Wim

Hey. Nicolaas, nice to meet you. It's been years since I have visited here. I used to run this blog. Nice to see it's still going. I am located in Kempton Joh'burg. Ek praat gewoonlik afrikaans, maar vir die amerikaners hou ek dit maar op Engels. Hulle wil graag volg wat word gese.

OOM HERMAN!!! Jammer ek kan OOM nie help nie!!


English: Sorry Uncle Herman, I can't help you there!!

Hey, Herman, it's you still visiting this site! Keep well.

As my forge is outdoors, as you can see on my Gallery, I am forced to work outdoors. Normally that is fine, because the weather in South Africa is mostly sunny. But the sun can get quite hot, so I wear a wide rim hat, then it is actually very nice.
You get used to working in full sunlight, and you learn to judge the color of the steel, after a couple of burns.
However I am making plans to make a corrugated roof over the area of the anvils and the vice, about 2.5m x 4 m, that is about 8' x 12'. It will also prevent rain to weather my equipment. I will post pictures as soon as it's done.

Wim.

Hi everybody,

For those that are coming to the Forge In on the Saturday of the 28th November 2009 at Paul and Wiebke's plot, to close off the year, here is what is happening.

You are welcome from about 8.30 AM.
Paul has got the steel and the coal, just bring your safety gear and hammer and some handtools.

Bring your own food and drinks for the during the day, and everything for the Bring and Braai. Some charcoal is welcome. To relief Wiebke, also bring your own plate, eating utensils and cups, dish drying cloth, toilet paper, camp chair. Make sure you bring everything, because the nearest shop is about 30 km from the plot.
We are all going to make Christmas gifts and everybody that made or brought something goes home with something. It’s all about enjoying the day, and learning from each other. You can bring friends, as long as they share a real interest in Blacksmithing.

From 16.00 hr we will probably start braaing (barbequeing) and eat and chat till you go home, 21.00 party is over, everybody will probably be too tired to make it later than that.

How to get there:

Take the R512 past Lanseria airport towards Broederstroom.
At the T-junction turn Left
Travel straight past the Hartebeespoort dam on your Right hand side
At the T-junction turn Left
After 12 km turn Right into dirt road Hartebeesfontein road
After you passed over the Bridge, at the T-junction go left
After 300 m you see Paul’s place marked by a big pair of Blacksmith Tongs on the Left
Turn in the Drive way and drive through to the smithy.

Hope to see you there,
If you get lost phone Paul at 083 400 9983

Blacksmith greetings,
Wim van Dijk, :cool: 083 263 7325

Dear everyone,

Since our becoming a distinct group of Blacksmiths at Wheel at the Vaal 2006, and our starting a Forum for South African Blacksmiths on www.iforgeiron.com we haven’t only grown as a group, but we have also made contact with Blacksmiths in the far corners of South Africa. I have at this moment 44 Blacksmiths in six of the nine provinces of our country on record.
Some we know from iforgeiron.com, others from the Ystervegter forge in at Coenraad’s place and the forge in at Paul’s place, and the ever growing “Wheels at the Vaal” event.
This not even close to everybody that is involved in Blacksmithing. There are numerous lone smiths out there, that we don't know about yet.

If you are or want to be involved in Blacksmithing and you live in South Africa, or maybe in one of the neighbouring countries, I would like to put your name on our mailing list. If you want to be on our list, please send me your name and surname, email, cell phone, the area or town you live in, your level as you see yourself, for example, wannabe, amateur, hobby artist blacksmith, professional artist blacksmith, professional farrier, etc. Also what facility you have to do blacksmithing, basic forge, anvil, hand tools, at home, at work or at someone else, so that we have an idea of where each of us is and how people can help each other.
Of course the idea is that once the list is complete I will forward this to all of you, so that people can make contact with each other direct.


If you know of people that should be on the list, please give me their contact details, so we can include as many people as possible.


Also I would like to hear what you think about us starting an official Blacksmithing Guild or Association, and whether you would be interested in being a member. What would you expect from an Association like that.


