As the intended course tutor broke 3 ribs just prior to the course, we did not manage to proceed as planned, however after discussions we had a "Develop as we go" session, based on a dragon's head, which is ideal 'cos no one has really ever seen one so whilst some took on the appearance of what a Dragon head may resemble, one ended up looking remarkably like a Rams or Goats head.

A lot was learnt about toolmaking, chiselling and punching for features, twisting and texturing, along with some forgewelding (both faggot welding and welding on a collar and making a ball or some other shape on the tail end), slitting and punching for the pivot pin and then manipulating the workpiece to shape without damaging the worksurface.

Because we concentrated on the heads and various other methods and techniques, we left the backplates to do another time.

Here are some pics of the various attempts made. Note the various expressions introduced to give character, material was 16mm square bar

Nice pics John,

Now that's taking on a situation "Blacksmith Style" - "It isn't going as planned? - He** with that, we'll do it anyway!"

Looks like fun was had by all! I'd love it if someone around here (Ontario) offered a course like that.

Thanks for posting!

Glad to see that the workshop went on instead of being canceled, John. Looks like everyone learned something and I'm sure all enjoyed the experience. Thanks for sharing. Keep up the good work.

nice one john - the course looks like it was very successful - loads of character in those heads - i like that pineapple thing going on again as well . the work looks great - looks like you got a lot done despite the pressurized circumstances! :)

Nice pics John, thanks for posting. A Dragon door knocker is something I hope to get round to making myself one day .....

Vic.

you have great knockers....er well anyhow, Paul, have you checked out David Robertson in Ontario, he's a pretty good teacher, I think he's at artistblacksmith.com or something like that.

Good stuff, they all have such great expressions! Can't wait to come to take a course or two when I'm down south!!

John, looking at the pictures again I notice the corners of the stock are quite sharp. Do you use black mild or BMS?

Vic.

John, looking at the pictures again I notice the corners of the stock are quite sharp. Do you use black mild or BMS?

Vic.

Appearances are deceptive probably, black stock was used, but some forging on sections may have crisped up the corners, However, sharp edges are not desirable if the items are to be finish painted, and even black bar needs the corners rubbing down if paint is to adhere on the edge.