Congratulations! PAABA Member, Bill Robertson has been selected as a new ABANA Board Mem- ber. Bill has an ex- cellent background to help ABANA with new membership and encouraging smiths of all levels. His past experience as president and editor of the Florida group will come in handy! Don’t forget, Bill will be demonstrating for WRABA June 29 and 30th! Be there! Volume 11, Issue 2 June 2013 Pittsburgh Area Artist—Blacksmiths Association Welcome New & Returning PAABA Members From PA: John Wilson- Enon Valley Michael Kuhlman—Pittsburgh Steven Kontaxes-Perryopolis Ross Kareha-Hartstown Jayne Swan-Sewickley Jeff Miller-McMurray Bucky Blauch –Pittsburgh George Blystone-Waynesburg Michael Evegres-Pittsburgh Jake Heasley-Slippery Rock From Ohio: Cris Buckley-Coolville From Michigan: Rod Lange Contents: Summer Plans –1 President’s Message –2 Editor’s Message –2 Calendar of Events –3 Ideas to Share –3 Dream a Little Dream-4 Room for Improvement –5 “Toe-Stools”-6,7 And the Winner Is!-8,9 Library News –10 Bottoms Up! -10 Directions and Tips-11 Calendar –12 Add on Some Summer! Summers mean fun and vacations! PAABA has a mini vacation afternoon planned just for you. Visit an historical home with great ironwork, the Butler Museum, and for the big machinery buffs, stop by Youngstown Steel Heritage Foundation. The 1905 family home for Olive Arms was built in the Arts and Crafts style which is the style of work we will be seeing with demonstrator Robert Trout in Au- gust. Chuck Hughes will be our tour guide and will show you some of Youngstown’s highlights and there are other places you might like to visit on your own such as the Grist Mill and Fellow Riverside Gardens. When I was a kid, I often heard my dad say on a Sunday afternoon, “We’ll go just for the ride”. This short drive to Youngstown, Ohio will make for a get-a-way day at a very reasonable price. Relive a lazy afternoon with PAABA friends and meet at the Arms Home, 648 Wick Ave, Youngstown, Ohio 44502 on July 21. Please let us know if you plan to attend so we can arrange a group rate for the house tour. So What was it Used for Anyway? Have a tool that has been on your work bench forever and you still don’t know what it was used for? Asked your friends and they don’t know either? Finally, you may have your answer on August 24th, at John Steel’s get together. Robert Trout will be demonstrating his fabulous copper work, but PAABA Member, Frank Mirth, has arranged to have Three Rivers Tool Collectors attend this event as well. This is an organization that just loves tools, their historical significance, and educating other through their knowledge. President, Mark Eastlick, explained that collecting tools of crafts no longer practiced helps preserve the knowledge of that craft for future generations. Bob Simone, Vice Presi- dent of the organization, interest is collecting hand saws and knows just about everything there is to know about them. Frank Mirth says that Bob can identify and tell you about a saw by just looking at the teeth. The oldest in his collection in is a Disston saw from the 1850’s. The members of this or- ganization have interests in a wide range of tools and many are interested in woodworking tools. If you would like to have something finally identified, the Three Rivers Tool Collectors will do their best to help you for free! Individuals of the organization have had their collections on exhibit at the Heinz History Center and have written books and articles on the subject. Don’t miss out on this great event, see fabulous copper work and examine some unique tools all in one perfect day!
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Transcript
Congratulations!
PAABA Member, Bill
Robertson has been
selected as a new
ABANA Board Mem-
ber. Bill has an ex-
cellent background
to help ABANA with
new membership
and encouraging
smiths of all levels. His past experience
as president and editor of the Florida
group will come in handy! Don’t forget,
Bill will be demonstrating for WRABA
June 29 and 30th! Be there!
