[TheForge] Dan Nauman BigHorn Forge

[CGRAF]

For what it is worth the whole article boils down to this statement:

"I am not stating that it is wrong to use modern fabrication methods in 
the home shop or workshop.  Rather I am stating that to promote the use 
and the products used or made in this manner in this, a blacksmith’s 
organization, is wrong."

Now I know that many "blacksmith" shops are in fact mostly assembly 
shops. I also know that many of the public couldn't tell the difference 
if you dropped it on their feet. That is part of reality.

Dan is right in that it is a skill set that is readily available through 
many sources.

The concern voiced to Dan by Francis Whitaker is one that ABANA is 
uniquely suited to address.

  Dan has a point.The concern that losing the focus on actual forge work 
  weakens ABANA's ability to fulfill its original mandate is valid.

I am a tinner, most of my expertise and time investment is in that area.
I find really good technical papers on 19th century and European 
architectural sheet metal work both fascinating and hard to come by. At 
the same time I would find it hard to justify printing those articles 
under ABANA's aegis.


The extension into other forms of metal craft may be an attempt to 
enlarge the tent. I understand the reasons. It is for the most part a 
bad idea in my experience.




Mike Graf