Welcome the Connecticut Blacksmith's Guild.

 

 

 

 

 

Welcome to Connecticut Blacksmith's Guild


 

Upcoming Events

Around the area

 

 

updated 3/19/2010

 

Reminder - Safety Glasses Required at all events

 


 

Date to be announced

 

 

 

 

January 2010

 

 

Sun. Jan 10

CBG Winter Meeting

Driggs Blacksmith Shop, Mystic Seaport, Mystic, Ct

1pm4pm

 

Bring Items for the `Iron in the Hat’ Raffle

 

For more info contact: Bill Sheer, mysticbs@aol.com,

       (860)536-0679

 

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Sat. Jan 23

SCM Blacksmith Meeting

Strathmore St, South County Museum, Narragansett, Ri

 

For more information: www.southcountymuseum.org or call Jim Chrothers 401-783-5400

 

 

February 2010

 

 

Sat. February 27

Winter Meet, SCM & CBG

Strathmore St, South County Museum, Narragansett, Ri

 

For more information: www.southcountymuseum.org or call Jim Chrothers 401-783-5400

 

SCM will provide lunch

 

Bring Items for the `Iron in the Hat’ Raffle

 

 

March  2010

 

 

Sat March 20

Greg Phillips’ Acorn Forge and Fabrication (A Sure Sign)

937 State Rd, Montgomery, Ny

 

Doug DeLury and Mark Emig will be demonstrating.

 

For more info call: 845-590-5259

 

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Sat March 20 – Sunday March 21

Workshop with Frederic Crist, Fire, Forge and Hot Iron for Sculptors

Center for Metal Arts, 44 Jayne St, Florida, Ny 10921

9am-5pm both days

Cost $340, Registration with $175 deposit

 

What does blacksmithing bring to the sculptural process? Sculptor Frederic Crist returns to the Center for Metal Arts with a 2 day workshop March 20-21, 2010, to focus on use of traditional blacksmith techniques that can change up the creation and forging of sculpture. We will explore basic skills, process and tools to forge. Form and create individual and multiple pieces, as well as investigate different assembly processes, wedging, riveting, and mortise and tenon. We will explore the use of mass and line in developing ideas and direction in sculpture.

 

Call 1-888-862-9577 or e-mail register@centerformetalarts.com with any questions.

 

Online Registration: http://www.centerformetalarts.com/Pages/UpcomingSeminars.html

 

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Sun March 21  9:00 am3:00 pm

CBG Meet at Guilford Art Center

Gilford Arts Center, 411 Church St, Guilford, CT,

      203-453-5947, www.guilfordartcenter.org

 

GAC has just completed closing in the pole barn. We will fire up the forges and make the tongs, chisels, punches and other things to equip the shop. We need everything.

 

If you have anything you would like to donate, it would be appreciated. We could use any tools or supplies, drillpress, grinder, gas forge, hammers, tongs etc. A file cabinet with 8-10 draws 5-6 inches deep would be nice. Help. We will use the two coal forges, bring your own tools to use. Bring your own forge if you wish. We need to staple the anvils to the stumps, mount lockers and build workbenches, you’ll need carpenter tools.

 

CBG will provide hotdogs and drinks. Bring something to share.

 

For any questions contact Bill Sheer, :mysticbs@aol.com  

 

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Sat. March 27

SCM Blacksmith Meeting

Strathmore St, South County Museum, Narragansett, Ri

 

For more information: www.southcountymuseum.org or call Jim Chrothers 401-783-5400

 

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Sat March 27 – Sun March 28- 9:30-5:00,

Metal Shaping with the English Wheel with Walt Scadden.  Ct Valley School of Woodworking, 249 Spencer St, Manchester, Ct 06040. 

 

Traditional graceful compound curves in sheet metal have been produced by skilled craftsmen, from the exotic shapes of finely crafted European sports cars, the forms of experimental aircraft of the 40's and 50's, to the interesting forms found in sculpture and architecture today. This unique course offers students and introduction and instruction in the use of hand operated tools, the English Wheel, Bead roller, simple radius forms, benders and hammer and shot bag, to create the desired compound curves. Students will have the opportunity to experience the forming of panels into a myriad of forms. Your imagination can run wild  while you come up with the endless applications for shaping metal to your requirements. Don’t miss this great opportunity to learn some new skills and have a great time doing it! Tuition: $245.00 plus materials.  Section 032710B. 

 

For more info Contact Bob Van Dyke, 860-729-3186, Bob@Schoolofwoodworking.com

 

 

April    2010

 

 

Sat April 3 - 9:30-5:00

Get you hands Dirty with a Day of Blacksmithing with Walt Scadden. 