Volume 11, Issue 2 June 2013
Pittsburgh Area Artist—Blacksmiths
Association
Welcome New & Returning PAABA Members
From PA:
John Wilson- Enon Valley
Michael Kuhlman—Pittsburgh
Steven Kontaxes-Perryopolis Ross Kareha-Hartstown Jayne Swan-Sewickley Jeff Miller-McMurray
Bucky Blauch –Pittsburgh George Blystone-Waynesburg Michael Evegres-Pittsburgh
Jake Heasley-Slippery Rock From Ohio:
Cris Buckley-Coolville From Michigan:
Rod Lange
Contents:
Summer Plans –1
President’s Message –2
Editor’s Message –2
Calendar of Events –3
Ideas to Share –3
Dream a Little Dream-4
Room for Improvement –5
“Toe-Stools”-6,7
And the Winner Is!-8,9
Library News –10
Bottoms Up! -10
Directions and Tips-11
Calendar –12
Add on Some Summer! Summers mean fun and vacations! PAABA has a mini vacation afternoon planned just for you. Visit
an historical home with great ironwork, the Butler Museum, and for the big machinery buffs, stop by
Youngstown Steel Heritage Foundation. The 1905 family home for Olive Arms was built in the Arts
and Crafts style which is the style of work we will be seeing with demonstrator Robert Trout in Au-
gust. Chuck Hughes will be our tour guide and will show you some of Youngstown’s highlights and
there are other places you might like to visit on your own such as the Grist Mill and Fellow Riverside
Gardens. When I was a kid, I often heard my dad say on a Sunday afternoon, “We’ll go just for the
ride”. This short drive to Youngstown, Ohio will make for a get-a-way day at a very reasonable price.
Relive a lazy afternoon with PAABA friends and meet at the Arms Home, 648 Wick Ave, Youngstown,
Ohio 44502 on July 21. Please let us know if you plan to attend so we can arrange a group rate for
the house tour.
So What was it Used for Anyway? Have a tool that has been on your work bench forever and you still don’t know what it was used for?
Asked your friends and they don’t know either? Finally, you may have your answer on August 24th,
at John Steel’s get together. Robert Trout will be demonstrating his fabulous copper work, but
PAABA Member, Frank Mirth, has arranged to have Three Rivers Tool Collectors attend this event
as well. This is an organization that just loves tools, their historical significance, and educating other
through their knowledge. President, Mark Eastlick, explained that collecting tools of crafts no longer
practiced helps preserve the knowledge of that craft for future generations. Bob Simone, Vice Presi-
dent of the organization, interest is collecting hand saws and knows just about everything there is to
know about them. Frank Mirth says that Bob can identify and tell you about a saw by just looking at
the teeth. The oldest in his collection in is a Disston saw from the 1850’s. The members of this or-
ganization have interests in a wide range of tools and many are interested in woodworking tools. If
you would like to have something finally identified, the Three Rivers Tool Collectors will do their best
to help you for free! Individuals of the organization have had their collections on exhibit at the Heinz
History Center and have written books and articles on the subject. Don’t miss out on this great
event, see fabulous copper work and examine some unique tools all in one perfect day!
Please Note:
The Pittsburgh Area Artist-Blacksmiths
Association, its staff, directors, officers
and members and the PAABA Newsletter
do not manufacture, distribute, sell, test,
warrant, guarantee, or endorse any of the tools, materials, instructions or products
contained in any articles or advertise-
ments in the PAABA Newsletter. The Pittsburgh Area Artist- Blacksmiths
Association and the PAABA Newsletter
specifically disclaim any responsibility of liability for damages or injuries as a
result of any construction, design, use or
application of information contained in any articles in the PAABA Newsletter.
The Pittsburgh Area Artist Blacksmiths
Association and the PAABA Newsletter assume no responsibility for the accuracy,
fitness, proper design, safety or safe use
of any information in the PAABA News-
letter. Blacksmithing, due to its inherent
nature-fire, steel, hammers, fuel, etc.-is
not an activity to be taken lightly. Pru-dence and common sense must be in the
forefront of any blacksmith’s mind before he/she picks up a hammer.
The PAABA Newsletter is composed by
the editor. Unless otherwise noted, copy-
right belongs to the authors. Please honor their work and do not reprint copyrighted
material without permission. Permission
is granted to other similar non-profit organizations to reproduce other articles
in their entirety appearing in the PAABA
Newsletter provided credit is given to the original source.
Words of Steel…
In case you missed it in the last newsletter on page 3, we (PAABA
and Steel Welding), have taken on a community service project for
refurbishing the gates at Economy Cemetery on Route 989, just up
the hill from Ambridge, PA. The gates were picked up and brought to
Steel Welding and rested up for a month before we held a work day
to repair and strengthen them. The next step is sandblasting, prim-
ing, painting and of course installing. Many thanks to all the volun-
teers that worked on them and especially to the men who were free
to work on June 8th—all excellent craftsmen experienced in metal
manipulation. Thanks to team leaders, Frank Mirth and Mike Ballew,
and their crew of Dave Lint, Bob Selvaggio, Duke Mincin and Chris
Holt who forged a great lunch and kept things moving along with
her project management experience. By the way, there will be no
expenses to PAABA, just good PR!
