[TheForge] Scale

[Ralph E Douglass]

Demon Buddha wrote:
> 
> 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.

I sometimes am a volunteer smith at Fort Vancouver NHS. We have been
fortunate enought to have Peter Ross come out and do some 2-3 day
workshops for uslowly volunteers. About 2 or 3 years ago Peter did
exactly that class. Square to octagon to round straight and tapered.....
One of the hardest classes I ever did...... 

Hmmmmm thinking back on my last work a week or so ago, I can see I need
to get back to the forge more often...... (smile)

Ralph

-- 




                                                        
					
"Good is the enemy of Excellent. Talent is not necessary for Excellence.
Persistence is necessary for Excellence. And Persistence is a Decision."