[TheForge] Sacred cows are better eaten than catered to.

[Mitch Widham]

I agree, I would love to have one, but know that I never will. It is out of
the question for many reasons. I would love to see different versions of
home built models, and to be able to pick the brains of the builders. 

-----Original Message-----
From: theforge-bounces at mailman.qth.net
[mailto:theforge-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Kathy
Sent: Thursday, March 15, 2007 2:13 PM
To: 'Sponsored by ABANA'
Subject: RE: [TheForge] Sacred cows are better eaten than catered to.

What is the percentage of artist blacksmiths who have industrial power
hammers?
How many ABANA members, or regional organization members have--or ever plan
to acquire--an industrial power hammer? If the percentage is as low as I
suspect, than why are these power hammers given such a high priority at
blacksmith conferences?

The point I'm trying to make is that, if successful conferences on any level
are going to be put on, perhaps we should make sure that the amount of
consideration given to sacred cows conforms to their actual relevance in the
lives of the hoped for audience. If the audience is going to be general, not
many of them will be able to operate an industrial power hammer in their
garages. Even the minority who live in the country aren't likely to invest
in such equipment. Now consider the infinitesimal few who have proved their
interest in industrial hammers by going out and acquiring one. Given a
choice between looking at one more industrial brand, or a cleverly
constructed home built hammer, which do we suppose they'll want to see?

Every student who built a gas forge in my garage wanted an anvil right away;
every one of them wanted tongs and hand hammers. A few of them were even
interested in powered exhaust systems. Just one of them wanted a power
hammer, and he is building it.

What makes a Big Show for the audience consists of the things they find
entertaining, informative, and relevant to their own ambitions; not great
big shiny equipment that requires a full blown business to justify. Where
are the Heinz 57 different varieties of home-built power hammer at these
shows? I'll bet their owners could give chapter and verse as to what they
take to operate, and plenty of cooperation about setting up and operating
them besides.

Perhaps industrial hammers should be relegated back to the status of
vendors, where they belong, instead of being catered to. It's just a
thought; something along the lines of "just how many super tents are really
needed for a July conference in Seattle?"
Mikey





_______________________________________________
Manage membership or unsubscribe at:
http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/theforge
theforge mail list group photo site is
http://www.photoaccess.com
Login:  blacksmithblacksmith at hotmail.com
password:  anvil
___________