ODBSA Current News and Important Information

* Here is a “tentative” Schedule for 2008
I am trying to have as many events as possible on the 2^nd Sat of each month. The following is tentative and more information to follow soon. If any of you want to have hands on classes at your shop, please let me know.

1/12/08- Evington, VA with Master Blacksmith Jim Slining at Evington Iron Werks

2/9/08- Rustburg, VA with Master Gunsmith George Suiter and Richard Sullivan (sand casting gun parts) at Sunrise Forge

3/8/08-  “Hands on class “ Charlottesville, VA at Dale Morse’s Virginia Institute of Blacksmithing school

4/12/08- “Hands on class “ Clifton Forge, VA at Glen Bryant Farm

5/10 & 11- two days “Hands on class” at Long Island, VA at the Plantation Forge

6/14/08 - “Hands on class” Floyd, VA at The Jacksonville Center for the Arts

7/12/08 “ Hands on class” Martinsville, VA at Danny Ward’s Farrier School.

8/9/08- open

9/13/08 –Learning to make flower from metal; Charlie Hank's Iron from the Fire Blacksmith Shop, Lynch Station, VA

10/11/08-"Hands on class" at Long Island, VA at the Plantation Forge

11/08/08- open
12/13/08 no event will be planned                                            



Important Information:

 ODBSA supports the ones that really supports it.

 The two blacksmithing schools close to us in Virginia: Virginia Institute of Blacksmithing and The Jacksonville Center for the Arts. 

1. Virginia Institute of Blacksmithing: Master Blacksmith/Teacher Dale Morse has recently opened his new new blacksmithing school in Charletttesville, Virginia. 
       Dale Morse is one of the initial members of ODBSA and  has served as an Educational Director since its inception. He has not only preformed two terrific demonstrations for us (one as a host at his shop), written two how to do articles for our Newsletter, represented us and blacksmithing at Danny Ward's farrier convention in 2007, teaches at The Jacksonville Center for the Arts and John C. Campbell Folk School, was a partipant and winner in ODBSA first blacksmithing competion in Martinsville, VA but also gives me advice on many aspects of this Association.when called upon.
     He has runs his own shop (Clay Hill Forge) in Charlettesville . We need to support Dale because all that he has done for us and besides that he is, in my opinion, one of the best blacksmith/teachers in the country. If you're serious about learning this craft,t hen here is an opportunity to learn from one of the best. If interested, please call Dale at 1-434-244-7833

     A few of us have already taken some classes with Dale: George Juettner, Rick Green, Eric Bourhill and myself.

    The Institute was founded with the idea in mind of offering short term, affordable classes to people who are interested in an introduction to the craft without having to invest in the tools an space necessary to pursue their interest. There are other schools available, but many require short term residency on campus and time away from lives and jobs during the week.
     VIB offers weekend workshops to any who wish to travel to Charlottesville in the short term and week night classes to local patrons or those within an hour drive.
     In addition, VIB allows any student that has taken the beginners class or can demonstrate a working knowledge of the tools and techniques of blacksmithing to come in on Friday evenings between the hours of 6pm to 9pm to work independently on projects of their choosing.
    VIB has a capacity of eight students at any given time and has an assortment of modern and antique equipment offering a wide array of opportunity to students wishing to undertake the study of metalwork.
      In addition to the regular instructors, VIB will have visiting instructors on a semi regular basis that offer specialized courses. Check the class schedule  at http://vablackmithing.org  to find out what the upcoming special classes will be.

2. The Jacksonville Center for the Arts in Floyd, Virginia: For more information please go to their Web Site www.jacksonvillecenter.org 

A. They hosted one of the first events in March 2006
     They have extended a 25% discount on tuition for the first class taken in 2008 for members.
     They offered a 30% discount in 2007 if registered early.

 B. We have posted their schedule on our site and promoted their classes for two years and we have passed out their brochures at many of our events.
     We have helped to fill two of their classes when it looked as if there were not enough students to have classes.
     We have donated money so that they could have a class.
     Some of our members have attended their classes (Eric Bourhill, Rick Green, Missy Coates, Wally Coates and Richard Bartelt.
     Many of their demonstrators are members and Educational Directors of Old Domionion Blacksmith Association (David Tucciarone, Dale Morse, Elmer Roush)
             