The idea of this initiative is not to make money at all, I just want to help grow the Blacksmithing craft in South Africa, and I believe that networking between Blacksmiths is a very important key to achieve this.

Blacksmith greetings,

Wim van Dijk, Hobby artist blacksmith
 

As usual we had a great time, we had a record number of smiths and families this year.
We made a hemispherical sundial, of which you can see the pictures on the gallery under Blacksmithing events/ Wheels on the Vaal 2009.
From Friday afternoon 16.00 hr till Sunday afternoon 17.00 hr we had a great time talking to each other, forging, demonstrating to the public, learning from each other, stretching our comfort zone in the art.
We had good exposure, there was a TV crew of local TV channel Kyknet, that interviewed Coenraad, and took a few lovely shots of our area, while everybody was beating away.
Wim was interviewed by countrywide Afrikaans Radio station RSG (Radio Sonder Grense). And there was a lot of interest from the public, also from people interested in starting to do Blacksmithing.

The sundial is not completely assembled yet. There is about 4 to 5 hours left for 2 smiths, but once its all finished we will post some pictures of the final object.

If you want to know more about building a sundial, and would like to know how to calculate angles and hourly pitches, I can give you some easy shop trig tips.

It was a really nice project for a combined effort. There are a lot of elements for old fashioned skill, bur also nice things that accentuate the arty skill in people, something for everybody.


http://www.iforgeiron.com/gallery/data/1043/thumbs/SDC10063.JPG

I can't wait for next year!
Wim.

How do you normally forge, inside or outside, under a shadow or in the open daylight. What are the whether conditions in your part of the global village, too hot or too cold. Would you like it differently?
How important is working in the shade to you, to be able to spot the correct metal temperature.

I for one enjoy outdoor work, it relaxes me and reminds me of why I came to Africa in the first place. Sometimes the sun is too hot to work in. Normally I keep my Blacksmithing work for later in the day, from 15.00 onwards. The evening twilight is quite short here, so by 19.30 it is already dark even in Summer. The area I live in is not too densely populated, so I can still make a noise, up to 21.00 hr.

How about you?

Wim

Hi Oz Hello Jeff,

Glad to hear there's a couple of Blacksmith in the Last Outpost. Sorry to hear you feel all deserted.
But hey 600 km is not that far, if you want to come up to attend a forge in or something we can accomodate you for a sleepover somewhere. There's guys coming over from Cape Town once a year. Let me know if you guys are interested, then I will keep yous in the Loop of any events.

Blacksmith greetings, Wim

Dis goed om te weet daar is Blacksmiths in die Oos Kaap. Johan van Niekerk uit Port Elizabeth het ook al ingeskakel op iforgeiron.com
Sy username is Johanvn. Dalk kan julle kontak met mekaar maak.
As jy 'n keer wil deurkom na Johannesburg. laat my weet dit sal oulik wees om jou te ontmoet.
Bel gerus as jy enige vrae het, as ek nie antwoorde het kan ek weer ander ouens vra. My nommer is 083 263 7325
Groete en nogmaals Welkom.
Wim

Nice to hear there are Blackmiths in the eastern Cape. Johanvn from PE is also a member at IFI Maybe you guys can make contact.
If ever you are in Jo'burg let me know, would be nice to meet you.
Please phone if you have any questions, there's always somebody that knows.:)

The annual Wheels at the Vaal exhibition is organised by Chevrolet South Africa, and is held on the grounds of the University of Vanderbijlpark. This year the event takes place on 4th and 5th September 2009.
For many years the organisers have hosted our Blacksmiths group, and it has become the highlight of our Blacksmiths calendar. We are exhibiting the traditional craft to Blacksmithing to the public, be it in an artistic form, and hopefully inspire some to join the craft, as hobby or vocation.

Project Sundial
This year

Wheels on the Vaal, on the Grounds of the University of Vanderbijlpark, South Afrika.

This is the project we will be tackling on this years Wheels. You can start thinking of a nice element to do.



See you there, Wim

The wheels on the Vaal event is fast approaching. This year we will have new combined project to complete with all the participating blacksmiths, over 2 days, and it will take place the weekend of 5th and 6th September, on the campus of the university of Vanderbijlpark, on the banks of the Vaal river.

