The BREAKER Walt Anderson . Steve Bloom. Mary Brandenh~rg , Pete Brandenburg, Houston Cotton, Ed Crane, Jerry Grice, Tycee Grice, Charles Ckhs, Clay Spencer.

The

BREAKER

Walt Anderson . Steve Bloom. Mary Brandenh~rg , Pete Brandenburg, Houston Cotton, Ed Crane, Jerry Grice, Tycee Grice, Charles Ckhs, Clay Spencer.

Established May 18, 1985 July, 1989

JULY 8 MEETING AT JERRY & TYCEE GRICE'S SHOP, TALLAHASSEE

Several events w i l l be happening: making; of auction items, hands-on workshop, Jerry w i l l have another project f o r everyone t o part icipate. We w i l l a l so have a " k c k in the Wlcket" drawing, so be sure t o bring your monies and/or items fo r donation ( the money goes into the treasury t o help subsidize the newsletter expenses). Also, i f you have a favorite project o r idea, bring it along t o show. Also on the agenda w i l l be a board meeting in the afternoon. Lunch w i l l be available ($3.00 per person), consisting of br- B-Que pork, beef, beans, cole slaw, and tea o r coffee. The Grice's shop is a t 4400 Shelfer Road, Tallahassee. See map on page 3.

To top the day o f f . Jerry & Tycee w i l l be having an Open House a t t h e i r new log home on Saturday evening (it 's not t o t a l l y finished, but good enough f o r a good par ty! ) .

ABS AWARDS

The American Bladesmi th S o c i e t y (ABS) h a s awarded C h a r l e s Ochs, Largo, h i s Master B l a d e s m i t h ' s t a m p , i t s R i l l Moran Award, and i t s Knife-of- the-Year award, and R l a d e magazine h a s g i v e n him t h e B e s t Kni fe o f t h e Show award a t t h e Blade Supershow i n K n o x v i l l e . See pages 6 and 7 .

NOMMA AWARDS

Three FABA members won awards a t t h i s y e a r ' s a n n u a l c o n v e n t i o n o f t h e N a t i o n a l Ornamental & Misce l l aneous Meta l s A s s o c i a t i o n ( N O M M A ) . J e r r y G r i c e of J e r r y G r i c e Welding, T a l l a h a s s e e , won t h e s i l v e r A r t award f o r Master Cra f t sman/Des igner . David P o n s l e r o f Wonderland P r o d u c t s , Jack-

@ s o n v i l l e . won t h e b ronze A r t award f o r S c u l p t u r e , and Wonderland P r o d u c t s won t h e bronze Top J o b award f o r F u r n i t u r e and Accessory F a b r i c a t i o n . Ar t i s t ic Meta l s (Mike D e S t e f a n o ) , Mulberry , won t h e g o l d Top J o b award f o r S t a i r R a i l i n g s , E x t e r i o r / I n t e r i o r . For f u l l d e t a i l s , s e e t h e March-Apr i l , 1989 i s s u e o f t h e Ornamental & M i s c e l $ a n e o u s Meta l F a b r i c a t o r .

me F l o r i d a C l i n k e r B ~ d i e r , J u 1 y , 19 89

FLORIDA ARTIST BLACKSMITH ASSOCIATION - Chapter of ABANA, Inc. P. 0. h x 5914, Tallahassee, FL m 1 4

Resident (88/89) : Vicdresidmt (89/90) : Secretary (€3/89) : Treasurer (acting ) : k l e t t e r Editor (R9/90): R-ogran Chair (08/89) : EIMrd k&er #I (88/89): Ebard #2 (89/90): b r d Membw #3 (88/89): RMrd Member #4 (W/90): Ebard Mwnber #5 (88/89) :

Willard Smith, Route 1, Rar l m , B l a n t s h , R 32424, Chl (904) 67- J w r y Grice, P. 0. mx 5914, Tallahassee, R 32314, Chl (904) 4214788, [wl (904) 81Ei-1777 Tycee Grice, P. 0. b x 5914, Tallahas=, FL, m 1 4 , fhl (904) 4214788, [wl (%a) Em-1977 Clyde Paytm, b t e 5 , !?ox 124D, Ptnticello, R 32344, Chl (934) W7-=, [wl (934) 4~334E77 mte E ~ r ; v r l m t r ~ q , =r) I7r;vl;ul.x m-Lul. ht P.?lm I:t,=xh, FL m 1 , [hl (407) ECZ-27Ca, [w] (407) 640+445 (Vxant) Clyde P a m , mte 3, h x 124D, Mmticello, R 32344, Chl (904) 597--, Cwl (704) -577 see* Watt-, 2816 Tern/ FZMd, Tallahassee, R 32312, Chl (904) 38W246 Walt -, 7 Soco Trail, a-crmd Eeach, R 32074, Chl (904) 672-4603 Lewis Riggl-, P. 0. Rox 247, ihtanio, FL X576, Chl (904) 5Zi-3515 J. C. W i n s , Rt. 1, Ebr 25, brristm, R [h] (904) !5ZS-=

UPCOMING MEETINGS

The regions have no boundaries--everyone is welcome everywhere. The regular regional meetings usually a re held monthly a t 9AM on the following Saturdays of each month: N E - l s t , NW-2nd, SE-3rd, & SW-4th. Actual dates and the meeting locations vary. Check below.

