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Fall 2018
To discover, to help
The New England Blacksmiths
Our 40th
Year
1978-
2018
VOL. 38 NO. 4
Toby Hickman Spring Meet Demonstrator
Photo by Rory McNamara
NEB Contacts ............................................................ 2
Around New England ............................................... 3
President’s Message ................................................ 4
Message from the new ABANA President ................ 5
Editor’s note ............................................................. 6
NEB Fall Meet ......................................................... 7‐9
Volunteers for ABANA Conference ......................... 10
Side Dra Forge Build ........................................... 11‐13
Halloween pumpkin decora on .............................. 14
Forged skull ........................................................... 15‐16
Horse Shoe Pumpkin ............................................... 16
Members’ Gallery .................................................. 17‐20
Drills & Drill Presses ................................................ 21
Cali Smith in Barnstable MA. .................................. 22
Hammers, Grips & Francis Whitaker ....................... 23
Obituary ................................................................... 24
Scholarship info & Applica on .............................. 25‐26
Membership Applica on .......................................... 27
Membership List ................................................... 28‐35
Cas ngs .................................................................... 36
Table of ContentsTable of Contents
Fall 2018 Page 2 New England Blacksmiths
Justin Morrell - President (19)
207 Greenfield Rd.
Colrain, MA. 01340
Phone: 413-624-1200
Bob Menard - Vice President (20) 56 Warren Ave. Suite 106
Portland, ME 04103
Phone: 207-878-2217
Jim Crothers - Secretary (19)
953 Tuckertown RD
Wakefield, RI 02879
Phone
Leigh Morrell - Treasurer (19) 207 Greenfield Rd Colrain, MA 01340
Phone: 413-624-1200
Karen Sims, Membership Chair. (19)
337 Rope Ferry Rd
Waterford, CT 06385
Phone: 860-442-3925
Chip Hastings - NH Rep. (20)
4 Oddfellows Rd.
East Hampstead, NH 03826
Phone: 603-329-6442
Nick Tomlin- RI Rep (20) 102 Calla St. Providence, RI 02905 Phone: 401-688-0255 [email protected]
Justin Mercier- RI Rep. (19) 144 Rebekah St Woonsocket, RI 02895 Phone: 617-816-3272j [email protected]
The New England Blacksmiths, an affiliate of the Artists-Blacksmith’s Association of North America, is devoted to the preservation and advancement of blacksmithing. Letters to the editor, articles, tech-nical tips, tools for sale, or other materials which furthers these ends, will be considered for publica-tion in this newsletter.
Nicholas Downing - ME Rep. (19)
22 Orange St Apt 1
Portland, ME 04102
Richard Tessier - ME Rep. (20)
367 Malbons Mills Rd.
Skowhegan, ME 04976
Phone: 207-474-8893
Thomas Cosgrove VT Rep. (20) 20 South Main St.
Vergennes. VT 05491 Phone: 802-449-7381 [email protected]
Judson Yaggy - VT Rep. (20)
846 S Rt. 116
Bristol, VT 05443
Phone 802-453-6005
Dominick Spano - MA Rep. (20)
P.O. Box 583
Westminster, MA 01473
Phone: 978-874-1367 [email protected]
Carl West- MA Rep. (19)
PO Box 541372
Waltham, MA 02454-1372
Phone: 781-608-0900
Nick Szlosek - CT Rep. (20)
3 Barnard Dr
Simsbury, CT 06070
Phone: 701-340-0759
Stephan Connor- CT Rep. (19)
141 Old Field Lane
Milford, CT 06460
Phone: 203-882-0965
Note: The number ( ) after each name denotes the year of term expiration of that Board Member.
The New England Blacksmiths disclaim any responsi-bility or liability for damages or injuries as a result of any design, construction, manufacture, use or other activity undertaken as a result of the use or applica-tion of information contained in the newsletter of the New England Blacksmiths.
Thanks to all
Contributors to this issue: Add your name to this list
Become a contributor!
Leigh Morrell
Eric Johnson
Don Pfaff
Bob Jenson
Tom Willoughby
Ed Grove
John Doherty
Mike Chisham
Karen Sims
Photo Credits
Eric Johnson
Don Pfaff
Bob Jenson
Tom Willoughby
Georgiana Silk
Evan Morrell
Mike Imrie
James Micarelli
Jim Ellis
Contact information for NEB officers and directors
Fall 2018 Page 3 New England Blacksmiths
Around New England Brentwood Teaching Center
New Hampshire The Brentwood Teaching Center will be open the last Sat. of the month through Nov.