BLACKSMITHING CLASSES SCHEDULE FOR 2008 at the Center

Making Hooks
David Tucciarone
Saturday and Sunday, April 12 -13, 9am – 4:30pm
Hooks are a good project for the beginning blacksmith. The class will start slowly, but by the end of the first day you will have something to show for your efforts. Students will start with simple J-hooks then on to S-hooks, twist hooks, herb hooks and key hooks. Remember if you can’t think of a use for a hook, someone sure can!
BLK0412 Members: $150/Non-members: $180

Fireplace Sets
Phil Harrison
Friday – Sunday, April 25 – 27, 9am – 4:30pm
Learn the basics of blacksmithing while making your own fireplace set. Instruction will cover building and maintaining a coal fire, how to read the colors of heated steel and how to manipulate soft metal. Various techniques will be demonstrated and explored. No experience is necessary.
BLK0425 Members: $225/Non-members: $260

3 Days in May: Introduction to Blacksmithing
Jessie Ward
Saturdays, May 10 – 24, 9am – 4:30pm
Enjoy the making of things with iron. This three day introductory course is designed to cover blacksmithing basics, to enable students to make something they have always wanted to make or make things they didn’t realize were possible. No previous blacksmithing experience is required.
BLK0510 Members: $225/Non-members: $260

Blacksmithing
Kelly Smyth
Monday – Friday, June 9 – 13, 9am – 4:30pm
Want to make something you’ll use for a couple of generations? Something to pass along to the next generation? Why not forge it with the last generation? With all attention focused on traditional tools and techniques, this workshop will offer the basics with a contemporary twist. Students can expect to make a number of items, individually or together. Regardless, students will have stories to tell for years to come.
BLK0609 Members: $375/Non-members: $410

Hinges, Hinges and More Hinges
David Tucciarone
Monday – Friday, July 7 – 11, 9am – 4:30pm
Students will start by making very simple cabinet hinges and proceed to H hinges, cross garnet hinges, and strap hinges with pintles. To get the most out of this class, students should have prior experience beyond the very basics.
BLK0707 Members: $375/Non-members: $410

Intermediate Joinery
Dale Morse
Monday – Friday, July 14 – 18, 9am – 4:30pm
This course focuses on traditional joinery to accomplish a “sketch in iron.” These techniques include riveting, mortice and tenon, collars and forge welding. Students should have completed at least one beginning level course.
BLK0714 Members: $375/Non-members: $410

Advanced Dogwood with Songbird
Dale Morse
Saturday and Sunday, July 19 and 20, 9am – 4:30pm
This is an advanced course designed to explore natural forms. Students should be familiar with mortice and tenon joints forge welding. One intermediate course that included traditional joinery is a prerequisite.
BLK0719 Members: $150/Non-members: $180

Beginning Blacksmithing: Playing with Fire
Paul Garrett
Monday – Friday, July 21 – 25, 9am – 4:30pm
Students of all backgrounds will enjoy this beginning class as they learn the basics of forging iron. Then students will progress to creating his or her own small projects based on these techniques.
BLK0721 Members: $375/Non-members: $410

Intro to Blacksmithing
Lynda Metcalfe
Monday – Friday, July 28 – August 1, 9am – 4:30pm
Come have fun learning how to forge steel. Students will start with building forge fires and forging simple shapes while learning how to hammer efficiently. Later in the week students can work on more complex projects of their own choosing or of the instructor’s suggestion. Expect to get hot and dirty and not give a hoot!
BLK0728 Members: $375/Non-members: $410

Traditional Blacksmithing
Steve Kalb
Monday – Friday, August 4 – 8, 9am – 4:30pm
This week long class will be catered to the beginning blacksmith. Skills learned will be fire management, safe forging practices, and traditional blacksmithing techniques. Students will take home several projects that they have completed with their own hands! Students will explore fundamental forging techniques that will lead to cooking utensils and other period ware. No experience is needed, only be prepared for a great time!
BLK0804 Members: $375/Non-members: $410

Fireplace Sets
Phil Harrison
Saturday and Sunday, August 9 and 10, 9am – 4:30pm
Learn the basics of blacksmithing while making your own fireplace set. Instruction will cover building and maintaining a coal fire, how to read the colors of heated steel and how to manipulate soft metal. Various techniques will be demonstrated and explored. No experience is necessary.
BLK0809 Members: $150/Non-members: $180

Tool Making: Intermediate
Elmer Roush
Monday – Friday, Aug 11 – 15, 9am – 4:30pm
Explore the mechanics of tools firsthand by learning how to make your own. This course is designed for students with basic blacksmithing knowledge who want to broaden their skills in tool making. Discussion will include ornament and embellishments for finished tools.
BLK0811 Members: $375/Non-members: $410

