April 2015 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Gary Phillips ‘18 President: 14800 N SR 167 N Albany, IN 47320 (765) 789-8316 behere@netdirect.net THE FORGE FIRE Steve King ‘18 1155 S. Paoli Unionville Rd Paoli, IN 47454 (812) 797-0059 kingknives@live.com The Newsletter of the Indiana Blacksmithing Association, Inc. Bill Conyers ‘19 Vice Pres 50964 Lilac Rd, South Bend, IN (574) 277-8729 billconyerssr@yahoo.com An Affiliate Of The Artists-Blacksmiths' Association of North America, Inc. IBA is a Not For Profit Indiana Corporation recognized by the IRS under section 501(c)(3) Bill Newman ‘19 4655 Williams Rd Martinsville, IN 46151 (317) 690-2455 ruralsmiths1@yahoo.com 9:30 AM is the regular meeting time for IBA Hammer-Ins with beginner training available at 9:00 AM. PLEASE MAKE SURE TO ASK FOR HELP! Dominick Andrisani ‘16 3608 Capilano Drive West Lafayette, IN 47906-8869 (765)463-4975 andrisan@purdue.edu Ted Stout ‘16 8525 W 700 S West Point, IN 47992-9258 (765) 572-2467 stout8525@tds.net James Johnston ‘17 Education Chairman: 806 Twyckingham Lane Kokomo, IN 46901-1885 (765) 452-8165 kokomoblacksmith@comcast.net Keith Hicks ‘17 Secretary: 5184 State Road 252 Brookville, IN 47012 (765) 914-6584 keithhicks2011@gmail.com Librarian: Larry Rosentrader 8715 E. 375 N Churubusco, IN 46723-9501 260-693-3267 rosentrad@cs.com Editor: Bill Kendrick 1280 N 900 W Seymour, IN 47274 (812) 445-3009 bill.d.kendrick@cummins.com Treasurer and membership secretary: Farrel Wells 8235 E 499 S Dunkirk, IN 47336-8807 (765) 768-6235 flwells@frontier.com Awards Chairman: Charlie Helton 2703 South Water Plant Road Westport, IN 47283 (812) 591-3119 heltoncs@frontier.com Secondary Story Headline If you would like an IBA membership application form, please contact Farrel Wells, Membership Secretary (765) 768-6235. BULK LOTS ARE AVAILABLE TO DEMONSTRATORS, SHOPS, SHOWS AND OTHERS WILLING TO MAKE THEM AVAILABLE. WE APPRECIATE YOUR HELP. The Indiana Blacksmithing Association, Inc., its staff, officers, directors, members, and hosts and the Forge Fire, specifically disclaim any responsibility or liability for damages or injuries as a result of any construction, design, use, manufacture or other activity undertaken as a result of the use, or application of, information contained in any articles in the Forge Fire. The Indiana Blacksmithing Association, Inc. And the Forge Fire assumes no responsibility or liability for the accuracy, fitness, proper design, safety, or safe use of any information contained in the Forge Fire. The Forge Fire is the newsletter of the Indiana Blacksmithing Association Inc. (IBA) IBA is an affiliate of the Artist-Blacksmiths Association of North America Inc. Permission is granted to other similar non-profit organizations to reproduce uncopyrighted articles originally appearing in The Forge Fire provided credit is given the original source. More nearby resources and organizations for blacksmiths: Rural Smiths of Mid-America: Meetings are on the first Saturday of each month Call Ron Gill IBA MEETING SCHEDULE Check the latest Forge Fire for monthly IBA revisions. Apr 18 2015 MAUMEE VALLEY BLACKSMITHS NEW HAVEN May 16 2015 TBD June 55-7 2015 IBA CONFERENCE TIPTON FAIRGROUNDS July 18 2015 TBD 317-374-8323 for details Page 2 Editors Message For those who have not heard, I am sad to report that Arthenia Zile passed away on March 27. Arthenia and her husband John were long standing supporters of the IBA. Our condolences and prayers go out to the family. INDEX PGS 3-6 SATELLITE NEWS PG 7 EVENTS LOOKING FOR BLACKSMITHS PGS 8&9 RASP HANDLES PG 10 CONE SECTIONS PG 11 CHEESE SLICER Dates to Remember May 9 Su"on-Terock Shop Repair Day May 16 Su"on Terock Shop Repair Day or Hammer In June 5-7 IBA Conference July 17-19 UMRBC (Pon3ac) The IBA annual business mee3ng was held on March 21st. Here are a few highlights: • Bill Conyers and Bill Newman were re-elected to the board. Jeff Reinhardt finished in a very close third. • IBA officers were re-elected with no changes. • Satellite group forge masters were asked to check a"endees against the IBA membership list. Visitors are welcome at satellite hammer ins, but there is an understanding that repea3ng visitors will become members. • The annual financial report was reviewed and approved during the mee3ng. The IBA had a good year financially. Annual expenses totaled $20810 and annual income totaled $26510 for a net of $5700. The bulk of the profit came from the Conference in terms of a"endance fees, auc3on and pre-conference class. This years Conference is coming up quickly. Full brochure and flyers will be coming out shortly. This year we have two classes. Prior to the Conference on June 3&4, Nathan Robertson will conduct a hammer making class. During the Conference Dennis Kutch will be conduc3ng a class on 3nsmithing. Space is limited for both classes, so