Wareham Forge

Gang. Here in Canada, we are in the middle of 3 years of our War of 1812, 200 year anniversary. There are calls for historic interpreter / blacksmiths to demonstrate at various living history museums, public and re-enactor's events. Sad truth, most hobbyist smiths are using at best 1880's to 1870's era small dish portable forges. There are some documented plans available for British military 'portable' forges from the 1830 period, with similar designs used during the US Civil War. These are large heavy units based around modified gun carriages. A number of years back I had seen a much smaller 'cart' forge in the hands of a re-enactor at Military Through the Ages in Jamestown. This was a unit with two light carriage wheels and extendable handles, maybe two by three feet. There was a drum bellows that fit below the forge table, which was set up to handle either side blast for charcoal or converted quickly to bottom blast for coal. I had a long conversation with the fellow, he assured me (??) it was a historically accurate design from the 1770's. I can NOT find any of my photographs! I have spent a fair time searching the internet in hopes of finding something. The drawing did not have any details, but appears to be an 'industrial' portable charcoal forge with a similar set up. My guess given the cast metal parts and framing that this would be again from the later 1800's. The photo was taken of an antique unit someone had scored in England. (shown on a general blacksmithing group discussion). SO - my question is : Can anyone provide ANY kind references leading back to the American Revolutionary War?. I am certain I can 'fake' out a historically suitable design and construction, at least good enough for 'from the rope line' observation at public events. (Hey - my specialty is Viking Age...) Darrell feel free to contact me directly info@warehamforge.ca

Canadian National Blacksmith's Conference comes to Ontario in 2011 CanIRON 8 Thursday July 28 to Sunday July 31, 2011 Centre Wellington Community Sportsplex Fergus, Ontario The Ontario Artist Blacksmith Association is pleased to announce it will be hosting CanIRON 8, the Canadian National Blacksmith's Conference. From July 28 to July 31 this summer, blacksmiths from across Canada and the United States will be gathering at the Centre Wellington Community Sportsplex in Fergus Ontario. Eight featured demonstrators are coming from England, Canada and the USA to illustrate techniques and conduct hands on workshops. Elements of the event will be free for the public to view. These include special demonstrations, a metalwork Gallery where you can meet the artists, an auction Saturday evening, and watching our (often entertaining) forging competition on Sunday afternoon. CanIRON is a biannual event which moves west to east across the country. Last held in Ontario in 2003, CanIRON 8 follows the sucessful event at Ness Creek Sask. in 2009. This year's theme is 'Forging Friendships', and to that end an event is planned with as much interaction between our featured demonstrators and the members as possible. A special focus for CanIRON 8 will be the use of all hand powered work, the use of strikers with sledges rather than modern mechanical equipments. Aspects of design will be an important component, with demonstrators chosen for their proven ability to effectively communicate. Our featured demonstrators are: Paul Allen - England Sandra Dunn - Ontario Jesus Hernadez - Alabama Mike McCarthy - New York Jake Powning - New Brunswick Mark Puigmarti - Ontario Brian Russell - England Kelly Smyth - Pennsylvania As well as physical demonstrations, conference members will take part in hands on workshops, lectures, panel sessions, open forge sessions, tail gate sales - and ample oportunities to 'Forge Friendships'. The Ontario Artisan Blacksmith Association draws its members from both professional and hobby level metalworkers. The organization traces its roots back to the late 1970's when it formed as a chapter club under the larger Artist Blacksmith Association of North America. Our goal is to both preserve the traditional skills of the blacksmith and promote forged iron and steel as an artistic medium. It never really was about horseshoes! For more Information: web site : www.ontarioblacksmiths.ca/CANIRON8/ blog : http://caniron8.blogspot.com/ e-mail : caniron@warehamforge.ca