Ct Valley School of Woodworking, 249 Spencer St, Manchester, Ct 06040. 

 

We've all seen the Blacksmiths in historic movies or programs, read about them in books or seen them in places like Sturbridge Village, Mystic Seaport, or Colonial Williamsburg. Have you ever wondered what it's all about or wondered if it was something you would like to try? This is the class for you!  This one day class will give you a little history of this time honored craft and, better yet, give you a chance to try your hand at making a few simple items. Open to beginners and anyone interested in learning the secrets of the Hammer and Anvil. Sign up today! Tuition: $120.00 (materials are included)  Section 040310A,

 

For more info Contact Bob Van Dyke, 860-729-3186, Bob@Schoolofwoodworking.com

 

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Sat. April 24

SCM Blacksmith Meeting

Strathmore St, South County Museum, Narragansett, Ri

 

For more information: www.southcountymuseum.org or call Jim Chrothers 401-783-5400

 

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Sat. April 17  1:00 pm4:00 pm

Falling Hammer Productions, 28 Main Street, Oakville, CT

 

Matt Parkinson and Peter Swarz-Burt will demonstrate knife, sword, Damascus steel making and power hammer use.

 

For more information call: 203-597-1114

 

From the South, East or West: Take Interstate 84 to Waterbury, then take Route 8 North. Take the first left exit for Route 73 towards Oakville/Watertown. Follow 73 through 3 stoplights and past the municipal stadium. Begin watching for two large brick factory buildings on either side of the road and connected by a raised walkway. This is the Old Pin Shop. Turn right into the parking lot just beyond the building.

-From the North: Take Route 8 South to Exit 37 for Route 262. At the end of the ramp, turn right onto Echo Lake Road. When this hits Buckingham Street, turn left. Follow Buckingham into the town of Oakville until it hits Route 73/Watertown Avenue. Turn left, then make an immediate left into the Old Pin Shop parking lot.

The shop is located at the loading dock behind the smoke stack.  www.fallinghammerproductions.com   

 

 

 

May     2010

 

 

Sat. May 1

Heritage Metal Festival, 5th Annual

Ct Eastern RR Museum, Bridge St, Willimantic, Ct

Additional Demonstrators Wanted

 

Find the Flier here: Heritage Metal Festival 2010 Flier

 

Multiple metalsmiths and non-industrial demonstrators will be demonstrating on site

 

Demonstrators are allowed to take on commissions and/or do commission projects that day

 

Opening day for the Railroad Museum, so the museum will be open for tours & exploring.  For more info: www.cteastrrmuseum.org

 

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Fri. April 30 - Sun. May 2

Spring Hammer In 2010

Northeast Blacksmiths Association

Ashoken Field Campus, Olivebridge, Ny

 

For more info: http://www.northeastblacksmiths.org/

 

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Sat. May  15, 9am4pm  

Reenactment & Farm Days

Waldo House,

96 Waldo Rd

Baltic (Scotland), Ct 06264

 

More info contact Steve Melady: 860-228-2185 or smelady254@charter.net 

 

Demonstrators Needed to Set-up, demo and/or sell your stuff

 

Event Flier: Waldo House 2010 Farm Day

 

 

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Fri. May 14  – Sun. May 16

NEB Spring Meet

Martell Metalworks, 330a Oak Hill Ave, Attelboro, MA

 

Demonstrators will be Carl Close, David Court and Peter Hapnny

 

On Saturday there will be a forging contest held

 

For more information: www.newenglandblacksmiths.org

 

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Sat May 15 – Sun May 16  - 9:30-5:00,

Basic Blacksmithing with Walt Scadden. 

Ct Valley School of Woodworking, 249 Spencer St, Manchester, Ct 06040. 

 

Walter Scadden is a local blacksmith who has taught hands-on classes all over the country and was the lead blacksmith for the building of the Amistad. He also worked for three years at Mystic Seaport and we are fortunate to have him teaching here. Walter will teach students the basic principles of blacksmithing, including materials needed and what to look for in tools and forges. This is a hands-on project-oriented class and participants will start off making some simple hooks and maybe a letter opener and will then move on to making their own set of blacksmithing tongs. Other possible projects include candleholders, fireplace pokers, coat hooks or maybe even a small pot & pan rack. Whatever you make, it will surely be fun and informative. Don't miss this great opportunity to learn some truly unique and useful skills.  Tuition $245.00 (plus materials $30.00)  Section 051510B. 

For more info Contact Bob Van Dyke, 860-729-3186, Bob@Schoolofwoodworking.com

 

 

 

June    2010

 

 

Sat June 5  – Sun June 6

Farm Days

Intersection of Hartford Rd (Rt. 6) and Canterbury Rd (Rt. 169)

Brooklyn Fairgrounds, Brooklyn, Ct

  

We need demonstrators and talkers, if you can do both so much the better.