sign up early. As noted above, the conference auc3on is a significant contributor to the IBA’s financial health. Every year we see be"er designs and be"er workmanship of the donated items. This year the garden bench project should bring in a variety fine pieces. We also have needs for individual items. Spouses are encouraged to par3cipate as well. During the business mee3ng it was clearly stated that baked goods would be appreciated Satellite group highlights: • The most recent group has conducted their first hammer in. The group is aptly named “Satellite 13”. They meet the 4th Saturday of each month at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. Star3ng 3me is reported to be approximately 9AM. You can enter the fairgrounds from Fall Creek. Iden3fy yourself as a blacksmith to avoid parking fees and proceed to the Pioneer Village area. • The Su"on-Terock shop will be installing new metal siding on their shop on May 9 and May 16. They are looking for volunteers to help with the project. Please show up with a screw gun. Lunch will be provided. Note if the work is completed on May 9, then the forge will be lit on May 16. Visit the IBA website at: www.indianablacksmithing.org Page 3 IBA Satellite Groups and News Sutton-Terock Memorial Blacksmith Shop Meet: 2nd Saturday at 9 AM Contacts: Fred Oden (574) 223-3508 Dennis Todd (574) 542-4886 Wabash Valley Blacksmith Shop Meet: 2nd Saturday at 9 AM Contacts: Doug Moreland (217) 284-3457 Max Hoopengarner (812) 249-8303 Jennings County Historical Society Blacksmith Shop Meet: 2nd Saturday at 9 AM Contact: Ray Sease (812) 522-7722 Fall Creek Blacksmith Shop Meet: 4th Saturday at 9 AM Contacts: Larry Singer (765) 643-5953 Farrel Wells (765) 768-6235 St. Joe Valley Forgers Maumee Valley Blacksmiths Meet: 2nd and 4th Saturday Contact: Clint Casey (260) 627-6270 John Schamber (260) 579-7303 Rocky Forge Blacksmith Guild Meet: 2nd Saturday at 9 AM Contacts: Ted Stout (765) 572-2467 Whitewater Valley Blacksmiths Meet: 2nd Saturday Contact: Keith Hicks (765) 914-6584 Bunkum Valley Metalsmiths Meet: 1st Saturday Contacts: Doug Neukam (812) 259-4430 Steve Stoll (812) 486-9668 Kathy Malone (812) 725-3310 Meet: 4th Saturday at 9 AM Contacts: Bill Conyers (574) 277-8729 John Latowski (574) 344-1730 The Southern Indiana Meteorite Mashers Contacts: Billy Merritt (812) 338-2876 Steve King (812) 797-0059 Jeff Reinhardt 812-949-7163 One-Armed Blacksmith’s Shop Meet: 1st Saturday Contact: Tim Metz (812) 447-2606 “Doc” Ramseyer Blacksmith Shop Location: 6032W 550N, Sharpsville, IN 46060 Meet: 3rd Sunday at 2 PM Contacts: Mike Kelley Charles Gruell (765) 513-5390 Satellite 13 Meet: 4th Saturday Contact: Bill Newman (317) 690-2455 Inaugural Hammer In at Satellite 13 Satellite 13 Satellite 13's inaugural meeting was very well attended with approximately 20 people in attendance. Thanks to all the IBA members who turned out for a great time. We had 4 forges and anvils in operation most of the day. The meeting started at 9 am and lasted until 1;30 pm. Our next meeting will be at the Satellite 13 shop on the State Fair grounds in Pioneer Village on April 25, all are welcome to attend. Thanks to all who attended and hope to see you in April. Page 4 IBA Satellite Groups and News (continued) Rural Smiths of Mid-America The April meeting of the Rural Smith of Mid America was held at the Blacksmith shop in Johnson County. This was a work meeting to try and get more of the building done before the tractor show in June. We got quite a bit of work done with a lot of people showing up to help. We got the eve done on the east side of the building and the front eve boxed end and the siding door framed and hung, and the electric is all run and ready to use. I want to give a big thanks to everyone who come and helped. Thank You, Ron Gill Bunkum Valley Metalsmiths The Bunkum Valley met on April 4th, 2015 at Elnora In. It was a sunny day. But a little chilly .. We lit the forges in a hurry. We had about 30 people in attendance. There was so many things do and see. This drone was the first one I have seen up close. Such smooth take off and landings. The meeting of the minds:) We all had a great lunch, thanks to everyone that came and ate . We were very pleased to have Pat back with us. We are thankful she is feeling better. We all had a great learning experience when it came to melting glass. Every one helped the new people. I'm one of them. It was so interesting. Everyone is always so helpful. There was so much going on, Derek Thompson was making his first set of thongs. Sara was working on her rose. It's really nice but she's camera shy. So I didn't get a picture. Stay safe, and have a great month.. Page 5 IBA Satellite Groups and News (continued) Fall Creek Blacksmith Shop We had 8 smiths show up. Although Arthenia Zile passed away recently, the daughters wanted us to go ahead and have the meeting. "Prayers to the family." Pictured is Eric and Dave Kline waiting for the stock to heat up. Someone burned the piece ( I'm not mentioning who this was.