Mage

Oh, that forge was originally from the Cotswald area of England. The forge was actually attached to the side on the village blacksmith's house. When Ford, saw the stone House/Forge on vacation he bought it and had it dissembled and shipped to Dearborn. Using this material to create the Cotswalds section of the village which includes a 2 story House, Dovecoat, and Forge.

I have worked in that forge, back in the late 80's. Gawd, I can't express what it felt like to play and learn in there. I was technically and interpreter for the museum. I was also training as a blacksmith. I had to be an interpreted to get to train as a smith. Now I live out in SO.Cal so have not been up on recent events, but when I worked there it was a private company with no affilation with the Ford Motor Company. Therefore, I don't think that the museum removed the blacksmith because of the union. They where closing doors and replacing the human interpreters with plexiglas and voice recording when I was there. Mike Machnick (sp?) was the Master Blacksmith, he had told me on more than occasion about his fear of being "Shut Down" as he put it. He made it sound like the museum was gunning for him. Safety issues to visitors and cost is the most likely the reason the museum closed it. The real shame is the blacksmith is the only one who cares and knows how to take care of that precious equipment. Maintainence in a "moist" state like Michigan in a never ending battle. P. Burke

I'm in So Cal... Been away from Smithing for awhile... but got the itch again and found this site. I used to work at Greenfield Village in Mich at the Henry Ford Museum. I started to learn smithing there on a 400 year old anvil.... miss those dayz I Tell yah... had move to the left coast and haven't built a fire since leaving MI. Hoping to change that... be picking your brains soon!

Ditto on the Used motor oil Works great and last for years if you get is deep penetration into the surface... but the process is sinky and smoky. Heat no... warm the piece or section if its large and either dip, pour or use a old rag to wipe on the oil. Watch yur heat.. the oil should smoke and bubble but not burst into flame... of course be ready for it to do so at any time... but that just adds to the fun of it LOL If an area.. like on sheet metal, is not even, reheat that area and a lil larger re apply oil.... this heat will may be enough to spread the existing oil better. If not be ready to add a lil oil to feather out to the surrounding area.