July 1: July 8: ,July 15 : July 28-30: July 29: A u g . 12: Sept. 9: Oct. 13, 14:

Mid-Oct .

Nov. 4, 5: Nov. 11: June 28-30, 1990:

Northeast =ion, Pioneer A r t Settlement, Barberville . STA'IEWIDE MEETING a t Jerry and Tycee Grice's shop, Tallahassee. Southeast region, 9 AM, Bob Ringer's shop, Fort Lauderdale. See p. 9 . Knifemakers Guild Show, Orlando. See page 6 f o r de ta i l s . Southwest m i o n , Crowley Museum, Sarasota. Northwest region, Ed and Nancy Crane's, Tallahassee. Northwest region, Willard Smith's shop, Blountstown. ANIXJAL STATE CONFERENCE, Barberville Pioneer A r t Settlement. Regis- t r a t ion packets w i l l be mailed i n l a t e August. Contact John D i t t - 7 meier, 3732 Idlebrook C i r . #110, Casselberry, FL 32707, (407) 699-2451 if you are not a FABA member and wish t o receive a packet. Fred Caylor's week-long f a l l blacksmith c lass , Ocala area. Contact Fred Caylor fo r de ta i l s : 3602 S. 800 E . , Zionville, I N 46077, home (317) 769-6351, shop (317) 769-6537 (exact dates available soon). Jamboree, Barberville Pioneer A r t Settlement. Northwest region, Skeeter Prather's shop, Tallahassee. ABANA Conference, Alfred, NY.

1989 FABA ELECTIONS

It's not t ~ o early t o think about t h i s f a l l ' s FABA election. FABA is incorporated a s a non-profit organization i n Florida. The corporation's business and a f f a i r s a re managed by f ive of f icers ( the Prbgram Chair is vacant a t the moment) and f ive directors , who serve staggered two-year terms. Half of the positions are up fo r election each f a l l . This f a l l , w e w i l l elect a President, a Secretaryflreasurer, a Program Chair, and the three odd Board Members t o serve f o r the 1990-1991 calendar years (see the list a t the top of t h i s page). Please notify the Secretary, Tycee Grice, a t the address above i f you a re interested in running fo r one of these positions, i f you want t o nominate someone f o r a w s i t i o n , o r if you would l ike more information on the election o r the duties of the ~ o s i t i o n s . So f a r , the following people plan t o run fo r off ice in the coming election.

Pusikion ... ..L.%.Q/9.1.1 President: Secretaryflreasurer : Program Chair: b a r d (3 w s i t i o n s ) :

Annmnced ..... Cu?d.ici&e~. none none none Walt Anderson, J. C. Hawkins

The current Secretary, Tycee Grice, x ~ d the current President, Willard Smith, w i l l not be running f o r off ices i n t h i s election. I

1 I

ZIE! Florida Clinker Brealrez., J u l y , 1989

dou, To: Ger TO Tue C n o u c ~ y Mclseu< S~RQSOT+. F L o Q o \ -6

1 1.75 \ S 5uGGE5TEO IF POSSIBLE W ~ u c ~ ~ ~ ra TAMPA

us-n 1

QUARTERLY STATEWIDE MEETING NORTHEAST REGION J e r r y a n d Tycee Grice's s h o p Walt A n d e r s o n , ( 9 0 4 ) 672-4603

[ h l ( 9 0 4 ) 421-4788, [ w ] ( 9 0 4 ) 878-1977 P i o n e e r A r t S e t t l e m e n t 4400 S h e l f e r Road, T a l l a h a s s e e B a r b e r v i l l e

SOUTHWEST REGION SOUTHEAST REGION Joe F a r i n a ( 8 1 3 ) 922-6234 Bob R i n g e r ( 3 0 5 ) 772-3802

Crowley Mufieurn ( 8 1 3 ) 322-1000 Old D i x i e Weld ing 16404 Myakka Road, S a r a s o t a 792 NE 45 S t . , F o r t L a u d e r d a l e

Z"le Flcv-icja CliZdie+'Ere,.L]ier', J u l y , 1959

PCWER HAMMER DEMO AT MADISON - I was glad t o see many of our members i n Madison t h i s past month a t the Southeastern

Conference. There were some outstanding demos, but the one I paid most attention t o was Clifton Ralph's demo under the power hammer. He was working a 100 pound L i t t l e Giant. Two of the main things he wants is a brake t o s top the hammer in a raised position and a cage guard around the arms and spring on f ront of the hammer. The guard on the front of the hammer is a very good idea. I t could ge t your head, eyes, and tee th , e t c . , i f you get my meaning !

Clifton was very conscious of safety. Every time a hot piece of metal was cut under the hammer, he made sure everyone was out of the way so it wouldnet shoot out and h i t someone. He also said t h power hammer was a b u t a s smart a s a mule. I t w i l l kick you, knock you, and hurt you. Every t i m e he and h i s helper (which was h i s th i rd hand) went under the hammmer, he was careful t o make sure the tools and piece they were working with was in the r ight place t o keep from hurting someone o r messirg up the piece they were working on. By doing Industr ial Blacksmithirg f o r forty years, you have t o become very safety conccious, and it showed i n h i s work.

