primtechsmith

I have a jig that makes the curls...and hooks symmetrical everytime. There are about 100 variations with several interchangable pins. PM me if you are interested in more info on it. I do like the style. Something I have not seen before and will put in my memory banks for later use! Nicely done! Peyton

There are still several openings in his 3 day hammer class here in Virginia: more info: Yesteryear School of Blacksmithing or PM me... or email me... peyton@yesteryearschool.com or talk to me at Quad State....I will have one of his hammers with me.... Peyton

The crane piece just came in the mail at the school...I will have it out at the next meeting if anyone is interested in seeing it first hand. That along with one of his hammers too... Peyton

Hi all. Just spent some time with Mark while he was here for our Hammer In and class at the Yesteryear School. The class ended today and I had the pleasure of "sitting in" Monday to hear his lectures on the beginnings of the joinery project for the class. I did not get to see the demo much for the Hammer In due to the obligatory presidential "running around like a chicken with its head cut off" routine I usually do. There were some good photos taken and sent in to me for the guild site. the event gallery on the guild site is full of 'em if you are interested... But back to the class experience... I did not forge any, but listened as much as possible. I got a few things from his talks. 1. Mark is every bit a Master smith. I have never seen a demo, read a book, or heard a lecture more in tune with the true essence of blacksmithing. 2. The way he explains things and forges is based on true experience. He makes it a point to explain how "he" does it...not how it should be done. I find that to be a trap a lot of people get into. 3. Looking at his new book...I would say it is better than the first. I am saving up now to buy it. 4. I picked up some of the best insight on his tool making...not from the tool steel he uses, or the shape of the working end, but how he flattens an area below the striking surface to be able to hold it with a lighter grip. A fantastic idea and truly something I will now do. 5. There were no "smoke and mirrors" moments. He presented the material in a way that everyone could gain something from it. ...there are a lot more things too... I just wanted to express to everyone to try and get a chance to see Mark demo if you can. Or take a class with him. He is an extremely nice guy and certainly one of the most knowledgeable people in this field that I have ever run across... Wish you guys coulda been there... Peyton

~NEXT MEETING~ October 17th Where: Yesteryear School of Blacksmithing 15421 FIVE FORKS RD. AMELIA VA 23002 TIME: 9:30am - 4:30pm Demonstrator: DALE MORSE Topic: Yellin style Quadrafoil LUNCH: Hot Dogs will be sold Reminders: IRON IN THE HAT! and bring a chair! IRON IN THE HAT INCENTIVE!!! $10.00 = 10 Tickets $20.00 = 30 Tickets $30.00 = 40 Tickets $40.00 = 50 Tickets $50.00 = 75 Tickets ...if you look closely you can find an even better deal within what is listed... RSVP To: Peyton Anderson president@blacksmithguildofva.com or 434-390-6203 !!!SHOW AND TELL!!! We are going to have a table at the meeting for anyone to bring any of their work to show off. This is a great opportunity for you to show off your skills and help others learn too!

Just make a road trip out here to Virginia in November... Peyton

Blacksmith Supply will be on site with his box truck too selling everything from new Euroanvils to tongs, and everythig else under the sun... Tailgating is MORE than welcome!

Looks like a small Vaughn Brooks...

Looking like Quad State will be the place where we will not only unveil Mike's new tooling....but also several classes scheduled for 2010! Some will be historical remakes of artifacts!!! QS is always a great time! I am really excited. These few days are always better than Christmas for me. Peyton

4th Annual Yesteryear Hammer In September 4-5 2009 MARK ASPERY => DEMONSTRATOR "I started to forge metal in the metalwork room of my high school in the UK in 1974, it was my third year at high school. I developed a great passion for the work, not as one would expect, out of an artistic bent, but out of a love of physically making the steel move. The ability to shape metals at heat, with their plastic qualities fascinated me. Upon leaving high school I started as a blacksmith with Charles Watts and Sons, Rugby, UK. It was during this time that I found out that making metal move and controlling the movement are two very separate skills. Not then calling myself an artist, I dabbled in natural forms as I continued with traditional designs. I enjoy the Art Nouveau and the Craftsman styles. As time went on I found myself working for other smiths that had developed a style that was very organic in design, come stylized, some literal. At this time I was exposed to nonferrous metals, such as bronze and copper. My own style now is one of a semi-literal, flowing representation of the natural world. I prefer to use traditional methods of joinery in my commissions, where the design and budget allows." Mark is also the author of the widely renowned book:

I will be there set up with a forge lit and demonstrating some of Mike's tooling like usual...this year there is something fresh out of the R&D dept. of Mike's brain and machine shop too... You can also hear Roger D.(781) a mile a way...."Blacksmith Videos...5 dollars...." Anyone there look for the "Yesteryear School of Blacksmithing" and "Blacksmith Guild of Virginia" banner. I will be there. Come by and see me.....it will be good to see some of you again and meet new guys and gals too! Peyton