 

Contact Steve Melady: 860-288-2185  smelady254@charter.net  to reserve your time.

 

This call is about filling the purpose of the Guild, to educate the public about blacksmithing.

 

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Sat June 12 – Sun June 13, 9:30-5:00,

Hand Laid Carbon Fiber Workshop with Walt Scadden. 

Ct Valley School of Woodworking, 249 Spencer St, Manchester, Ct 06040. 

 

The High-Tech explosion of the 21st century has brought about many advancements in design and product construction. Leading the list is a  mysterious substance called Carbon Fiber. Originally developed for NASA and the Military, this ultra light weight, super strong material, can be formed into just about any shape. Using a blend of resin epoxies and composite fiber material, it has found its way into many civilian applications; race cars, motorcycles, sport aircraft, sports and recreational gear, and furniture to name only a few. This class will introduce students to this unique technique by showing them how they can simply, by hand, lay up layers of carbon fiber cloth to construct a desired shape, using common items to prepare the molds or forms. Some of you may have some prior experience and specific interest in this material and others may simply be curious and want to learn about a new material that can be incorporated into other projects. Either way- you will certainly have fun and learn a whole lot! Sign up today. Tuition: $245.00 plus materials.  Section 061210B. 

 

For more info Contact Bob Van Dyke, 860-729-3186, Bob@Schoolofwoodworking.com

 

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Sat. June 19

Hageman Iron Works, 6 Dickinson Rd, Colchester, Ct

 

Bring your own forge and tools maybe do a demo.

CBG will provide hotdogs and soda. Bring something to share.

 

RSVP 860-267-0659. Bring items for iron in the hat.

 

*Dave has moved his shop*

From Colchester, take Rte 16 west toward East Hampton/Middletown. At 5 miles pass through the jct. with Rte. 149 for another 2 miles to the bottom of the hill and cross the Salmon River. Take the immediate right, Dickinson Rd., We are in the center of the fork. Look for the sign.

 

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Sat. June 26 – Sun. June 27

Age of Iron

Hancock Shaker Village, Rt 20, Pittsfield, MA

 

Sponsored by Berkshire Blacksmith Association and Hancock Shaker Village

 

15 Forges and 20 Blacksmiths working all the time and a Tailgate sales area

 

For Information or to set-up contact Nick Urquhart,

         508-867-9537 or Bob Engel 518-828-0376

 

Hancock Shaker Village information: 413-443-0188 www.hancockshakervillage.org

 

 

 

July     2010

 

 

Thurs. July 8 – Sun. July 11

North Stonington Fair

North Stonington, Ct

 

We need demonstrators and talkers, if you can do both so much the better.

 

Contact Chip Sowalski, 860-287-5295 or hardiepritchel@sbcglobal.net to reserve your time, we need a list of volunteers ahead of time for the fair committee to get passes and insurance.  If we are unable to man the shop we will loose the site

 

This call is about filling the purpose of the Guild, to educate the public about blacksmithing.

 

Fair information can be found at: http://www.northstoningtonfair.org

 

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Sat. July 17

Summer Show & Swap Meet

Zagray Farm, Rt 85, Colchester, Ct

 

A few CBG Members will be setting up to demonstrate that day and are looking for others to help out. 

 

For more information contact Steve Melady, 860-288-2185  smelady254@charter.net 

 

For more info on the location: www.qvea.org

 

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Sat July 17 – Sun July 18, 9:30-5:00,

Blacksmithing & Toolmaking -Make a Woodworking Chisel, a Turning Gouge or some other Woodworking Tool with Walt Scadden. 

Ct Valley School of Woodworking, 249 Spencer St, Manchester, Ct 06040. 

 

Tool making is probably one of the most useful skills that a blacksmith has and this new class will give you an appreciation of some of the techniques used. Students will have the chance to make a woodworking chisel and a turning gouge (or a second chisel if you prefer). Shaping the tool steel, annealing and hardening the steel, grinding the cutting edge and fitting the handles are just a few of the steps you will take to make some great tools that you can truly call your own. This fun class will give you a chance to try out blacksmithing, or polish your skills if you have taken past classes. Don’t miss it! Tuition: $245.00.00 plus materials.  Section 071710A. 

 

For more info Contact Bob Van Dyke, 860-729-3186, Bob@Schoolofwoodworking.com

 

 

August 2010

 

 

Thur. Aug. 26   - Sun. Aug. 29

Brooklyn Fair  - Demonstrators Needed

Intersection of Hartford Rd (Rt. 6) and Canterbury Rd (Rt. 169)

Brooklyn Fairgrounds, Brooklyn, Ct

 

Third year at the new Forging demonstration location, we have 2 forging stations set-up for use

 

We need demonstrators and talkers, if you can do both so much the better.