Massachusetts Programs at Morrell Metalsmiths
207 Greenfiend Rd. Colrain MA
413-624-1200, [email protected] See more information on their website, morrellmetalsmiths.com
Feb 2 Anvil repair day, use this program to save your anvil.
Feb 4-March 11 Beginner Blacksmithing
Feb 23 Taste of Blacksmithing
2nd Tues. each month Open Forge 5:30p to 8:30p
Vermont No Submissions at press time.
Connecticut No Submissions at press time.
Maine Brentwood North
Feb 23 This popular winter program is hosted by the Ball & Chain Forge, 56 Warren Ave, Portland Maine. 4 instructors with 4 different programs through the day. A hot lunch is provided. It is capped at 12 students for a good student/teacher ratio. This program always sells out so sign up early. Want to teach? I have a few teaching spots available
207-878-2217 [email protected]
The New England School of Metalwork in Auburn ME.
newenglandschoolofmetalwork.com
10/29 - 11/9 ABS intro to bladesmithing
11/13-11/16 Beginner Blacksmithing
12/4-12/7 Tool Forging for the Blacksmith
12/11-12/14 Beginner Bladesmithing
12/18-12/21 Nuts & Bolts of Joinery
1/2-1/4 Basic Damascus
1/8-1/11 Beginner Blacksmithing
1/15-1/18 Intermediate Blacksmithing
1/22-1/25 Beginner Bladesmithing
1/29-2/1 Forged Botanical Forms
2/4-2/15 ABS Intro to Bladesmithing
2/19-2/22 Beginner Blacksmithing
2/26-3/1 Beginner Bladesmithing
Rhode Island
Join the Southern Bunch at South County Museum in Narragansett, RI on the 4th Saturday of the Month. Contact Jim Crothers 401-783-5400 or [email protected] for more information.
Every first Friday of the month, we have a 2.5 hour class called Sip & Smash. It is a 1.5 hour lesson where you forge a hook and bottle opener, and then a 1 hour beer tasting from a local brewery. We also have private lessons that people can book every Wednesday and Saturday.
Iron Mountain Forge & Furniture, LLC 122 Manton Avenue #105B Providence, RI 02909 (401) 648-7079 [email protected]
Fall 2018 Page 4 New England Blacksmiths
President’s Message for November 2018:
Hello, Hello, Hello,
I am going to start right in with… Holy Cow!!! What an amazing fall meet. Thanks to you all for coming out and making it awesome. We had great food, we had great a endance with over 150 people, we had the best Iron‐in‐the‐hat ever topping the standing record by more than $500. Last, but not least, Mark Aspry was amazing! He held the a en on of every level of smith, talking about the cra in such a well thought out way that not one person could walk away without taking knowledge with them. It is a very rare scene to have the Green Coal area empty during a NEB meet; yet with Mark inside, it was rather quiet out there. I can’t even tell you how happy I am with this last meet I am all fired up for meets to come.
Speaking of the next meet, I don’t have a lot of info to share about it. It is going to be on Cape Cod at Camp Greenough in Yarmouthport MA. June 7‐9 and from the conversa ons I had with John Doherty who is so on fire to host their first meet that it should prove to be another great meet. I am looking forward to hearing more about their plans for who is going to be doing the demo. Who is it going to be? I’m on pins and needles with the an cipa on: I can’t wait. But for real, I am happy to see a new place and hang out with all of you again.
I am going to take a minute to say congratula ons to my Dad (Leigh Morrell) on his being elected as presi‐dent of the board for ABANA. I am both proud and excited. I have a feeling that this is going to be a good thing for ABANA as a whole and for the rela onship ABANA has with it affiliates. Congrats, Dad! Well Done!!!!
I do have some business I would like to men on. NEB, ABANA and NESM (New England School of Metalwork) all have scholarship programs that are grossly under u lized. If there is a class that you would like to take, please apply! It will take you a li le me, but these groups are all here to increase the knowledge‐base of our members. I would love to have our scholarship commi ee complaining that they have too many appli‐cants. That is the kind of problem I would like us to have.
Have a great winter, and remember: warm your anvil up before you hit it, and have fun making beau ful things. If it doesn't come out the way you want the first me keep in mind the words of Thomas Edison :“I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.”
Jus n Morrell
Fall 2018 Page 5 New England Blacksmiths
FROM THE
PRESIDENT
of ABANA:
Yes, I have been
elected by the board
of directors to take
ABANA into the
future! I go into this
with trepida on, but
also with excitement.