I know some people didn ' t watch h i s demo much because he is an Industrial Blacksmith, but a l l the techniques used under the hammer a re the same. But, always keep safety in mind in anything you do, no matter what.

Lmking t o see you a t the shop f o r the Statewide Meeting in July.

Jerry Grice

COAL If interested in coal. contact:

Mr. Ekryl Mahaffey Route 1 Warrior, AL 35180 (205) 647-5910 -

Heis hard t o reach because he is i n the mine most a l l day. This is the coal tha t I Jerry Grice bought.

I .

l71e Florida Cl Miex. B~'~?c.ili~!r, JU 1 y , 1 9 8 9

Chest Latch 3: Spread end into 2: Shape end symmetrically. 1: Cut a 45 degree

a flame fFniaL deepen d e p r e d n s & angle on 1 end & taper for 2 - 3". spring fuller 4" from

the end.

5: Prepare holes for 1/4" 4: Roll an eye carriage bolts & remove

& drill 2 1/4" center 402 of eye. holes.

8. Form pin from 1/4" round stock (upset, form rivet head, insert & form head on other end

right-angled hasp.

10: F'rom 1/2"x 3/18" flat etock, spring fuller, form a pennyfoot, draw

6: Proceed as above but elongate below the finial dc do not taper. Fold thru 2 r t angles

A B A N A chapter newsletters say reprint this ar t ic le , provided the authors' copyright i s reproduced with the art icle and The Flor ida Clioher Breaker i s credited as the source.

Photo by Jin Weyer, Toledo, Ohio

CHARLES OCHS' DAMASCUS BOWIE KNIFE

OClIS STEELS SELF FOR HARD GRIND & MAKES GOT AT SHW: LOOKIE SHARP WINS POIME, EDGES OUT CXMPEIXTION

A t the Blade S e r s h o w i n Knoxville i n May ( a t the sale time a s the conference i n Madison), the American Bladesmitk~ Society (ABS) awarded Charles Ochs the Master Bladesmith stamp, thus recognizing the superiority of h i s craftsmanship. This is a prestigious achievement; there are only two other ABS Master Bladesmiths in Florida, A 1 Pendray and Steve Schwarzer .

But the rea l ly big news is t h a t the American Bladesmith Society awarded Charles i t e coveted Bill Moran Award and Knife-of-the-Year award f o r h i s entry, a 14%-inch Damascus Bowie knife with an a l l iga to r shield (see photo). The same knife won Blade ~ w a z i n e ' s %st Knife of the Show award. John Cross reports t h a t the new Master was caught off guard without h i s fancy duds, so the pictures a l l show him in h i s work clothes ( the way we know him best).

" , 6

20tl1 At~ttiversaty

I<nifemalters Guild Show July 28 - 50,1989

a1 the

M a r r i o l t ' s Orlando World Center, Orlando, Florida

T l r Knifcmkcrr Guild Show is recognized as the fincrl knife show in thc world, with over 250 members displaying cullrry ranging in price from $50 to Ihouwnds of dollars.

.. Hsndrrafled linivcr of the fines1 qualify including: Folding . Uowir - Pighlcrr * Swords . Daggers . Arl Knivcr will beon display and for sale.

GRAND BALLROOM Malrloll'r Orlando World Cen1.r Friday,July 28 -1pm Lo 9pm Salurday,July 29 -1Oam lo 6pm

Sunday, July 30 -10am lo 4p.l Admission $5. children u n d n 16 years f m . Cornplimcnlary passes available through Cuild membns.

l o r SpatlaI Culld Hold AnanBamanU (Onbct I h Mbrrloll's Orlando World Cenlcr, 1dW-IU-9290. n e a n ask for tho Knif, m k c n Guild Rmm Ralc, 199. slnglc or double.

For Erclvrlve Guild Travel Anangcrnrnls conlact the official Guild Show Airline, Della Airllnrr, 1-8M2414760. Rcqvcsl the Knilemakcrr Guild file 114462.

Olher 1989 Shows Lnclioned by lhc Guild include: -

Solvang Handmade Knife Show, April 7-9, Solvang, CA DladcSupcr Show, May 19 - 21, Knoxville, TN

f i California Cuslom KnifcShow, Oc1.20 -22, Amhcim, CA Ncw YorkCustom Knife Show, Nov. 17 - 19, New York, NY Colin

COX For more informalionconl.rcl: Frank Ccntobnle . P. 0. Box 17587. Tampa, FL 33652 (813) 9616637

14%-INCH DAMASCUS BOWIE KNIFE

The knife is shown in the photograph on the facing page. A description follows :

1%" damascus blade, 224 layers, leaning ladder pattern on both s ides ;

nickel s i lve r guard and spacers i r ~ handle, with black and red f ibe r spacers and one ivory spacer in the middle, crown stag on top;

sheath covered with red a l l iga to r leather (both s ides) with nickel s i lve r throat formed and soldered together.

The en t i r e knife was done in the s ty le of William Scagel, a blacksmith from Michigan who made knives and many other objects de'iron from around 1910 t o 1960. H i s knife work has become much sought a f t e r since he taught Randall of Orlando how to make knives. H i s work is also very hard t o f ind , which is why reproductions of h i s work sell very well.