 

Contact Steve Melady: 860-288-2185  smelady254@charter.net  to reserve your time.

 

This call is about filling the purpose of the Guild, to educate the public about blacksmithing.

 

Fair information can be found at: www.brooklynfair.org

 

 

 

September 2010

 

 

Fri. Sept   – Sun. Sept.   (Date to be Confirmed)

NEB Fall Meet

.

 

For more information: www.newenglandblacksmiths.org

 

 

October 2010

 

 

Sat, Oct. 10

Boy Scout Metalworking Merit Badge – Badge-O-Rama

Dominion Nuclear Power Plant, Waterford, Ct

 

Contact Doug Van Verdegham: 860-444-1894 or Douglas8@snet.net

 

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Oct. Date to be Announced

10:00 am - 4:00 pm

 

The Lemelson Center 9th annual Blacksmith Event

Hampshire College, Amherst, MA

 

Tailgate sales area

 

Check for updates at: http://lemelson.hampshire.edu and check the events area

 

Fore more info contact: Don Dupuis, 413-559-5346 ddupuis@hampshire.edu

 

Coffee, Donuts and lunch will be available

 

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Sat Oct    (Date to be Confirmed)

6th Annual Hammer-in

Riverside Park, Fitchburg, Ma

 

Cash Prizes for the smithing competition.

 

For more info: www.discoverfitchburg.com

 

 

November 2010

 

 

Sat Nov 6       (Date to be Confirmed)

Bring a Friend Blacksmith Day

Connecticut Eastern Railroad Museum, Bridge St, Willimantic, Ct

 

Bring your own equipment and smash metal, come to talk and or bring a friend that is interested in smithing.  8 forges were fired up and working last year.

 

 

December 2010

 

 

 

Reminder - Safety Glasses Required at all events

 

Club News:

 

Blacksmith Classes:

 

--Brookfield Craft Center, Brookfield, CT, 203-775-4526, www.Brookfieldcraftcenter.org

 

--Bill Senseney, Hancock Shaker Village, Pittsfield, Ma,  413-354-9656

 

--Bill Scheer, Mystic Seaport Museum (classes & private lessons)           Mystic CT, 860-572-5322

       Bill also teaches at: Brookfield Craft Center, Guilford Art Center &    at the Steel Yard)

 

--Derek Glaser's New England School of Metal Work, Auburn, ME, 888-753-7502 www.newenglandschoolofmetalwork.com

 

--Gilford Arts Center, Guilford, CT, 203-453-5947, www.guilfordartcenter.org

 

--Hancock Shaker Village, Pittsfield, Ma, 413-443-0188 www.hancockshakervillage.org

 

--John D'Abate and Jeff Ferschke at Hannaway Blacksmith Shop, Lincoln, RI. Contact John at 401-724-1522, http://www.hearthsidehouse.org/hannaway/

 

--South County Museum, , RI 401-783-5400 www.southcountymuseum.org

 

--The Steel Yard, Providence, RI, 401-273-7101,   www.thesteelyard.org

 .

***ANYONE WANTING TO SPONSOR A MEET OR DEMONSTRATE AT A MEET***

        please contact me. YOU make it happen.
Bill Scheer, 4 Haley Street, Mystic, CT 06355, 860-536-0679 or I can be emailed here.

 

Clubs & Links

 

--Artist-Blacksmith's Association of North America (ABANA) www.abana.org, abana@abana.org

 

--New England Blacksmiths, www.newenglandblacksmiths.org

 

--Northeast Blacksmiths Association, nba.abana-chapter.com

 

--Berkshire Blacksmiths,

     For the newsletter mail $10 to Robert Engle, 382 West Ghent Rd, Hudson, NY 12534 or call 518-828-0376

     For more information contact Director: Nick Urquhart, 508-867-9537

 

--Capitol District Blacksmiths, www.cdblacksmiths.org

       Albany, NY area

 

--Southern Bunch

      Usually meets on the 4th Saturday of the month at the blacksmith shop at South County Museum, www.southcountymuseum.org.                

      For more information contact Jim Chrothers 401-783-5400,        Owen Bostrom 401-377-2611 or Fred Mikkelsen 401-647-3086

 

--Hannaway Blacksmith Shop, Great Rd, Lincoln, RI http://www.hearthsidehouse.org/hannaway/

       Shop open every Saturday 8am-12pm

       For more info contact: John Scanlon, 401-724-1522

 

--Mike Miciukiewicz's websites - www.ctblacksmith.com and   www.Mike-stuff.com

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

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