It was another fun filled busy weekend. Robins Blacksmithing hopes you had the opportunity to enjoy the blacksmithing demonstrations going on at the Little Log House Pioneer Power Show. There were many artist blacksmiths demonstrating throughout the day. It was a great pleasure to be part of the festivities.
Little Log House Blacksmith Shop
An organization that we are members of “The Guild of Metalsmiths” puts on the blacksmithing demonstrations for the antique power show once a year. Demonstrations relate to working on blacksmith made projects for the show grounds. This years projects included blacksmith made hinges and door latches for various buildings on the site. We also made hand forged hose hangers for the flower garden.
Sylvia's Flower Garden
Robins Blacksmithing had their portable forging demonstration set up, to make blacksmith made items, just outside the on site blacksmith shop. We had many interested bystanders asking questions and telling stories. It is always interesting to hear the stories of times past and how their families were connected with the blacksmithing trade that we still demonstrate today. It is a privilege to bring back good memories of their fathers and grandfathers working behind their anvil.
Dewey at work
There were times when the crowd gathered three to four deep to get a glimpse of how to blacksmith. The spectators were awed with every new blacksmithed creation we demonstrated.
As a demonstrator Dewey loves to educate and inform the bystander of what he is doing step by step. Beings he has the gift (or curse) of gab, he had to take a short break because his mouth got dry from talking so much, but he say it was the hot weather:)
Dewey answering questions
People really enjoyed learning that the old saying “to may irons in the fire” came from blacksmithing. When a blacksmith had several projects going at one time, and was unable to attend all of them as needed, he had “to may irons in the fire”. His work would get to hot and be damaged or burnt, thus making more work for the smith.
Some common questions:
- What are you burning in there? A: Blacksmith coal – (there) referring to coal forge
- What does turning the handle do? A: Induces air draft – (handle) referring to hand crank blower.
- How hot does that get? A: Over 3,000 degrees F – (that) referring to fire in coal forge.
- Do you ever get burnt? A: If you play with fire – you will get burnt!
- How long have you been doing this? A: 13 plus years.
If you have any other questions that we have not covered, please feel free to ask.
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