Concerning the fabrication of t h i s part icular blade, there were some problems. The s ize my customer demanded required m e t o make a damascus b i l l e t somewhat larger than I normally weld up. So instead of a five-layer b i l l e t I made a seven-layer b i l l e t t o have more usable s t e e l . The layers were 2%'' x 4" x ki". I a lso held the layers t o 224 when finished, a s my customer wanted very Fmld prominent grain s tructure with big ladders in i t .

While welding up t h i s b i l l e t , I forged it out a l i t t l e tm wide for my 50 pound L i t t l e Giant t o handle. When forging on the edge t o reduce the width, the old K-by would throw its belt off the clutch. No amount of adjustment would work. So I called fo r my wife. Belle, and my 12 year old son, Micah. Belle held my welded-on handle and Micah held the b i l l e t with tongs while I worked the white-hot b i l l e t with an eight pound sledge. Belle's only comment was, " A r e you sure you really need m e out here t o do this?" Micah thought it was great fun, but somehow I don't think Belle wants t o do tha t again!

I put up t h i s knife with several others t o be judged f o r my Master Bladesmith cer t i f ica t ion . When the American Bladesmith Society Board of Judges informed m e t h a t I had passed, they asked m e t o enter t h i s knife in the ABS Knife of the Year competition. This was judged by Ken Warner of Gun Digest Books, Inc . , Houstor~ Price of Gun Norld, and Bruce Voyles of Blacle magazine. They were apparently very impressed with the workmanship and des ig r~ .

I should make mention tha t I b u i l t t h i s knife, with sheath, from s t a r t t o f in ish in three long days, about 30 hours. Of tha t about eight hours was the sheath, a s forming and building the nickel s i lve r was very time consuming.

In addition, t h i s knife was judged by the show committee a s Best Hand- forged Blade of the show.

To be honest, a l l t h i s came as a great surprise, a s I was sweating b l le ts hoping f o r my Master stamp. But tha t seemed t o be almost forgotten

I before the show was over.

I would l ike t o say tha t I f e e l very privileged t o now be in the company of A 1 Pendray and Stephen Schwarzer a s an ABS Master. A s I have said before, one can blow h i s own horn and l i s t en t o applause from customers, but when a

- -

craftsman receives accolades from h i s peers it is t ru ly gratifying. Hard work does pay o f f .

Charles F. Ckhs I11

l71e Florida Cl inh-er B ~ ' d i ~ ! r , J u 1 y , 1 9 8 9

A BETTER G R I P - I attended the Southeastern Regional Blacksmith Conference i n Madison, GA, i n May. I t was a great meeting and I came away with several pearls of wisdom t h a t I would l ike t o share with those who were not able t o attend. Peter Happny seems t o be a smith with an eye fo r the pract ical application of simple principles. H e covers h i s vise jaws with aluminum. Why? Primarily because it holds the metal with a t igh te r gr ip . The reasons fo r its effectiveness are:

1 . Aluminum is s o f t and therefore tends t o conform t o s l igh t i r regular i t ies i n the surface of the metal being held, and therefore holds it t igh te r . Incidentally, he pointed out t h a t copper o r other s o f t metals could a lso be used.

2 . Older vises may not have good surfaces on the jaw, o r may be worn o r i rregular , and therefore do not grasp the metal a s w e l l a s they once did--the s o f t aluminum cover helps t h i s problem.

3. When holding smooth, del icate , o r ornamented pieces, an aluminum cover on the vise jaw protects your work anrl prevents vise marks o r scratches.

Peter used 3/16" sheet aluminum cut and folded around the vise jaw so t h a t it was firmly i n place (see drawing). I am not sure why he used sheet t h i s thick, but probably it is jus t more durable than a thinner piece would be. I wonder i f 1/8" would work well a lso. I f necessary fo r any reason the aluminum cover can be removed, o r i f damaged can be easi ly replaced. I t seemed t o me t h a t the aluminum vise cover is a simple, prac t ica l , and inex- p n s i v e idea with several advantages and very l i t t le disadvantage! I have not used it yet myself, but I ' m planning t o ge t the aluminum soon. I f Peter Happny says it works I believe i t .

Ed Crane

PLANS FOR ANNUAL STATEMIDE CONFWENCE 7 GOOD TIMES AHEAD: The Florida A r t i s t Blacksmith Association's 1989 conference w i l l

be held October 13 and 14 a t the Pioneer A r t Settlement i n Barberville, near b l a n d . I t w i l l be bigger and. better than ever. Special ac t iv i t i e s include demonstrations of flower and blade making, hands-on bench makirg, s t r ik ing competition, exhibi ts , an auction, a barn dance, and special a c t i v i t i e s f o r spouses. Plan t o come!

Cur host is a private, nonprofit association dedicated t o preservation of a r t i f a c t s and demonstration of pioneer c r a f t s . One of t h e i r structures is a large, well-equipped FABA-sponsored blacksmith shop, which w i l l be the center of our a c t i v i t i e s . They w i l l a lso provide showroom and auction space in the old schoolhouse, a barn f o r the barn dance, camping space, and good homecooked meals.

AKIWOEK & IRUNWORK EXHLBIT: We w a n t t o have a super exhibit of blacksmithing "hardware and software." "Hardware" includes items made by smiths demonstrating t h e i r s k i l l s . A l l kinds of i t e m s are welcome, including knives and tools . Individual displays of one's early work and l a t e r more sk i l led resul t s a re invited t o encourage beginr~ers. Ekn Rogers is our hardware exhibit coordinator.