There is a lot to be
done but I am
confident we can do
it! However, this will
not in any way
diminish my
commitment and
responsibility with
NEB. This affiliate,
New England
Blacksmiths, was my
first ini a on into the
field of ornamental blacksmithing at the Spring 1979 conference held in Lawrence, MA. I have been a
con nual member of ABANA since 1981, and have a ended many of the bi‐annual conferences around the
country. The first being the 1984 conference in DePere, Wisconsin.
As the newly elected president, I brought to the board of ABANA new direc ons, new ini a ves, and ac on
points for the board commi ees to consider. Foremost on my agenda is to be a more ac ve partner with
the local affiliates. NEB is only one of 86 worldwide. To that end, I encourage each and every member of
NEB to be a partner with ABANA and those within our membership to become members of ABANA as well.
With 4 issues each of the Anvil’s Ring and Hammer’s Blow annually, much informa on, picture galleries, and
guest ar cles are presented to be viewed and appreciated by all smiths, from beginner, novice, intermediate
and advanced levels of smithing. An applica on to join is always published along with our own near the last
pages of the newsle er.
I ask the members of New England Blacksmiths to help me as I seek to further the goals of blacksmithing in
New England, the Na on, and Worldwide!
Leigh Morrell
Fall 2018 Page 6 New England Blacksmiths
Editors Note;
It is always with a heavy heart that I must announce the passing of one
of our members. Doubly so when it is more than one. Page 24 has the
obituaries of Rick Mongeau and John Boughton, both of whom died
suddenly.
This starts a conversa on that few seem to want to have. Our group is
aging. Members of our leadership, both official and un‐official are
ge ng older. Present company included!
NEB has the dis nc on of being one of the few entry level programs for
the under 18 crowd. Few educa onal programs and organiza ons have
a place for “under aged par cipants” with any regularity. Our group has always embraced youths interested
in trying a hand at smithing. I am a proud supporter of this ethic. The Teaching Center and green coal at the
Meets hear ly encourages the younger genera ons. The result is a growing popula on of maturing smiths in
their 30s and 40s that are either serious amateurs or budding professionals. I believe as an organiza on we
con nue to support and encourage these smiths as well.
This is now directed to the younger genera ons. Your turn is at hand in guiding the future of blacksmithing in
the Northeast and in the world. As a group of cra s persons we have never been more connected than we
are now. The knowledge and power of the internet has many of us connected to smiths in far flung parts of
the country and the world. It is producing knowledge bases in an unprecedented fashion. Younger smiths
have insights far above their years. Where it goes in the future is up to YOU. NEB now has a strong need for
younger leadership, both official and un‐official. The gray hairs, (myself for one), want to not only mentor
your blacksmithing skills but mentor your leadership skills to prepare for the day when you own it.
Some of you are thinking, sounds a li le esoteric, what does it mean? Anyone ever heard the theory if you
really want to understand something then teach it to others. Want to become a demonstrator on the
na onal stage? This happens by learning to teach and demonstrate under the tutelage of an experienced
teacher and demonstrator, say like at the Brentwood Teaching Center. Some of you may not know this but
programs like the expanded green coal, youth sponsorship program, and the cas ng program were created
by mo vated state reps. What future do you envision for NEB and how does it become a reality?
There will always be leaders and followers but for a group such as ours some more leaders need to raise
their hands and say, “I’ll take the first step.” New England Blacksmiths has always been the go to place for
knowledge and equipment within our realm of influence. We are not everything to all people but we have
been a consistent resource to set smiths on the path. Where that takes them has always been up to them.
The important players in NEB are always searching for their own replacements. Not sure where to start?
Have a goal, reach out to someone on the second page of this publica on, do a li le hard work, reap the
rewards!
I have always go en more back from NEB then I ever invested. Modern blacksmiths are like that. If this is
your passion then get a li le more involved and buckle up. You will be surprised at the benefits that await.
Your editors, Bob & Debby Menard
Fall 2018 Page 7 New England Blacksmiths
Fall Meet at Morrell Metalsmiths
There is no ques on some members did not make it to
the Fall Meet but it sure felt like everyone was there. It
was a record a endance level at over 150 par cipants. It
turns out the combina on of Mark Aspery and Morrell
Metalsmiths was an even bigger draw than the organizers
expected. The spectacular weather all weekend didn’t
hurt either.
Jus n chose his caterers wisely and they had no trouble
scaling up for the larger crowd. The food was just great
with a pig roast on Sat. night.
As we have become quite used to having plenty of helping
hands the set up and tear down was smooth and orderly.