This year we will attempt a traditionally forged sundial. All the names of the participating smith will be punch marked on the endresult, as has become the tradition over the last years.
If you are living or visiting in South Africa please watch this thread for more details, as I will place directions, a drawing of the project, and other participants are likely to also add their input to this thread.

We certainly hope to see you there, the really wonderful event for any blacksmith, no matter what your level.

I am at this moment in the UK, but will be there. For any questions, you can email me on wim@pfe-online.co.za

Hope to see you there, blacksmith greetings,
Wim

Good to see Vuka gets some publicity, I will go and get myself a few copies of the "Drum" Magazine. Please give my congrats to Duduzile. We are all very proud of her.

Regards, Wim.

Nice to hear from you, I like your avatar, reminds me of King Arthur sword, he pulled out of the anvil. Very appropriate.
When you're visit SA please come by for some heavy metal beating.
Blacksmith greetings,
Wim.

I really like this thread, as we are talking about values that go much deeper than the basic blacksmithing knowledge.
It is about the relationship of one generation with the next. It is also about attitudes between craftsman and apprentice, between enthousiast and newbie.

I suppose, like Rich mentioned at the start, that everybody has his or her own learning process that works for them.

If I think of my own personal learning process, it always starts with a passionate interest in something, be it a technique, a trade, a new skill, an animal, whatever. I want to read everything that there is to know about the subject, and if possible talk to as many people that know as I can. And being a lone smith most of the year, the internet is the best source for me.

For our young friends, most of them far better equipped to surf then what I am, the Internet has become an endless source of communication. Maybe that contributes to the attitude of "I know it all", meaning only "I know where to find it".
Even though the "how to" information is an important part of the learning process, the most important and the most gratifying part is the to do part. Then you learn the skills you need for the task, and you discover, why a certain sequence was explained. And only then the thing becomes part of you.

It would be great if I could hand some skills and ideas to young people, I think you grow into a better understanding of what you do, when you explain the process to someone else, but yes it requires an open ear and an open heart on the recipient's side.

The problem is maybe the current transition from Industrial Age to Information Age, that's why young people are developing their communication and computer skills.

Lukas,

Nee, ons gaan nog aan hoor. Ek kry net baie min kans om te kuier, hierso. Hoe gaan dit met die kleintjie. Hoop alles daarom goed? Ons gaan weer in September die Wheels naweek he, eerste naweek in September, hou solank die datunm oop.

Howzit, Lukas,
Sorry, not much time to visit IFI these days. All well with the family? Wheels on the Vaal will be on again first weekend of September as usual.

Groetnis, Wim.

Hylton,

Sorry that you missed the forge in at Coenraad, last Saturday. I was looking forward to meeting you there. Maybe we can get together some time, you can always call me at 083 263 7325.

Greetings, Wim

Hi Rex,
Welcome to the family. I am from Kempton Park, and have a forge in my backyard, right under the wings of OR Tambo. If you want, you can come and visit me. We can do some steel bashing together. Call me at 083 263 7325.
I have bought most of my tools at Pawnshops: Old chisels, hammers, punches, sometimes you find a pair of tongs below a heap of rusted spanners, remember, the hunt is as much fun as the result. Also scrapyards are a great source, for tools, but also for raw materials, and you only pay a 1/4 of the normal steel price.

Looking forward to hearing from you,
Wim

Yes finally something to look foreward to the Ystervegter Forge in at Coenraad Vegter's place.

Coenraad is organising a forging competition, and also a bar stretching competition, you get 3 heats to stretch a piece of sqbar as long as possible without breaking it.
Coenraad wants to get T-shirts printed of the event. White with black printing. You must call Coenraad to order as soon as possible, they are R70 each. give your size with the order. Coenraads number is 082 960 8853. More details on the Forge in will follow. If you are coming, please phone Coenraad direct, than he can cater for the number of people that are going to come.
Address is Plot 136, 6th Avenue in Akasia, Pretoria. In Pretoria find DF Malan Drive North. You pass PPC Cement, shortly after that you take the R80 Left to Shoshanguve. Follow the road through the 270deg loop, and take the Akasia/ Brits turnoff. Turn Right towards Akasia, pass the first robot which is Sylvia street, straight after that turn right into Main. Main runs into a Tee with 6th Avenue, turn left here, pass a few plots on your right hand side, until you see Vegter sign, decorated with rocks and aloes. Turn right into the plot. Park your car opposite the first house, and walk up to the smithy to meet us.Blacksmith greetings,
Wim.