Summer provides an opportunity for events such as a trip to Youngs-
town, Ohio with our tour guide Chuck Hughes, my shop in August for
a PAABA picnic and all the trimmings, and to close out the summer,
join us at the Compass Inn for another community project. Ed Ap-
pleby arranged a hands-on day of blacksmithing to make projects
for the Compass Inn Gift Shop. Bring your hammers and equipment,
ALL LEVELS of smiths are encouraged to take part. “S” hooks, plant
hooks, fire pokers, key rings, are welcome! This is another way you
can put your skills to good service and be appreciated by a commu-
nity.
Recently, I experienced a loss of a dear friend and mentor, but his
contributions to the blacksmithing community will never fade away.
He founded the Center for Metal Arts and this institution will continue
to educate future smiths. I believe the big part of a community
service project is giving back to smiths that have taught us. Think
about being part of a project to better your community.
Looking forward to seeing you at PAABA summer events!
-President, John Steel
What the Ed Sed...!
Something that is common among all smiths is the quest for a perfect collec-
tion of tools and tooling for projects. Whether these tools every see the light
of day can be inconsequential, but to “hold such greatness in your hands”
(said by Angel Martin played by Stuart Margolin in a classic episode of the
Rockford Files) can be nirvana! This newsletter has the subject of tools for its
focus. Tools to make, equipment to improve your shop, an event that includes
tool collectors, and even a “tool” to get the mud off your boots and add some
whimsy to your garden! For those of you that are looking to learn about state
of the art equipment, read about TechShop on page 4. Dan Thompson can in-
troduce you to a place that will inspire you to follow a dream...if only you had
the right tools! Read about several PAABA members and an ABANA board
member that won awards, probably because they were able to use tools both
traditional and contemporary. Our librarians Harold and Rosemary Sloppy have
chosen a perfect book to read that includes tools that were made many years
ago to make some tasks more efficient. We have several great events planned
for you, see you soon...now, where is that double bit mortising axe when you
need it!
-Editor, Chris Holt
Pittsburgh Area Artist — Blacksmiths Association June 2013 2
_____________________________________________ E-mail Mail Completed Application and Check for $15, ($20 for family) Payable to PAABA to:
Chris Holt, 1630 Camp Meeting Road, Sewickley, PA, 15143
How did you hear about PAABA?
____________________________________________
Areas of interest and comments: ____________________________________________ ____________________________________________ ____________________________________________
PAABA Membership Application
Visit our Website: www.paaba.net
__ Full Time Smith __ I have my own shop
__ Part Time Smith __ I could host a 1-day Hammer-In
__ Hobby Smith __ I could do public demonstrations
__ Beginner __ I could host a plant tour
PAABA GPS System
Youngstown Meeting Place– Take the turnpike toward Ohio to 680 North, take exit 6 (Hubbard
exit—Butler Art Museum sign posted), then take the exit 422N Warren, (it is a long exit, Butler Art Mu-
seum sign posted). At red light, turn left on Wick Ave, very soon after you turn left , make a right into
the Arms Family Museum on right. (Butler Museum is only two doors down). RSVP 412-855-6511
John Steel’s Shop – Take 79 to Route 228 Exit, or Turnpike to Cranberry to Rte 19 N; go West
(left) on Freedom Road (Main intersection - at the Marathon/Denny’s Intersection) Follow Freedom
Road for about 2.2 miles, Turn Right onto Lovi Road. Follow Lovi Road for 1.6 miles to 2063 Lovi
Road, shop on Left, large grey building. Plenty of parking! 724-774-6757
Compass Inn—This Inn is located along Route 30 in Laughlintown, PA, just east of Ligonier. From the
PA Turnpike, exit at the Donegal Interchange #9. Turn left on RT 30 a short distance to the intersec-
tion of 711 N. Take 711 North 12 miles to the intersection of Route 30. Turn right heading East, pro-
ceed 3 miles. Compass Inn is on your right at the corner with the blinking light. Easy unloading and