"Software" includes paintings, posters, photographs, needlework, publications, e t c . , relat ing t o blacksmithing. We would l ike t o brrow from you t o share with others. Walt Anderson is our software exhibit coordinator.

Please run through your personal collection and identify items you can bring and let, Ekn o r Walt know. They promise adequate security and prompt return of your items.

TRADE &'SELL: Cur annual meeting w i l l be a great opportunity f o r major swap and sell ac t iv i t i e s . There is l o t s of room t o display your s t u f f . Many members have a l o t of stuff layirg around--good fituff they jus t haven't gotten around t o using. Others have - just the need fo r i t , SO here's a chance t o rearrange a l o t of blacksmithing s tuf f in h

Florida. Bring anything t h a t s t r ikes your fancy--tools, metal, chickens, books, tomatoes, e t c . , e t c . , e t c .

Walt Anderson

8

8 '

The Florida Cl in l rer Rrealrer, J u l y , 1989

News from the NorthEast Steve Bloom

The Northeast chapter held its monthly meeting (June 3) at IronFlower Forge south of Archer. With the gracious loan of an anvil by Carl Van Amam, we were able to get two forges up and running and actually got a few people to work. The day's project was to fabricate iron-work for a large cedar chest to be auctioned off at the state meeting. The chest measures 36" x 18" x 24" tall, was fabricated from 12" wide Southern aromatic cedar planks (a rare find these days), and should be big enough to be useful. Misha Jaris (a potential new member) pitched in on the handles while Houston Cotton and myself collaborated on the latch (see the article elsewhere in this issue of the Clinker Breaker). The design-work and a quarter of the hinge sets have also been completed (see next month's Clinker Breaker). Approximately 20 people wandered through sometime dur ing the day and those who were around at lunch polished off a reasonable amount of ham and roast.

Since there have been no other volunteers at this time, all future chapter meetings will be held at Barberville. Walt Anderson will be letting me know when the new roof extension at Barberville is scheduled to go up - so keep an eye out for an announcement. Remember that the big state meeting will be at Barberville in the Fall and help will be needed.

NEWS FROM THE SOUTHEAST

S o u t h e a s t e r n members m e t f o r a June mee t ing a t Bob R i n g e r ' s shop i n F o r t L a u d e r d a l e . Bob c l e a r e d a covered o u t d o o r f a b r i c a t i o n a r e a and a r r a n g e d a n i c e b r e e z e f o r t h e m e e t i n g , s o we had a b o u t a s c o o l a g e t - t o g e t h e r a s you c o u l d e x p e c t a t t h e end o f June i n s o u t h F l o r i d a . Bob's s o n , Rob, made h o r s e h e a d s , and was s t i l l g o i n g s t r o n g making a hea r t - shaped o rnamenta l p i e c e f o r someone s p e c i a l when everyone e l s e was c a l l i n g it a d a y . John S t r u t h e r s made a number o f l e a v e s u s i n g a new t e c h n i q u e t h a t he had s e e n i n Tennessee and made one o r two e a r l y n i n e t e e n t h c e n t u r y camping i t e m s . P e t e Brandenburg made a t w i s t e d broom h a n d l e . One o f Bob's f o r g e s i s a g a s f o r g e w i t h a 27" f i r e b o x . With t h i s mons te r , it was a l m o s t i m p o s s i b l e t o make a t w i s t t h a t w a s n ' t p e r f e c t w i t h t h e even h e a t it prov ided o v e r t h i s l e n g t h . That s u c k e r was h o t , t h o u g h . O u t s i d e . I t w i l l be a l o t more f u n t o u s e n e x t w i n t e r . Fred Sarson worked on a p a i r o f t o n g s from heavy s t o c k , t a k i n g advan tage o f a v a i l a b l e s t r i k e r muscle t o draw o u t t h e h a n d l e s . Ed Leopard was down t o h i s l a s t t h r e e h o r s e s h o e n a i l s , and had t o make a n emergency r u n f o r s u p p l i e s , s o he d i d n ' t g e t a n y t h i n g made t h i s t i m e . We l e f t w i t h a l m o s t a h a l f t o n o f p o t e n t i a l new p r o j e c t s from Bob's s c r a p p i l e . We had a number o f i n t e r e s t e d v i s i t o r s who watched and k i b i t z e d a t t h e m e e t i n g . One o r two even pounded a l i t t l e . Keep a e y e on t h e new member column.

The J u l y meet ing w i l l a l s o be h e l d a t Bob R i n g e r ' s shop ( s e e map on page 3 ) on J u l y 1 5 t h a t 9 A M . Come ready t o do some b l a c k s m i t h i n g . We w i l l have t h r e e f o r g e s and f o u r a n v i l s se t u p . For t h e d i f f i c u l t p r o j e c t s t h a t need a modern a p p r o a c h , t h e shop i s crammed w i t h equipment t o make it e a s i e r . B r i n g t h a t s t i c k y p r o j e c t . For l u n c h , t h e r e a r e many sandwich shops and f a s t food p l a c e s n e a r b y , o r b r i n g a brown bag .

