[TheForge] how do blacksmithing and technology work together?

[terry l. ridder]

hello;

Basically, the question is  than:

Is the forged table or sculpture, a product of the blacksmith's and/or
metalsmith's, physical abilities and "mind's eye" sufficient that it
does not need nor require additional technology?

I think that it is sufficient.

I think to candlestick holders I made several years ago were my best
work. that they were sufficient. they required no additional technology.

That does not mean that the general public do.

My purpose would be to educate and to instill the interest in Science,
Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) in students. I would rather this
was Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM).

To bring out their creativity. To let them know that it is okay to color
outside the lines. That the sky may be purple and the grass pink. That
their art does not have to look like the other students art.

To interest the young students to learn to think "outside" the box.
Once they learn how to program and setup a simple Arduino circuit to
turn on 1 meter strip of 60 RGB LEDs, to impart that is appropriate to
ask "What else can I make this do?" Expand the circuit to cycle the LEDs
through the color cube? Expand the circuit to display a still color
photograph? Expand the circuit to be a crude Jumbo Tron?

working with technology is seen as being "safe".
blacksmithing and/or metalworking are inherently dangerous.
blacksmithing and/or metalworking are to be "viewed" from a far but not
participated in. Blacksmithing and metalworking are viewed as "fair
weather" activities. Backyard metal casting is not something most people
would do in the winter. Pouring liquid aluminum with snow on the ground
and snow falling is not the safest activity.

The purpose of the 3D router/engraver/carver was to allow, as Jerry
would say, the inner beauty of the tree to show. To show the beauty of
the wood instead of turning it into firewood.

i am not a good artist. I can program complicated 3D models in POVRAY.
I can take a photograph and turn it into a 3D carving in wood.

the young students today do not want to make shepard hooks, S-hooks, pot
holders, fireplace pokers. they want robotics. they want entertainment.

On Sat, 21 Oct 2017, J. Petrila wrote:

> Well you could develop a cnc robotic controller to work both with a power
> hammer and a handler unit.. Question becomes why other than " Because I
> can"..
>
> Seems like it would be a waste of time unless you are producing a ton of
> one item..  The idea of autonomic forgings when you refer to blacksmithing
> is rather out there since I am the blacksmith and i use both my brains and
> bronze to accomplish the desired effect.
>
> So if you are merely trying to do it for a demonstration of your braininess
> at a technical show it would make sense..  But what would be the true
> purpose.. ????
>
> JLP Services Inc
>

-- 
terry l. ridder ><>