece' / acrylic or nylon fabrics - especially required for work team. Cotton is ideal, (jeans and T shirt). Note that the burning charcoal produces considerable wind born ash, and often small sparks. This is a dirty working environment!
- Bag lunches are suggested. Travel to the closest food is either Dundalk or Flesherton, which runs about 15 minutes for either. Note there are normally no cooking facilities available on site. There is a roofed fire pit that can be made use of.
- Don't bother with bottled water. Any water sourced from 'Feversham' comes out of the same underground as my own well does.

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Blacksmith Training from David Robertson

David Robertson — Thu, 06 Jun 2019 21:01:51 +0000

Blacksmith Courses
Ranging from Basic to Advanced programs including:

General Smithing,
Decorative,
Organics (flowers leaves and twigs),
Knife Making
Damascus.
Best to check out the website for detailed listings with the dates and related info.

See: https://www.ArtistBlacksmith.com

Most courses are based around a weekend program. There are options for 1 day to week long specialty classes depending on your where your skill development is. These specialty classes are scheduled at mutual convenience.

Email me through the above website, to find out current bookings or if you have questions about the courses.

David Robertson

Tools of The Trade. Post CanIronXII Workshop

Megan Carter — Thu, 09 May 2019 16:27:32 +0000

Mike Armstrong and Megan Carter or Armstrong and Carter Ironworks will be offering a class post CanIronXII @ Ness Creek Saskatchewan:

Tools of The Blacksmith Trade (July 2nd-5th) - Over 4 days we will forge a selection of useful tools for your shop including, a pair of double callipers, tongs of various styles and a flatter top tool. During this course we will be able to work with the beginner with some forging experience to the more advanced smith. For more information on the course and how to register visit:

https://discovernesscreek.com/forestartmeganmike/

CanIronClassPromo.jpg

Joe Keeslar Demo @ The Barns Studio

Megan Carter — Mon, 06 May 2019 18:45:11 +0000

Terry and Cheryl Sheridan, of The Barn Studio, are pleased to host ABS (American Bladesmith Society) Master Smith, Joe Keeslar, to demonstrate this September 6, 7 and 8, 2019. The demonstration will include metal engraving, inlay and leatherwork.

You just be registered for this event to attend. Please see attached file fore more information.

Joe-Keeslar-Registration-Pkg.pdf

Introduction to Blacksmithing - May 10 - 12

Darrell Markewitz — Mon, 06 May 2019 13:32:19 +0000

OPENINGS AVAILABLE

A beginner's program, intended to introduce you to the forge and basic techniques as you make a number of simple objects. Includes discussion of correct hammer use, fast look at materials, history and contemporary work.

Instructor is Darrell Markewitz of the Wareham Forge (over 30 years worshop teaching experience).

Mention membership in OABA for a $25 discount!

Details and Register online (Paypal) :

http://www.warehamforge.ca/TRAINING/course.html

Other workshop courses available :

http://www.warehamforge.ca/TRAINING/train.html