P e t e Brandenburg i

' 1

9

The Flol-i c?a C l i n k e r R ~ c d i ~ ! + ' , J u 1 y , 1 9 8 9

A FRIEND REMEMBERED T

Words cannot e x p r e s s t r u e t h a n k s f o r t h e love and concern shown t o myse l f , Kelly-Ann, and Joey i n our t r a g e d y . Your p r a y e r s , v i s i t s , phone c a l l s , and money were g r e a t l y a p p r e c i a t e d . Doug loved b lacksmi th ing and a l l of h i s many f r i e n d s i n t h e c h a p t e r .

There i s s o much I want t o s a y , b u t j u s t c a n ' t seem t o f i n d t h e r i g h t words. I l o v e a l l of you and aga in I...fh.ank...y~~.

Love i n C h r i s t , Becky Rochon

ON TI-IE ROAD

J a c k i e and I j u s t r e t u r n e d f r o n a 4000 mi le t r i p t o Colorado t o d e l i v e r a t r e a d l e hanmer I b u i l t and donated t o t h e F r a n c i s Whitaker B l a c k s n i t h i n g School a t t h e Colorado Rocky Mountain School (CRMS). The t r i p was t i n e d t o be j u s t b e f o r e t h e Western Regional Blacksmi th ing Conference a t CRMS s o we cou ld a t t e n d t h a t a s w e l l .

F r a n c i s i s w e l l and s e n d s h i s g r e e t i n g s and an i n v i t a t i o n t o v i s i t t h e new shop. I t i s an e x c e l l e n t , w e l l equipped shop wi th F r a n c i s ' t o o l s , equipment , and s u p p l i e s . There a r e s i x l a r g e f o r g e s i n t h e c e n t e r wi th a power hanner and l a y o u t t a b l e a t one end , a bench a long one s i d e , and a s t o c k roon a t t h e o t h e r end . The c l e r e s t o r y windows prov ide n a t u r a l l i g h t i n t h e c e n t e r above t h e f o r g e s . There i s a l i t t l e o f f i c e a r e a t o t h e s o u t h e a s t wi th a b e a u t i f u l view of Mount S o p r i s . There a r e l a r g e double doors on t h e n o r t h end and a l a r g e f u l l m a t e r i a l rack o u t on t h e n o r t h e a s t c o r n e r . The P o r t i a Room was n o t y e t complete b u t they d i d g e t t h e p a r q u e t f l o o r i n g i n s t a l l e d d u r i n g t h e c o n f e r e n c e . I n it will be some of h e r work and remembrances of h e r l i f e .

CRHS i s a c o l l e g e p r e p s c h o o l on over 200 a c r e s , s t r a d d l i n g a r i v e r a t 6200 f e e t e l e v a t i o n i n t h e s n a l l town of Carbon- d a l e . The people a t t h e s c h o o l a r e ve ry n i c e , and a p p r e c i a t i v e of t h e work F r a n c i s has done t o g e t t h e Blacksmith School b u i l t and o p e r a t i n g . F r a n c i s will a s s i s t any former s t u d e n t s wi th p r o j e c t s a t t h e shop--no t u i t i o n , $10 p e r day l a b f e e . During t h e school t e r n , Will Per ry o r some o f t h e o t h e r l o c a l s m i t h s will t e a c h t h e CRHS s t u d e n t s a t n i g h t .

I t was an i d e a l p l a c e f o r t h e Western Regional B l a c k s a i t h Conference. The IRON M A N BASH 1989 was k icked o f f by F r a n c i s on Monday norn ing o i l i n g t h e n a c h i n e r y , and t h e n t h e r o l l p a t t e r n f o r t r a n s i t i o n from round f l u e p i p e t o s q u a r e hood, u s e of s i d e c u t c h i s e l , and forming t h e s p i r a l rods f o r t h e b a s k e t c a n d l e s t a n d shown i n h i s book. John Hoffman, who d i d an e x c e l l e n t 7 job of a r r a n g i n g t h e c o n f e r e n c e , d e n o n s t r a t e d a combinat ion barbeque fo rk- tong . J e f f e r y Funk s t a r t e d one of h i s deep c u t p l a t e s whi le I demonstrated t h e u s e of t h e t r e a d l e hanmer. J e f f e r y l a t e r d i d a c a t t a i l p l a n t and d e s c r i b e d t h e d e s i g n of h i s g a s f o r g e . Corky S t o r e r showed a s t a i r b a l u s t e r wi th s q u a r e c o r n e r , t w i s t , and welded on s p l i t t o p , and l a t e r a p i n e a p p l e twist. Robb Gunter showed t h e o p e r a t i o n of t h e new Recupera t ive Gas Forge ( t h e incoming a i r i s p r e h e a t e d by t h e e x h a u s t h e a t ) developed a t Sand ia . Drawings shou ld be a v a i l a b l e from ABANA f o r $15. I t can reach 2400 d e g r e e s i n abou t s i x minutes and you can b u i l d one f o r abou t $150. In o t h e r s e s s i o n s , Robb d e n o n s t r a t e d making c h i l i peppers and making t o o l s n i t h Atha Pneu S-1 t o o l s t e e l .