Tool Making: Advanced
Elmer Roush
Saturday and Sunday, August 16 and 17, 9am – 4:30pm
Take your tool making to the next level in this class designed for experienced smiths looking to hone their tool making and detail skills. Course will include ornament and embellishing. Personal projects are strongly encouraged.
BLK0816 Members: $150/Non-members: $180

Traditional Blacksmithing
Steve Kalb
Friday – Sunday, September 19 – 21, 9am – 4:30pm
This weekend class will cater to the beginning blacksmiths. Students will learn fire management, safe forging practices, and traditional blacksmithing techniques. We will explore fundamental forging techniques that will lead to cooking and other period ware. No experience is necessary.
BLK0919 Members: $225/Non-members: $260

Blacksmithing Weekend
Jessie Ward
Saturday and Sunday, October 4 and 5, 9am – 4:30pm
Enjoy the thrill of making things with iron. This introductory course is designed to cover blacksmithing basics. Make something you’ve always wanted to make, or make things you didn’t realize were possible. No previous blacksmithing experience is required. All levels are welcome.
BLK1004 Members: $150/Non-members: $180

Intergenerational classes are intended for a combination of one parent/ guardian and one minor. The tuition fee is two for the price of one. Each pair pays the tuition indicated to cover both students’ enrollment. Material fees apply

Other important information:
 
1. Dick Nietfeld an ODBSA Member and Educational Director for ODBSA:Thank you very much for your contribution to the "Beginner's Corner" 
HeatTreating Steel -Quick Guide-Click Here
This is a really good chart to keep in your shop/studio also check out his "how to" on tong making. 

                                      SHADY GROVE BLACKSMITH SHOP
                                              www.blksmth.com
                                                % Dick Nietfeld
                                             229 East Ashton Ave.
                                    Grand Island, Nebraska 68801
                          Call 308 384 1088 or e-mail blksmth@charter.net
                                             USA Dealer For:
                             Ernst Refflinghaus Anvils Germany
                                         ---Quality Anvils Since 1886--- 
                   Face Guaranteed Hard @ HRC 59* Hard to a depth of over 1 inch Tough Steel
                     Consistent Quality Designs Proven Over Time Fine Finish on Face and Horns


2. Lloyd Burns from West Virginia has been delivering coal to blacksmithing groups and individual smiths for a number years and many of our members have used his services. He has a pick-up truck that he uses to deliver two tons, a trailor for four tons and he will provide you with much larger amounts if requested. If you need coal delivered, please call Lloyd for the price of coal and delivery charges for your area. 1-304-497-2371

3. Good Blacksmithing Books that are free on the internet: Thanks to Gerald Boggs for finding and providing the following internet address: http://www.countryside.gov.uk/LAR/archive/publications/craftpublications.asp

4. John Elliott, Blacksmith Supply, has brought his truck full of blacksmithing ware to three of our events in the last year and half.  His Web site   www.blacksmithsupply.com  John is an ODBSA member.

5. Gerald Boggs is an Active Member and Education Director for ODBSA. We appreciate him demonstrating and teaching  members how to make tongs at the Challenge. He does not like being called a Master Blacksmith but by ODBSA definition he is one. He now has a Web Site www.wayfarerforge.com. so, check out his work.


  *     ODBSA 2008 Expense and Revenue Report:
 Revenue:
          Carry over from 2007--------------------------------------------------$746.00
          January Iron-in-the- Hat-----------------------------------------------376.00
          Feb. Iron-in-the-Hat ---------------------------------------------------- 386.00
          March Iron-in-the Hat-------------------------------------------------  240.00
       
                                                                                                                 ________
                                                                                                                     
                                                       Total Revenue:-------------------------                             $1748.00     
 Expenses:
       Demonstrators------------------------------------------------------------1065.00
       Use of facility--------------------------------------------------------------  100.00
       T-shirts, hats, mugs for demonstrators and host-----------------   10.00
       Lunch for demonstrators--------------------------------------------------20.00
       Part of lunch expense in March----------------------------------------  60.00

              
      
                                                                                                                 ________
                                                                                                                         
                                                       Total Expenses:-------------------------                            $1255.00
                                                                                                                                              __________
 Total amount on hand--------------------------------------------------------                          +  $493.00
     
  Expected  April Expenses: 
       1. Demonstrators--------------------------------------------------------$unknown
       2. Mailing of Newsletters (Missy)------------------------------------50.00
       3. Mailing of photos (Jerry)-------------------------------------------