[TheForge] Scale

[Demon Buddha]

Dick Nietfeld wrote:


> He finishes hammering at a black heat.
> To forge like he does takes more skill than I have, but I have not given up
> on trying and watching him is proof that it can be done.

	I was wondering if anyone would get to this.  I learned this
	from Peter as well and it works great.  I made an item Monday
	night where a little precision in the finished surfaces was
	called for.  Planished the work at black heat, and did the bends
	at low orange.  No scale so speak of in the wrought iron.

	As for skill, Peter held a class about 5 years ago at the Folk
	School on "basics".  It was NOT a beginner's class.  It was
	in fact an advanced class where all we did was exercises in 
	hammer control.  Forged items such as square to octagon to
	round to square, straight and tapered, etc.  There were some
	complaints from the student about not making a "project", 
	which I found ridiculous as the literature clearly described
	the course's purpose.  Anyhow, I learned more about proper
	forging in that week than I had in the previous 10 years.

	I always say now that Peter Ross ruined black smithing for me
	because what used to be "good enough" for me is no longer so.
	I have come to a new level of ability in forming surfaces and
	cannot leave a lousy job alone without my conscience bothering
	me.  And all it took was an instructor who refused to accept
	my work as OK until it was actually OK.  I wish he would offer
	that class again for others, but it seems he was not pleased
	with the popularity.  Shame.