Having only set up the new larger green coal tent once it
s ll went up very well. The extra space it provides is
quickly becoming a luxury. Seven forge rigs were
established and no one was bumping bu s as they worked. The forging compe on had all the space it
needed for what turned out to be a packed house of spectators and 7 rocking teams. The theme was
anything nau cal. What that meant was le to the imagina on of the compe tors. Interes ng projects were
the result.
As always Mark was very entertaining and held the crowd
enthralled. During the demo green coal was a bit deserted. Even
with our bleachers and 50+ chairs and a couple li s of staging it
was s ll standing room only.
The iron in the hat was a reflec on of the large crowd. 100 cups
were pressed into service ini ally and it s ll was not enough.
Probably another 30 had to be added. Some of the highlights
included a welder and an anvil. The final take on cket sale was
also a record at $1722.00
The tailga ng was also well stocked and bargains abounded. The
last 2 mechanical power hammers from the Esson collec on were
sold by silent auc on with spirited bidding occurring. They both went to good homes and will be put to good
use. As for the rest of it, if it was useful to a blacksmith it was likely represented and for sale. I am always
telling new members, “If you are looking for equipment, the Meets are the place to find it. And never are the
words vintage or an que used to describe them.” We already know it is old.
I will let the photos tell the rest of the story. Suffice it to say I for one am happy I didn’t miss this event. See
you in the Spring.
Fall 2018 Page 8 New England Blacksmiths
Fall Meet con nued
The final part of the story was that Blue Moon Press made an appearance with Judy Berger and her
daughter, Tinka. The book sales were brisk and the selec on was enormous. She has added some new tles
as well as the old favorites. Of course Mark’s book were selling out as folks took advantage of ge ng them
signed by the man himself. Thank you Judy and Tinka for making the drive and feeding some of our book
addic on habits.
The Endless Iron in the Hat It was a Good Piggy
Mark Cha ng with the Smiths Dessert Looks Yummy An Uncommon Sight
A er Dinner Socializing Some of the usual suspects Green Coal
Fall 2018 Page 9 New England Blacksmiths
Fall Meet Forging Compe on
Josh won the donated
apron for his wife, she’s
the Smith
Renee and Tinka teamed up for
their first forging contest Josh and Amanda focused on the project
First place winners Alex Yaggy &
Auden L’Heureux
Frenzied ac vity racing the clock Russ Jennings
Some of the projects Boat Building
Fall 2018 Page 10 New England Blacksmiths
ABANA 2020 update
It goes without saying there will be a need for volunteers to help out at the conference, With a broad
enough slate there won’t be undue pressure on any one individual or group. The goal is to have a large
number of volunteers and only u lize each person for a defined period of the conference, an cipa ng a
single half day block commitment. That is unless a member has a burning desire to extend their
commitment.
Here is a list of poten al jobs;
Help at each demo site
Help at the youth teaching area
Help at the lecture series site
Help with direc ng parking
Help with registra on
Help stuffing a endees swag bags
Help with conference sales
Help at an informa on booth
Help moving items at the auc on
Help with iron in the hat and raffle sales
Helping the setup crew with what ever they might need
Help se ng up audio and visual equipment
Picking up and dropping off people at the airport
Finally, the tasks that have not as yet been dreamed up
NEB con nues to produce the leaders that will make this an event we can be proud of. 2020 may seem a
long way off but to the organizers of the party me is passing very swi ly The volunteer coordinator, Dana
Flanders will be organizing and assigning tasks. The earlier you volunteer the be er chance you have to
express your choice. Reach out to him directly to get on his lists. [email protected]
Fall 2018 Page 11 New England Blacksmiths
Side dra forge build by Eric Johnson
This is the side blast forge I built this past winter, and
a couple images of the dimensions associated with it.
The material bill was one 4x8' sheet of 11GA, some
scrounged angle iron for the legs (1.25x.125), and a bit
of 5" and 1‐1/4" black iron pipe for the tuyere. The
blower is out of a clothes dryer, and generates about
2" of pressure, and is regulated by a 2‐1/2" blast gate.
I ini ally backfilled the forge tub with bricks to take up
volume, but have removed them as coal dust and ash
has built up. The tuyere is cooled with 1:1 an freeze,
and has been well behaved over the winter, and is
only about half full right now. I made a wooden lid to
keep fly ash out. The fire is well behaved, and with we ng around the perimeter, I can keep as small a fire
as I want, or one the size of a basketball. Something new on this build was the use of a metal cu ng
skilsaw blade; I ran into these at FABTech last year, and was impressed by them. This blade came from
Home Depot for about $40, and made all the cuts shown on the sheet breakdown. Toward the end the cut
resistance went up and cut quality declined, but overall it was worth every penny, given that the other
op ons in my shop were spending days with an angle grinder, or butchering the sheet with a gas torch. I
used a clamped cu ng guide, and did not regret the me spent to set it up.
