Forging for the kids

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So my wife used to have my oldest daughter go to a weekly home school co-op. Basically a bunch of good folks who home school organized a weekly group to offer different subject and social opportunities.Recently the co-op was studying the middle ages and got into the subject of blacksmithing.So I got nominated to "teach" a session, seeing as I'm the local go to guy for all things metal.Luckily I know enough to sound like I know what I'm talking about. So I studied up on a little metal working history and drug out my semi old school, very minimalist, forging set up for an hour and a half of fun with fire and metals.The kids were great and the class went much better than I expected. They're some smart youngins, too!Here's my setup. Home made forge with a "Kirby" brand electric blower, Peter Wright 132# anvil on a home made stand, and big ol' plastic drum with a brass dripper ladle for fire control.Had to run out and pick up 150# of coal before the class started. Normally I go to these guys: https://www.blacksmithsdepot.com/  for my coal needs, but I didn't have time and got it from a local fuel oil distributor who still carries stoker and lump coal. It burned ok but there's definitely a difference in quality.While I was waiting on the kids I couldn't find my coal rake so I made a new one, here you can see I've begun to draw out the taper on the handle end.Finished coal rake, I'm not very happy with the rake end but it works.Close up of the handle end of the coal rake. I think it came out ok for not having fired up the forge in almost 2 years.continued in next post.Brian LeonardAppalachian Ironworks L.L.C.434 Long Branch Rd, Marshall, NC 28753828 649 9966828 702 [email protected]
Reply:That looks a nice job and well done you for giving up your time to help teach the kids
Reply:All of that lead to a nice "Thank You" basket with this awesome note, and some double chocolate mint cookies. Yum!I like cookies, so I told them we could definitely do it again.Brian LeonardAppalachian Ironworks L.L.C.434 Long Branch Rd, Marshall, NC 28753828 649 9966828 702 [email protected]
Reply:Nice One Brian, Makes it all worth while when you get feedback like that
Reply:Good for you. It's nice to see kids getting a chance to see how things are made. I got the opportunity to work with a smith at the Grange fair in August on his forge and show some kids how to make a few things. They had a great time and one managed to leave with a nice old school forge and anvil he found for sale at the fair..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:Awsome bud! That was very cool of you I hate being bi-polar it's awsomeMy Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys
Reply:Very cool! You do rock!
Reply:There's nothing quite like forging hot Iron into a shape."USMCPOP" First-born son: KIA  Iraq 1/26/05Syncrowave 250 w/ Coolmate 3Dialarc 250, Idealarc 250SP-175 +Firepower TIG 160S (gave the TA 161 STL to the son)Lincwelder AC180C (1952)Victor & Smith O/A torchesMiller spot welder
Reply:forging is one of the best favorite past times
Reply:Cool.  You taught these youngsters!  ____________________________________http://www.sawblade.com
Reply:Originally Posted by app-ironworksllcAll of that lead to a nice "Thank You" basket with this awesome note, and some double chocolate mint cookies. Yum!I like cookies, so I told them we could definitely do it again.
Reply:Thats awesome!Shake and Bake