-grin- ) and Tom White saved the day by using Mr. Miller. Chuck Phillips did another great job. Gary Leeman stopped by and was a tremendous help. (On our way home, Eric and stopped by Garys place to pick up a couple of anvils. ) Only one not pictured is John Searfoss. (Hoping I got every bodys name correct.) Most of us went to Sulphur springs to eat. All in all we made head way on the garden bench. Times pressing so we decided to use the second Saturday of April to forge on. No iron in the hat was held. Reported by Dave Wells. -Yes I worked but not in any pictures because I was taking them. The Southern Indiana Meteorite Mashers The Meteorite Mashers met at Jeff Reinhardt's shop in Floyds Knobs this month. Gabe Thomas a new IBA member attended as did Joseph Gehl. Others attending were the Baker family of Odin and the Mills family of Milltown. Jeff was running a small production run when members arrived and so demonstrated veggie choppers and heat treatment of same. While Jeff and Butch Sparks were outside the shop welding final touches to Butches demo setup. Mike Mills helped Gabe on a beginners project and several others also were forging. Aaron Baker made a fire blow pipe and Jeff turned down some tubing for the pipe which Aaron then soldered together. Dave Knukler made an aluminum leaf that was as usual very finely crafted. A nice chili lunch with bread and cookies and cake and brownies was had by all. 2 member were in attendance improving health. Billy Merrrit was in attendance without the need of oxygen and Pete Riddle walked in without walking aids after his recent surgery. All are glad to see these improvements! Next meeting in Branchville at Dave Kunkler's shop. Page 6 IBA Satellite Groups and News (continued) Jennings County Historical Society Blacksmith Shop The Jennings County Historical Society Blacksmiths met at the home of newlyweds, Kevin and Pamela Welsh. This was the first hammer-in at their place and I hope it isn't the last. Lots of great food, fellowship, demonstrations, and yes, a whole lot of BS. What more could one want? The shop was opened at 5:30am and the fire was made at approx.9:30am. Kevin Welsh and Matt Jones opened a very large snowflake with the assistance of Chip Moore, a newcomer. This isn't the first one they made, but it certainly was the largest. I believe it was from 1 1/2" square stock. After that, Kevin, Matt, and Kenny Dettmer hot punched holes in two pieces of farm implement steel for Tim, a neighbor. Kevin then made spoons from horseshoe nails and he helped Jessica James make her very first one. People were still eating until after 4:00 when the tables were being cleared. Approx. 36 attended. This was a great "First Hammer-in". Did I mention the food was delicious? Our next meeting will be back to the shop in Vernon. Come if you can. Paul Bray Someone left a "Rachel Rae" cooking bag at Kevin's. If you want it, contact them. Sutton-Terock Memorial Blacksmith Shop Shop Repair Days May 9 and 16 On May 9,2015 the Sutton Terock shop meeting will be to repair the shop and put metal siding on. Then on the 16 th we will meet again to finish it up if needed or blacksmith. hope to see some of I.B.A. members there to help. Bring your screw gun. Dinner will be served by the Museum. Hammered in Friendship Fred Oden. Page 7 Indiana Events Looking For Blacksmiths June 6&7, Plymouth The Yellow River Festival at Plymouth, IN. is looking for a blacksmith for their Festival on June 6 & 7 2015. You must dress in Period Clothing. Contact: Eric G. Anderson 574 261 8496. or veteranreserve@yahoo.com July 6-11, Jay County The Jay County Fair is July 6-11 2015. There is an area called the Classic Tent. We need a Blacksmith for this area. Pay is $300.00 plus some fun fringe benefits (free homemade ice cream daily, free lunch cooked over an open fire etc.) The blacksmith can sell what he wants; there is no percent to the fair. Other craftsmen in the area will be a Chain Saw Artist, a Sawmill, Kittle Corn, Corn grinding, open kettle cooking everyday at noon, Stain Glass Artist, and we have had in the past Gourd artist, one last year painted a Barn Quilt, displays of antique tractors, cars, old tools, Military section and Indian arrowheads. One gentleman makes whistles from Paw Paw wood for the kids and makes rope. Euchre games, checkers etc. Lots of things going on like in days past. If you can help us find someone it would be great. Contact Dave Frasher 260-726-5300. Traditional Arts Indiana My name is Meghan Smith, and I am writing on behalf of Traditional Arts Indiana, the state's official public folk arts agency. We are working on a Bicentennial project featuring traditional crafts that have