[TheForge] RE: Demonstration projects

[Bob Ehrenberger]

Someone asked a couple days ago about demonstration projects. I didn't have
time to respond then so here I go now.

I have two main criteria when picking demonstration projects: 1) I can do it
with the limited tooling available. 2) It is something that I need to make,
and would be making it if I were in my shop.

That way those watching get to see what a working blacksmith shop is all
about.  Of course the best thing is when I get requests for custom work
while demonstrating.  The people can see the power and versitility of
blacksmithing and that we can make just about anything that they need or
want.

If you have a limit on the time available, such as school history days where
they are going to bring a new class every 15 minutes. I try to make
something like leaves for key chains. I know you said that they didn't want
J hooks but they do give you the chance to show most of the main operations,
forging, bending, cutting, punching. Anything will get old after a while if
you have to do it a hundred times in one day (or even 30).

Other things to consider that take a little longer,  Camp fire cookware
(forks, spoons, spatulas, steak turners, lid lifters), hoof picks, fireplace
pokers, flint strikers, tramels, flag holders, picket pins, lantern stands,
tri-pods, candle holders, or anything with a heart or leaf on the handle.

At Civil War events I have been asked to make parts for cannon carages, and
even a worm to remove wading from the bore of a cannon.  At the last event I
was at one of the sutlers asked me to design and make a stand for his sign.
There is frequently repair work on bent broken items or replacement of lost
pieces.  I almost never go to an event where someone dosen't need a clanger
for a dinner triangle.

Bob Ehrenberger
Shelbyville, Mo