We also have a raffle that will take place for a Doug Merkel 3# cross pien forged hammer. This is a Hofi style hammer that is well balanced and great quality. It comes with paperwork and everything. I have a photo of it posted on the guild site. He has stamped the hammer in and year into the hammer....so it is a one of a kind!!!!!! Peyton

FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS New Price to participate: $10.00

~NEXT MEETING~ SATURDAY JULY 18, 2009 Where: Yesteryear School of Blacksmithing 1918 West Virginia Ave. Crewe Virginia 23930 TIME: 9:30am - 4:30pm Demonstrator: JERRY DARNELL Topic: COLONIAL HARDWARE "FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS" When: JULY 17th Time: 5pm-9pm Open forge time at the school to work on a project, make something for Iron in the Hat, or just play around with other smiths hanging out for guidance. This also will give our "traveling smiths" something more when making the trip in for the meeting! This will happen the Friday before EVERY meeting! Who knows this could be a chance to get some free tutorials from professional and veteran smiths there! Come by and forge...or just hang out! Cost: $35.00 to the Yesteryear School of Blacksmithing to pay for the materials used. You can bring your steel or purchase some at the school. Let us know if you are interested and we can get you all ready! president@blacksmithguildofva.com Reminders: IRON IN THE HAT! and bring a chair! IRON IN THE HAT INCENTIVE!!! $10.00 = 10 Tickets $20.00 = 30 Tickets $30.00 = 40 Tickets $40.00 = 50 Tickets $50.00 = 75 Tickets ...if you look closely you can find an even better deal within what is listed... RSVP To: Peyton Anderson president@blacksmithguildofva.com or 434-390-6203 !!!SHOW AND TELL!!! We are going to have a table at the meeting for anyone to bring any of their work to show off. This is a great opportunity for you to show off your skills and help others learn too! Everyone is always welcome! Looking forward to seeing some of you for one of the country's best colonial smiths! Peyton

Well, I just sold my house and am buying a bigger one. Also having to buy a bigger mower....And Sarah is looking at a new car in a few months once we settle into everything. We were able to get out of our house with what we needed to get the other one and get up and started. To me...from where I sit things are looking a little better. At least I am doing my part to pick it back up! HA! Peyton

Nice job Chris. Peyton

Hello all, I just wanted to touch base with everybody and wish you all a happy and safe Memorial Day Holiday here in the USA! I would also like to say a special thank you to any of the IFI members and guests out there who have served or are serving our country. Without your sacrifice and willingness to serve we would not be able to assemble every month to enjoy blacksmithing! I have posted a photo and note on the main page of our guild site for the upcoming holiday. Please check it out and forward the link to anyone serving or who has served so we can share our appreciation with them as well. Blacksmith Guild of Viriginia - Home Best regards, Peyton Here is a link for anyone curious on the holiday: Memorial Day History

~NEXT MEETING~ SATURDAY JUNE 20, 2009 Where: Yesteryear School of Blacksmithing 1918 West Virginia Ave. Crewe Virginia 23930 TIME: 9:30am - 4:30pm Demonstrator: DOUG MERKEL Topic: COLONIAL LIGHTING AND COOKWARE "FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS" When: JUNE 19th Time: 5pm-9pm Open forge time at the school to work on a project, make something for Iron in the Hat, or just play around with other smiths hanging out for guidance. This also will give our "traveling smiths" something more when making the trip in for the meeting! This will happen the Friday before EVERY meeting! Who knows this could be a chance to get some free tutorials from professional and veteran smiths there! Come by and forge...or just hang out! Cost: $35.00 to the Yesteryear School of Blacksmithing to pay for the materials used. You can bring your steel or purchase some at the school. Let us know if you are interested and we can get you all ready! president@blacksmithguildofva.com Reminders: IRON IN THE HAT! and bring a chair! IRON IN THE HAT INCENTIVE!!! $10.00 = 10 Tickets $20.00 = 30 Tickets $30.00 = 40 Tickets $40.00 = 50 Tickets $50.00 = 75 Tickets ...if you look closely you can find an even better deal within what is listed... RSVP To: Peyton Anderson president@blacksmithguildofva.com or 434-390-6203 !!!SHOW AND TELL!!! We are going to have a table at the meeting for anyone to bring any of their work to show off. This is a great opportunity for you to show off your skills and help others learn too! We would love to have anyone come and join the fun on the 20th! Peyton

...one of the best I have seen here... Peyton

Mike had a request to teach a one day intro class on Friday May 15th. He is going to do it and I asked him if we could put this out to the members as an opportunity to enhance the meeting! He said yes! So: Anyone interested in taking the intro class with Mike OR having some "open forge" time to work on a project(s) can totally sign up for the class rate. I personally am hoping we get a few people to sign up so I can call in sick to work and come assist! All day forging/class: 100.00 Materials Fee: 35.00(pays for the coal used) Total cost: $135.00 for a full day of forging at the school to practice, work on something with another smith there to give suggestions, or even to learn and practice the basics! Bring anything you want to work on or material(can also buy it there). Let me know if you are interested in this chance. This might make it a little more worth the trip for those members who are coming from far away! The meeting is on the 16th! Clay Smith!!!!!!!!