Fall 2018 Page 12 New England Blacksmiths
Fabrica ng the tuyere was interes ng, I
cut gores about 8" long in the 5" pipe,
and then heated the midpoint of the pipe
in a fire to where I could knock in the
corners and form a rough cone that just
passed the 1‐1/4" pipe through. I then
opened up the spaces between the gores
with a burr to get space for weld
penetra on, and welded it all up ‐ some s ck and some MIG. No leaks yet or burn‐through, so I must have
done it mostly right. I then put holes in the tuyere tank, slid
the whole assembly in, and welded both pipes in. I filled the
tank to leak check it, and fixed a few pinholes ‐ one was
hiding under a silica puddle in the end of a MIG weld; sneaky.
I tapped a
small hole in
the corner of
the tank to
install a plug
so that I can drain the tank someday without needing a
siphon or pump. Not seen in photos is the chimney, which I
have yet to build and install (very smoky starts...) and a 2.5"
x 12" notch I took out of the side of the forge body to allow
a straight‐in shot to the heart of the fire instead of angling
down. Also there is a plain steel cover for the forge to keep
driven rain out (as you can see, it lives under a roof, but no
walls in the smithy yet)
Side blast forge build con nued
Fall 2018 Page 13 New England Blacksmiths
Side blast forge build con nued
Fall 2018 Page 14 New England Blacksmiths
Here are some Fall projects culled from different sources around the
country.
Reprinted from the
Pi sburg Area Ar sts
Blacksmiths Associa on
Fall 2018 Page 15 New England Blacksmiths
Bob Jenson’s demo for the California Blacksmiths
Associa on
This is short on text but long on photos. The Smith should
be able to figure it out easily enough.
Happy Halloween
Fall 2018 Page 16 New England Blacksmiths
Bob Jenson’s skull con nued;
If you have more horse shoes laying around than
you know what to do with you can make a
pumpkin. This is Tom Willoughby’s version.
Fall 2018 Page 17 New England Blacksmiths
MEMBERS’ GALLERY
Larry Ligge Photo Credit Georgiana Silk
Fall 2018 Page 18 New England Blacksmiths
MEMBERS’ GALLERY
Morrell Metalsmiths
Fall 2018 Page 19 New England Blacksmiths
MEMBERS’ GALLERY
Mike Imrie
Fall 2018 Page 20 New England Blacksmiths
MEMBERS’ GALLERY
James “Mic” Micarelli
Fall 2018 Page 21 New England Blacksmiths
Drill Presses and drills by Ed Grove
These may be my most used machines in the shop, other than my coal forge
blower. There are two in use. A table model Atlas and a floor model South
Bend.
The table model half inch chuck Atlas is mounted on a homemade angle iron
stand which has two wood drawers that slide on angle iron rails. This drill
press was well used when I purchased it 60 or 70 years ago. A homemade
collar supports the drill head so the head can be swung for use on the drill
press table or over the floor. Though this feature is common on more modern
presses it was not part of this machine. A large sheet of moderately thick
aluminum is bolted to the drill table. This allows drill bits, work and
accessories in use, to be nearby.
Over the years I have acquired numerous drill bits. Most bits were purchased
at second hand sales and auc ons years ago. A set of numbered drills are kept
in a holder to make accessing the right size quicker. Inevitably bits start
accumula ng in soup cans. This is where a metal drill bit sizing guide with
deeply embossed numbers is invaluable. The metal guide is inexpensive
enough to make it the right choice over a cheaper plas c one. Many of the bits
are well worn but can be checked with a drill gauge to confirm their cu ng
angle.
Drill bit edges are examined and sharpened prior to use therefore assuring clean quickly drilled holes. I do
this grinding freehand. This is a valuable skill to hone (see that li le pun there?) A pedestal grinder will
work but a belt sander/grinder is be er. The drills cu ng edge lengths determine the accuracy of the hole.
One edge longer than the other will make an oversized hole. Some mes this may be what you want.
Gauges are available to check sizes and angles when one thinks their use desirable. When accurate holes
are required just drill a smaller hole first. It is the center of the drill bit that makes the hole that determines
hole size.
The floor model South Bend drill press is in our basement workroom. This is only one of a few large tool I
have purchased new. I purchased my 25# LG new in a crate many, many, years ago. I had wood heat in my
shops, so nice tools were kept where it is warm.
