[TheForge] Enameling

[Hufford, David]

I took the Enameling for Blacksmiths course at John C Campbell Folk =
School back in March.  First time the course had been offered.  You can =
enamel on steel, but it's a bit tricky and has limitations ... enamel =
doesn't like to fuse to bare steel (in fact, most enamelists will tell =
you it cannot be done).  We did most of it with a torch (propane or =
MAPP), not a kiln.  With practice, one can achieve excellent results.  =
Heat control is critical, and the steel must be clean (no scale).  =
Enameling has interesting possibilities for enhancement or accents on =
certain pieces of ironwork.  And Thompson is THE source for enamels and =
enameling supplies.

David Hufford
Richmond KY