Middelburg Mpumalanga, Johan, I was there 2 years ago, and bought my cross peen hammer there, 2 pound. Since then I made my own smithing cross peen from an old 4lbs hammerhead, its weight is now exactly 3,5 lbs and it fits me perfectly.
My advise look around go to pawnshops and antique shops, and let as many people as possible know you're looking for balcksmith stuff.

The hunting is as satisfying as the eating,
Wim

Baie welkom op ons Suid Afrikaanse forum. Jy sal baie tuisvoel, hier is 'n menigte kennis en praktiese raad, waarmee mens baie ver kom. Jy 's die eerste blacksmith in die Ooskaap van wie ek hoor.
Ek hoop jy gaan verder experimenteer as net bladesmithing, daar is baie goed wat jy kan maak met goeie smeetegnieke as net messe en swaarde.
Ek kan vir jou 'n tekening mail van die forge wat ek gemaak het.
Ons gaan hier weer in februari 'n forge in hou, op Coenraad Vegter se plot, as jy belangstel, kan jy oorkom, ons sal jou akkomodeer en rondry, daar's altyd genoeg slaapplek. en dis die moeite werd om ander ouens te ontmoet met dieselfde belangstelling.
Jy kan my bel by 083 263 7325.

Translated: welcome to our South African forum. You'll feel at home here, there's a wealth of knowledge and council here, that goes a looong way. You are the first blacksmith in the eastern cape that I heard of.
I hope you experiment further than just bladsmithing, there is a lot you can make, other than knives and swords, once you acquired some smithing skills.
I can send you a drawing of the forge I built for myself.
We will have a forge in at Coenraad Vegter again in februari, you are invited and transport and accomodation can be arranged, always room for a friend. It is worth a lot meeting guys with the same interest.
Phone me on 083 263 7325

Cheers, Wim.

Ouens (Guys)

Dis altyd lekker om met mekaar in gewoon lekker Afrikaans te kuier. Daar is niks mee verkeerd nie, ons is 'n hele klomp Boere, en meeste Smede in Suid Afrika is maar Afrikaanssprekend. Onthou net, ons het baie belangstelling van die oorseese ouens, wat baie oulik is. Sit onder jou Afrikaanse insit 'n kort Engelse samevatting van wat jy min of meer gese het, sodat hulle darem die inhoud van ons forum 'n bietjie kan volg. En onthou ons is 'n familievriendelike site, dus geen growwe taal, asb. Ek sal ongerymdhede aan die Webmaster raporteer.

Baie dankie vir die moeite, lekker kuier!
Wim.

English: It is nice to be able to hang loose and speak our own language, and since most of the South African Balcksmiths are Afrikaans it is the natural thing. Just remember we get a lot of interest from the overseas guys, which is great. Put a brief English synopsis under your posts, so they can also follow the thread. And remember we are a family friendly site so no course language please. I will report inappropriate posts to the Webmaster.

Thanks very much, enjoy visiting here!
Wim

Nice om van jou te hoor, hoelank doen jy al smeewerk, Het jy al 'n werksplek ingerig enso, forge gebou? Enige foto's van jou werk sover? Sal oulik wees om 'n bietjie te sien wat jy al gemaak het.
Ek het so 2 jaar gelede begin met hierdie stokperdjie, en intussen al heel wat ouens ontmoet, so 15 min of meer. Laat weet as jy kontakte soek, jy kan my mail op wim@pfe-online.co.za of bel op 083 263 7325. Sal nice wees om van jou te hoor,
Slat hom met 'n yster lat hy luister! Wim