There are many drill bits here as well. I have been able to drill and tap hardened steels with this tool. This
drill press originally had 2 step pulleys. The arrangement was not op mal as it didn’t go slow enough for the
biggest bits. I modified it with a third step pulley to offer be er speed control.
It is never a good idea to force the drill to cut faster. Feed slowly with low to modest pressure. A sharp bit
will do it. Both drill presses are made to produce one inch holes. Start smaller holes to make big ones.
Fall 2018 Page 22 New England Blacksmiths
Blacksmithing at the Barnstable Fair, Barnstable MA by John Doherty
This year and over the last 32 years, Smiths
demonstrated the ancient and honorable cra of
blacksmith at the Barnstable County Fairground. Thirty
years ago a building was built by the fairgrounds to
house the blacksmith shop. The last couple of years just
due to the shear numbers of Smiths par cipa ng the
demo has been under a tree.
This was ini ally was organized by Jim Ellis. In the early
stages the shop was adequate to the task. Now it has
out grown the space from the early days. The Smiths
helping out this year include J Doherty, Jim Doherty,
Norah Bourbon, Ken Kurtz, Dick Menkello, Dale Benson , Dean Rantz , Kai Arnold, Scoot Widman , Cian
McEnearny.
A note about one Smith in par cular, Ken
Kurtz. He is a friend of Jim Ellis and a member
of the California Blacksmiths Associa on. He
lives in Anaheim Ca.
Ken emailed Jim early this year to learn the
dates of the fair. Ken wanted to plan his
vaca on to be here and be available to
demonstrate to the crowds that a end
Barnstable County Fair. Mr. Kurtz’s passion
for Blacksmithing is unequaled, he is a true
cra sman and also a blade smith. Ken is
excellent at explaining everything from the
metal, the coal, the fire and all the subtle
techniques to the many spectators. The
crowd o en is 6‐8 people deep, and always
seems to be a favorite. Many stop by to show off keepsakes given to them years ago by Jim Ellis.
Jim has said he greatly appreciates all of Ken’s help at the fair. He knows Ken doesn’t get this far east very
o en. It is heartening that he makes a effort to Smith in the New England Blacksmith smithy when he
comes.
Thanks to all that helped spread the interest in Blacksmithing and NEB now and through all the years.
Ken Kurtz
Ken Kurtz entertaining a younger genera on
Fall 2018 Page 23 New England Blacksmiths
Notes on Francis Whitaker’s
Ideas About Hammers & Grip
Reprinted from the California Blacksmith’s Assoc.
July/August newsle er
I read the comment about Francis cu ng off someone’s hammer handle. As far as Francis Whitaker’s be‐
liefs concerning a hammer go, I have had many such encounters while in his presence. I, myself, have been
scolded over and over by him. I learned hammer control from Beau Hickory, who was considered the maes‐
tro of hammer control. I s ll use his protocol to this day, but not with the blessings from Francis. No ma er
how I tried to explain why I use Mr. Hickory’s concepts, Francis would not budge. When I asked him why, he
always held his hammer as far down as possible, he would consistently state, “Because it works! And that’s
the way I do it.” And for him it did. At this point I need to offer my personal observa ons associated with all
the mes I worked with him. First of all, he never forged cold metal, unless it was to straighten it. The defi‐
ni on of forging is to change the shape or form of metal by using heat and a hammer. Straightening metal
when it’s not at a forgeable temperature will allow the smith to change the shape of the already forged
piece without changing its form, even under heavy hammer blows.
Second, Francis always used a very light‐weight hammer, 11 2 to maybe 13 4 lb. He used a 2 pounder when
straightening stock over 3 /4" diameter. On occasion, he would forge using a 2 pounder for the first one or
two heats, just enough to get it to a size that he could use a lighter hammer to finish. By holding the ham‐
mer as far down as he could, he increased the length of the arc of his hammer stroke. This increased the
velocity of the hammer stroke which greatly increased the force of impact. Thus, he was able to hammer at
a faster rate because of the light weight which allowed him to move hot metal a lot faster without a lot of
energy expended to control a heavier weight hammer. The drawback was that he had to return the metal
into the fire more o en, as not a lot of work was accomplished in each heat. When I confronted him on
this, he stated, “Pu ng the metal back into the fire gives me me to rest and think what I am going to do
next before I bring it out.” He had a different style of hammer control. Instead of allowing the hammer to
rebound up into a star ng posi on while flexing at the elbow, he would keep his elbow ght, bend at the
waist and use his back muscles to raise the hammer. On the downward phase, he would keep his elbow
ght and bend at the waist to bring the hammer down toward the anvil for the first half of the hammer
stroke. The last part of the hammer stroke he would ghten his wrist and snap the hammer down to com‐
plete the hammer blow to the awai ng metal. This could be observed as if he was bobbing up and down on
each hammer stroke. He used the velocity of the hammer to do all the work instead of the forearm muscles
to provide the power. With his style of forging, a handle that extended past the li le finger on his grip
would hit the face of the anvil. This style of forging puts a lot of wear and tear on the smith's back. Francis
was more concerned with results than procedures. There’s no arguing with Francis. Different strokes for
different folks.