Ha lco ln Pa ine f r o n A u s t r a l i a showed us how t o t a l k and keep your a u d i e n c e ' s a t t e n t i o n whi le demons t ra t ing by t e l l i n g BS t a l e s whi le making h o r s e shoes and r a n ' s heads and welding wi thou t f l u x . L a t e r he had most a t t e n d e e s i n t h e f i r e on h i t h s t i c k smi th ing w i t h o u t s c a r f i n g o r f l u x i n g . Hike Chishan p r e s e n t e d a comprehensive demons t ra t ion on naking s c r o l l s , and i n a n o t h e r s e s s i o n had everyone naking poz- tongs , Louis Novak t a l k e d on Forge Hea l th and how t o p r e v e n t l c u r e sone BS a i l m e n t s . B i l l Dane, CRHS jewelry i n s t r u c t o r , had a hands-on s e s s i o n on copper r a i s i n g , and l a t e r showed welding and e t c h i n g a damascus b i l l e t . I n connand performance, F r a n c i s showed how t o nake a s t a i r r a i l r e t u r n , f o r n a s h o v e l , bend a n g l e i r o n , form a h inge e y e , and r a k e t o n g s . On Tuesday n i g h t F r a n c i s showed s l i d e s of t h e B i l t n o r e Bouse i n A s h e v i l l e , NC, and J e f f e r y Funk showed s l i d e s of h i s work. Russ Swider previewed a v ideo made a t h i s shop on b i g hanmer f o r g i n g .

I t was an e x c e l l e n t confe rence wi th a l o t of new ( a t l e a s t t o me) and i n t e r e s t i n g demons t ra t ions wi th a l o t of e n t h u s i - a s t i c p a r t i c i p a t i o n , Keep watching t h e Bitu~inous Bits (Alabaaa Forge Counci l n e w s l e t t e r ) f o r an i s s u e cover ing t h e demonstra- t i o n s .

An a u c t i o n was h e l d and s e v e r a l hundred d o l l a r s were r a i s e d t o h e l p confe rence expenses . A f t e r t h e c o n f e r e n c e , a BBQ was h e l d a t t h e Dac inger ' s Tybar Ranch. Th is was up i n t h e f o o t h i l l s approaching Mount

S o p r i s and was good e a t i n g i n a s p e c t a c u l a r s e t t i n g . The Grand Opening of t h e F r a n c i s Whitaker B l a c k s n i t h i n g School was h e l d June 10, wi th a s i l e n t a u c t i o n t o r a i s e money

f o r a meta l roof f o r t h e shop. We had t o l e a v e Thursday norn ing t o g e t J a c k i e back t o work. On t h e way'out and back we s topped i n l e a p h i s a t t h e Na t iona l Ornamental Metal Museum, and Jim Wallace showed us t h e

Grea t Ga tes . Most of t h e m o t i f s were p a i n t e d and i n p l a c e on t h e s c r o l l s . Hy dogwood f l o w e r s a r e n e a r t h e c e n t e r of t h e l e f t g a t e . I t i s a ~ a z i n g what t h e n inds and hammers of t h e s m i t h s around t h e world can come up wi th when you g i v e then a 3" diamete r t o f i l l . A11 were d i f f e r e n t , some c r a z y and w h i n s i c a l , some r e a l works of a r t . You need a f u l l h a l f day t o be a b l e t o s tudy P t h e n - - l o t s of good i d e a s t h e r e .

Bappy Haanerin ' , Clay Spencer

6 ' d

I lo'

WRITE A HOW-TO ARTICLE

Send i n an a r t i c l e t e l l i n g how t o do something. Fred Caylor is d o n a t i n g a k n i f e t o be g iven away a t a drawing a t t h e annua l confe rence i n October (you d o n ' t have t o be t h e r e t o win) . You g e t one chance i n t h e drawing f o r each how-to a r t i c l e submi t t ed b e f o r e t h e confe rence . I t on ly t a k e s one a r t i c l e t o win, b u t you can improve your chances by s u b m i t t i n g a s many a s you l i k e . The a r t i c l e can be a new i d e a o r a proven t e c h n i q u e , a s h o r t t i p o r a complete p r o j e c t , an e l a b o r a t e computer drawing o r a qu ick s k e t c h . I f you i n c l u d e f i g u r e s , make t h e n n e a t s o they will p r i n t w e l l , b u t it d o e s n ' t m a t t e r whether t h e a r t i c l e i s typed o r h a n d w r i t t e n . D i c t a t e it over t h e phone i f you l i k e , j u s t g e t it i n . Hake s u r e you have a chance i n t h e drawing.

LOOKING FOR A MXlD IDEA? Your coal 's hot, the iron's ready, and you can't decide what t o make ( a l l dressed up and nowhere t o go?). Call Walt Anderson a t (904) 672-4603 o r John Dittmeier a t (407) 699-2451. They're planning the conference, and can suggest i t e m s you can make t o donate f o r the auction. B i g things, l i t t le things, fancy things, practi- c a l things--anything t h a t w i l l add a buck o r two t o FABA's operating funds is welcome.