featured prominently in the state's history, and which are still practiced today. For example, we are looking at subjects such as the Indiana limestone industry, quilting, weaving, Indiana hunting traditions, glassworks and the Indiana gas boom, etc. We were wondering if there are any members of the IBA who have long-standing, multi-generational lines of blacksmiths, or any members who have been part of a traditional apprenticeship line. (We would potentially be interested in interviewing any such members, so someone who enjoys talking about their work and background would be a bonus.) If you want to learn more about what we do, check out our website at traditionalartsindiana.org or check us out on Facebook. Thank you, Meghan Smith memasmit@indiana.edu Traditional Arts Indiana www.traditionalartsindiana.org Page 8 NWBA Mentoring Center Monthly Hammer-In January 24th, 2015 Tri Ficker: Forging pipe Notes by Hardie Swage, photos by Amy Mook except as noted Farriers rasp pipe handle. Clearly follows Joe Elliott's rule: Tools should be eye sweet and hand friendly. Tri benefits from using his own tongs, they grip fi rmly and have enough mass to work well without being overly heavy. His pipe tongs have a tapered round upper jaw that nests in a wide "V" lower jaw, it holds the lip of the open pipe very firmly. Start with 6 1/2" of 3/4" ID Schedule 40 pipe. Draw 2 1/2" of pipe into a long tail. The tail is a long taper and the open end is worked on the end of the horns (Nimba anvil used) to keep it from forming a fold (pucker). Keep turning the piece as you work it to keep squaring it, making sure not to collapse it. The end result is a tapered tail with no fold lines, the pipe walls have been upset on themselves to become thicker as the outer shape is transformed. Photo courtesy Gregg Watson Start at the base of the tail (2 1/2" mark), pipe at 45 degree angle to near anvil edge. Keep pipe end cool by dipping in water asyou work to form the step. When step is fully formed, bring tip of the tail down to a small square, and then taper the area between. Important to keep top line straight during whole process. Reverse hold and start drawing down the other end. Do the anti fold/pucker work you used before. If you do not have an anvil with the fi ne ends to the horns make a vice or hardie tool for this purpose. The goal is a rectangle opening that fi ts the taper of the rasp tang. Make a drift that reproduces the area of the tang you wish the fi nished handle to grab. Once you drive the drift in, the challenge is to get it out. Grab the struck end on the vice and wiggle pipe slightly side wise and up/down until it releases. Not difficult if the pipe end still has color. Next form the gentle reduced valley on the middle of the parent pipe. Tri used a radius hammer on top and the radius of the horn below, with light blows and constantly rotating the pipe. Important to keep things straight. Follow the basic blacksmith rule "Be aware". The hammer was not as pronounced radius as the horn, so the horn did most of the work. The last step is to form the tail into an eye. Start the bend by bending away from the intended direction to form the eye and then bring the end around. Work over the horn to get the desired round shape of the eye's inside. Make sure the angle of the loop handle is oriented to the same plane as the flat of the rasp, or it will tend to irritate the hand when gripping. Page 9 The finished rasp handle. Tri went on to show his exceptional forging skills by rounding a pipe end to a perfect circular dome. He upset the end of the pipe into itself using the step of the anvil to nestle it and enable the gentle hammer blows to work opposite sides of the opening at once. He used a sweet spring fuller tool that was part of the on-site tooling at the Mentoring Center. The fl at area on the top fuller bar is to add spring to the fuller. He forged the ball into a pointed dome using the heavily radiused edge of the anvil, demonstrating one way to make a finial using this technique. Another version Tri demonstrated was the squared dome. Tri spread the other end of the pipe way past the trumpet mouth to a wide lip 90 degrees to the center line of the pipe; thus forming a stand base that is effective in candle sticks and other uses. A lot of it was the pipe end hanging a little ways off the far anvil side and striking the lower lip edge with a round hammer peen. Again always rotating the pipe and using mild blows while keeping everything in line. Page 10 Page 11 The FORGE FIRE Newsletter of the Indiana Blacksmithing Association, Inc. Farrel Wells Membership Secretary 8235 E 499 S Dunkirk, IN 47336-8807 First Class Mail Address Correc3on Requested If Undeliverable return to sender April 18 Hammer In Maumee Valley Blacksmiths Maumee Valley Antique Steam & Gas Association 1720 South Webster Road, New Haven, IN