Thanks, Mike Chisham
In a recent edi on, we had a hearsay story about
Francis Whitaker. That prompted this response
from author, blacksmith and teacher,
Mike Chisham
Fall 2018 Page 24 New England Blacksmiths
OBITUARY
Richard (Rick) A. Mongeau passed away unexpectedly on Thursday,
August 16, 2018 at his home in Mansfield Center, Connec cut. He was a
beloved husband to Debra (Bigelow) Mongeau for 35 years.
Throughout his life Rick was a passionate blacksmith, crea ng art from wrought iron. He owned and operated Windham Forge and was s ll crea ng art up un l his death. He loved talking to and educa ng the public about his art and he was a vendor demonstra ng his cra at many local events. He recently had the opportunity to make an audio narra ve about the art of blacksmithing for The Blue Slope Country Museum in Franklin, Connec cut. He was also an ac ve member in the New England Blacksmith (NEB) and The Ar st Blacksmith’s Associa on of North America
(ABANA).
Rick was a kind and generous man who blessed his family and friends with many of his ar s c crea ons which will forever keep his spirit alive in our hearts. He also loved watching the UCONN Woman’s Basketball games and a ending the BIG E every year with his wife.
He is survived by his sister June Konopka and her husband Frank of Lebanon; Sister‐in‐Laws Sandy Barbero and her husband Mark of Maryville, TN; Bobbi‐Jean Evans of Mansfield; Brother‐in Law David Evans of Boynton Beach, FL; and one niece and many nephews. Rick was predeceased by his parents, Alfred and Eileen (Jubin) Mongeau, his sister Lorraine, and nephew Ryan Evans.
Po er Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements, the burial will be private, in lieu of flowers, dona ons may be
made to The Blue Slope Country Museum, 138 Blue Hill Rd., Franklin, CT 06254
John A Boughton of Branford died Wednesday November 14, 2018 at his home. He was the beloved husband of
Jus ne Pieper Boughton.
John was born December 18, 1951 in New Haven, son of Ryta Wozniak of Florida and the late John F. Boughton. He
was a proud United States Marine Corps veteran and served his country in the Viet Nam War. Upon his return from
Viet Nam he met his soulmate, Jus ne. For the next 45 years they built an amazing life together. They worked hard,
they loved deeply and never stopped dreaming together. John worked for 28 years as a tool & die maker for the Lee
Company in Westbrook un l re ring in 2016. John was an old soul, he had a passion for blacksmithing and folk music.
He played the banjo and belonged to the New England Blacksmiths and the Connec cut Blacksmith Chapter. He was
also an avid crossfi er at Shoreline Athle cs in Branford, where he loved to par cipate in the 5:00 AM CrossFit class.
He valued the camaraderie of the Shoreline Athle cs community ‐ it was a place where he truly felt he belonged. John
also loved a good cra beer and enjoyed traveling around to many of the New England Breweries. On the weekends,
you could usually find John si ng outside his home Blacksmith shop in his favorite Adirondack chair enjoying nature
and a beer.
Besides his wife and mother, John is survived by his daughters, Kerry (Jeff) Haynes and Jessica (Anthony) Marchi o,
both of Branford; his grandchildren, Hanna, Jeffrey, Mason and Maddox; and his brother Warren (Lori) Boughton of
East Haven, as well as, many nieces and nephews. John also leaves behind his loyal companions, Jake & Joey.
Rela ves and friends are invited to a visita on Monday evening from 5:00 ‐ 7:00, with a prayer service at 7:00, at the
W. S. Clancy Memorial Funeral Home, 244 North Main Street, Branford.
In lieu of flowers, memorial dona ons may be sent to the Ben Callahan Memorial Founda on, 161 Maple Street,
Branford, CT 06405.
Fall 2018 Page 25 New England Blacksmiths
NEB SCHOLARSHIP
The New England Blacksmiths (NEB) have a scholarship program open to all members — (a full year of mem-bership is required to apply). Apply now for financial aid to improve your blacksmithing knowledge & skills. NEB offers educational scholarships to cover up to $500 of the cost for NEB members to attend blacksmithing hands on classes.
