Forging Excellence – A Journey Into Ironworks
Forge your way into the world of ironworks, creating one of a kind forged metal art. Participants will learn to move hot steel like modeling clay, while building confidence with heat and force. 鉄製品 オーダーメイド
From mining to refining, and from smelting to forging, the fascinating history of how iron is made. Tools
In this five-day workshop, participants learn basic blacksmithing skills to create a project of their choosing. No prior experience is necessary. Students will become familiar with hammer techniques, including tapering, spreading, and isolation, as well as forging basics like drifting, punching, and riveting. Participants will also explore design foundations and have the opportunity to forge their own tools to enhance the work they produce.
The first class will introduce students to the forge and equipment used in the workshop. The goal of this class is to form a basis of skills that will allow the participant to move hot metal with the same ease that they would modeling clay. Students will work at their own skill level with the assistance of instructors.
During the late-nineteenth century, the Industrial Revolution spurred significant growth in railroads and manufacturing, increasing the demand for key materials such as iron. Forge smiths sought ways to increase their capacity and the quality of their products. The Bessemer process had already been introduced in Great Britain and the United States, but it could not deliver consistent results. Inventor William Kelly devised a pneumatic method of refining the iron, transforming it into malleable metal to form forge hammers, plows, and other tools. The process was designated a National Historic Chemical Landmark in 2015.
Glenn Weiss is a full-time blacksmith and farrier who has been forging since 1989. He holds a BFA in Metalsmithing and Jewelry from Maine College of Art and Design and an MFA in Blacksmithing from Southern Illinois University Carbondale. He is a skilled instructor and frequent presenter at local and national blacksmithing conferences. His passion for the art and craft of smithing is evident in his unique one-of-a-kind pieces that inspire and delight. He maintains a blacksmith shop on his farm near Confluence, Pennsylvania. Techniques
When working with iron, the skilled blacksmith balances form and function. He creates functional hardware that enhances the aesthetic of a home, and he designs sculptures that embody the grace of metal.
The Industrial Revolution created a great demand for iron, fueling a boom in manufacturing and railroads. Blacksmiths adapted their skills to new industries, crafting components for automobiles, machinery and construction. In their workshops, they used traditional techniques and innovative tools like welding equipment. Blacksmiths also developed new methods of working with iron. One of these methods, the pneumatic process, improved the quality of wrought iron and reduced its reliance on fuel.
William Kelly, a skilled metalworker, began developing this method in the 1800s. The process, which relies on natural gas rather than coal or wood, reduced the brittleness of iron and made it easier to work with. In a time when many industrial processes were changing, Kelly’s innovations helped set the stage for a global iron and steel industry.
While Kelly’s pneumatic process and Mushet’s invention of a crucible helped advance the industry, it was Bessemer who provided the legal and business support to commercialize the technologies. By the late 1800s, U.S. businesses were competing with their counterparts in Britain, and the country became a leader in iron production.
Located in the verdant hills of The Woodlands, Duo Moiron Doors’ ironworks find harmony with nature. Their organic shapes and botanical-inspired motifs integrate with the architecture of the homes that they enliven. The company also forges custom-designed ironworks that complement the landscape.
Glenn Gilmore is a master blacksmith who has worked with metal for nearly three decades. He demonstrates for blacksmithing groups and has shown his works in craft shows and exhibits. His work reflects the attention to detail that he gives to every project, whether a large gate or a small coat hook. His designs incorporate elements of traditional joinery-rivets, collars and mortise and tenon-and he pays equal attention to the structural integrity of his pieces as well as their design. Materials
For centuries, artisan foundry-masters worked ores and crude metals to create utilitarian products. But their methods were labor intensive and fuel dependent. As industry expanded, it became clear that manufacturing improvements were necessary.
In 1857, American ironworks owner William Kelly developed a pneumatic process for refining molten pig iron. His discovery used chemical reactions to remove impurities and reduce the amount of fuel needed to sustain the molten mass. His improvements, along with those of English metallurgist Robert F. Mushet, and the mechanical design of Bessemer's tilting converter, were critical developments that opened the door for large-scale production.
Glenn is a master of both hand- and power-driven forging techniques and works with clients to design site-specific architectural metalwork. He is known for his attention to detail and meticulous craftsmanship, earning commissions from designers and homeowners around the country and abroad. He also teaches blacksmithing and holds workshops at Touchstone and other regional and national art centers.
Using both hand and power tools, students will learn to form steel by forging it with a hammer. Students will work with various types of metals to make one-of-a-kind forged pieces. They will focus on thoughtful design and functional forms while learning to forge a variety of shapes from a flat piece of metal. Demonstrations will include fire welding, splitting, riveting and efficient forging.
This class is for anyone who has a desire to explore the magic of working with hot steel and wants to learn more about what makes forging so seductive. Participants will create a small coat rack that will become an elegant addition to their home.
Jody Best has been forging since 1989. Her interest in combining art and functionality led her to discover the world of blacksmithing. She is an experienced and enthusiastic art and blacksmithing instructor who teaches at Touchstone and other regional and national arts centers. She maintains a studio on her farm near Confluence, Pennsylvania and has participated in several national and international blacksmithing conferences and exhibits. Her artworks range from sculpture to functional items. Safety
Forging iron requires a special skill set, and even more importantly, a high level of safety. The work is intense and physical, and the arc of the forge’s heat is unforgiving. For this reason, the safety of the forge staff is of the utmost importance and an essential aspect of working with iron. In addition to training and certification programs, the forge employs a full time safety team whose primary goal is to ensure that all employees can perform their duties safely.
With a firm understanding of the importance of ensuring employee safety, Atlas Iron Works is committed to ongoing development and enhancement. This includes training, coaching, and mentoring initiatives to cultivate a skilled and diverse workforce. Additionally, the company regularly evaluates its automation and technology needs, and carefully selects solutions that align with the organization’s overarching business objectives. These investments are carefully planned with implementation and integration in mind, and are prioritized for their ability to improve efficiency, productivity, and cost-effectiveness.
The late nineteenth century was a period of expansive change in business and industry, with booming railroad expansion creating increased demand for key materials like iron and steel. James Craig had grown up on a farm in Blair County, Pennsylvania and began his career with his uncle’s ironworks, Cove Forge. Over the years, he worked at several other iron and steel mills, including managing a forge in Greencastle.
Kelly’s firm produced wrought iron and needed access to two main natural resources: iron ore and forests for fuel. As the demand for iron rose, however, the forge’s forests were quickly depleted. Kelly was determined to reduce his dependence on fuel, and he experimented with various processes. In 1851, he discovered a pneumatic process for refining iron that was both more efficient and less dependent on fuel. The American Chemical Society and the Lyon County Public Library & Museum named his invention as a National Historic Chemical Landmark in 2015.
Stephanie’s multifaceted skillset found its ideal match at Atlas Iron Works, where she is an instrumental and deliberate member of the management team. Her leadership is driven by a relentless commitment to the company’s traditions and its foundational elements, while maintaining an openness to new ideas that will enhance operational effectiveness.
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