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

Charles B. Bailey Charles E . Kunle Thomas Mixon Route 1 , Box 677 2445 Glenann Drive P. 0. Box 909 Blountstown, EL 32424 Clearwater, FL 34624 Steinhatchee, EL 32359 (904) 674-5160

Dave Flemrning Ronald Mitchell 641 NE 16 Avenue 2050 McBride Road Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304 Sevil le , FL 32090 H: (305) 764-5534 H: (904) 749-4082

- RECYCLE OLD MEMBERS

Dues f o r t h e a n n u a l F l o r i d a c h a p t e r membership were due i n Apr i l . These p e o p l e have l e t t h e i r memberships l a p s e , and a r e no l o n g e r r e c e i v i n g t h e n e w s l e t t e r . If you know someone who might s t i l l be i n t e r e s t e d i n membership, b u t j u s t h a s n ' t g o t t e n around t o renewing, g i v e him o r h e r a c a l l . Nag. We want them a l l back . To renew, send $15 t o Ac t ing T r e a s u r e r , Clyde Pay ton , Route 3 , Box 124D, M o n t i c e l l o , FL 32344.

C l i n t Alexander , Morr i s ton , FL, (904) 622-2281 Ton Lyons, Tampa, FL, ( 8 1 3 ) 886-5542 Rick & Sue b y r e s , G a i n e s v i l l e , FL, ( 9 0 4 ) 332-4002 Danie l Maxwell, Slocomb, AL, (205) 886-2782 Hayne h P a t Bickford , S t . Cloud, FL, (407) 892-1058 Hichae l H e i e r , H a s t i n g s , FL, (904) 692-3659 Van Buchan, Havana, FL, (904) 539-9339 Leigh M o r r e l l , West B r a t t l e b o r o , VT, (802) 254-8364 Ruth Cook, Cedarburg, HI, (414) 375-3967 Gary & Sher ry H o r r i s , A l t h a , FL, (904) 674-4659 George A . D i e r k e r , Baldwin, FL, (904) 266-9984 David & Cindy Mudge, Boga lusa , LA, (504) 735-0049 Janes E. Brsk ine , Uebs te r , FL, (904) 793-6098 Ray & P a t t i Nager, Tampa, FL, (813) 886-4603 J o e & Kary le F a l t u s , L u t z , FL, (813) 949-4737 Edward Neu, T a l l a h a s s e e , FL, (904) 385-7293 R u s s e l l Haines, T a l l a h a s s e e , FL, (904) 576-5815 Danie l O r s e l l o , C lea rwate r , FL, (813) 442-6314 C l i f f Hawkins, C la rcona , FL, ( 4 0 7 ) 880-4801 Buddy & Brenda Page, C r a w f o r d v i l l e , FL, (904) 421-8164 Rusty Hawthorne, Dona V i s t a , FL, (904) 589-7457 John P a r r o t t , Miami, FL C u r t i s A . & E l a i n e Heath, K i s s i n n e e , FL, (407) 847-5322 James Phinney, Founta in , FL, (904) 722-4290 Bob & Lucy Hyde, Tampa, FL, (813) 626-9621 S k e e t e r P r a t h e r , J r . , M o n t i c e l l o , FL, (904) 997-4355 Bruce Johns ton , J a c k s o n v i l l e , FL, (904) 641-1104 Thomas R o l f e , S t . P e t e r s b u r g , FL, (813) 327-2369 Ray Jones , Ponte Verde, FL, (904) 285-2372 Hernan Schaepe, J a c k s o n v i l l e , FL, (904) 772-7038 a ~ o u g l a s Keene, Q u i t n a n , GA, (912) 263-4011 S t e v e Schwarzer , P a l a t k a , FL, (904) 328-3316 S teve & Kath ie Kimmerle, F r u i t l a n d Park , FL, (904) 787-5433 George & Sandra Suddaby, S a r a s o t a , FL, (8131 924-6406 Kenneth K i t t l e s o n , Tampa, FL, (813) 238-5650 Jimay Tucker , S a r a s o t a , FL, ( 8 1 3 ) 924-7275 P e t e Lindberg, Lake Monroe, FL, (305) 339-1724 Ben Uiseman, Deland, FL, (904) 669-2946

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The Florida Cl-er B m e r Florida Artist Blacksmith Association 1532 Old Okeechobee Road 8103 West Palm Beach, FL 33409-5226 (407) 640-0445

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THIS MONTH'S MEETINGS

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The F lo r ida A r t i s t Blacksmith Associat ion - Chapter o f A r t i s t B lacksn i th Associat ion o f North America, Inc. IFABA) i s a non-pro f i t mducational organizat ion rhosr purposes are t o trach, Promote, and preserve the a r t of blacksmithing. FRBA i s a s t a t e chapter o f the A r t i s t Blacksmith Associat ion o f North America, Inc. (ABAWA). Tht f l o r i d a C l i ~ k t r I reaker i s published monthly, and annual subscr ip t ion i s included w i t h FABR membership. Ye s o l i c i t correspondence and unpaid a r t i c l e s on m y subjects rmlated t o FRBA's purposes. Send to: 1532 Old Okerchobee Road 1103, Nest Palm Beach, FL 33407. Information received by the 15 th of the month can be included i n the next month's issue. Won-copyrighted mater ia l may b r repr in ted i n ABANA chapter ne*51etters, provided i t i s c red i ted t o the author and t o t h i s neuslet ter. The author 's pernission i s required t o r e p r i n t copyr ighted a a t r r i a l unless o ther r i se noted--we'll put you i n touch. .-

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