What you do
Decide on a class (anywhere, but it must be a real blacksmithing class or hands-on workshop, not a sit-on-duff work-shop or conference).
Procure the application form from the newsletter, our website or from a Board of Directors member.
Fill it out and return it,
If possible, include a class curriculum or brochure.
What we will do
Evaluate your application.
If you are chosen, we will notify you that you will receive an NEB scholarship
After your class, NEB will reimburse you the amount of the scholarship upon receipt of a copy of your receipts and certificate of completion.
What you owe NEB
Within one year of completing your class, you will provide:
A 2-hour demo of the skills you've learned in the class
A 2-page illustrated article to the New England Blacksmiths Newsletter on what you've learned.
Contacts
Any Board of Director Member or
Fred Mikkelsen Scholarship Chairman
23 Waterman Drive
N. Scituate, RI. 02857-2036
Fall 2018 Page 26 New England Blacksmiths
Name of applicant Date / /
Mailing address
Phone Fax. Email
Name and loca on of the blacksmithing school or sponsoring organiza on you wish to a end: (Please include a contact name,
phone number, Email)
NOTE: This must be a hands‐on class or workshop. No funding will be provided for sit‐on‐the– duff conferences !
Title of “hands‐on” class or workshop, dates and tui on cost: Include a copy of brochure or flyer if possible
Amount of scholarship applied for ($500 maximum) $
Please write a few lines as to what you hope to gain from a ending this class/workshop. Include any addi onal info you see fit.
Your commitment to the NEB, if you receive a scholarship award is to write a 2 page illustrated ar cle for our newsle er and
give a 2 hour demonstra on at a NEB workshop of a skill you learned in this class/workshop. Please give deadline dates you
expect to fulfill these requirements . (must be within one year of class/workshop)
Ar cle deadline commitment date:
Workshop Demo deadline commitment date:
Mail to: Fred Mikkelsen, 23 Waterman Drive, North Scituate, RI 02857‐3086
New England Blacksmiths Scholarship Applica on
Applicants must be dues current paid and have been
paid members for the year prior to applica on.
All applica ons must be received by September 1st
and commi ee approval will be by December 1st for
use during the following year.
You must print clearly !
Fall 2018 Page 27 New England Blacksmiths
ABANA Membership Application Primary ABANA Chapter Affiliation:_____________ Name: _____________________________________ Address: ___________________________________ City: _________________________State: _______ Phone: ( ) ___________________Zip: ________ New Member Renewing Member Includes a Subscription to the Anvil’s Ring and The Ham-mers’ Blow magazines Regular Member ..............................................$55 yr. Senior Citizen (Age 65+) .................................$50 yr. Full time student ..............................................$45 yr. Overseas airmail ..............................................$80 yr. Overseas surface mail ......................................$65 yr. Contributory ...................................................$100 yr. Public library ....................................................$45 yr.
ABANA Central Office 259 Muddy Fork Rd, Jonesborough, TN 37659
NEW ENGLAND BLACKSMITHS MEMBERSHIP FORM
Dues are $30.00 USD, and due January 1st of each year.
Send checks to: NEB Membership – 337 Rope Ferry Road- Waterford, CT 06385
Please Print Clearly and check whether New member __ or Renewal __
Name ______________________________________________ Date_______________
Business name, if applicable___________________________________________________
Address ____________________________________________ Phone _____________
City _______________________ State_______ Zip________ Fax _______________
E-mail__________________________________Web Site___________________________
Occupation________________________________________ Year of birth______________
Check forging skill: __Beginner __Intermediate __Advanced
Blacksmithing areas of interest ________________________________________________
Check all that apply:
__Teach Blacksmithing __Teach Related Metalworking Skills, which skills______
__Do you do Public Smithing Demos __Demo Fee (Amount: ) __Require Travel $
__Would hold NEB Office are you an ABANA Member Yes or No
Any demonstrator or demonstration requests for NEB Meets?_________________________
Fall 2018 Page 28 New England Blacksmiths
New England Blacksmiths
Bob Menard, ‐ Editor
Ball & Chain Forge
56 Warren Ave #106
Portland, Maine 04103
TIME SENSITIVE
NEB CASTINGS
Anvil Cone $70
Fire pot with Clinker Breaker $215
70 lb. Swage Block $180
Can be picked up at 4 different loca ons
in New England or shipped. Contact Bob
Menard, [email protected]
for more informa on
Visit us on line
www.newenglandblacksmiths.org