Subject: Re: Blacksmithing again

From: [email-masked] (W Thomas Powers)
Date: Wed, 20 Mar 1996 10:34:17 -0500

>>  I don't use a torch.  Why?
>>  I can't find the historical connection for torches
>>, so I avoid them.
>If you would like to use a torch, go ahead, they existed thousands of years
>ago. I've seen descriptions and archaeological finds of these torches.

I think that your reasoning is not applicable.  I read this as there is no
evidence for use of a torch in iron working and while I know a lot of 
documentation for the use of a blowpipe in jewelry making I do not know
of any for its use in iron working.  Reducto Ad Absurdum:  we have good
documentation for the use of the potter's wheel to turn pots; but I can't
then transfer this to raising iron forms.

In a similiar vein:  much of the great ironwork I have seen from earlier
times shows *no* hammer marks and flatteners are still a common item in
old shop sales; yet a recent post indicated that it could not be considered
blacksmith work unless it showed the mark of the hammer!  Is this not a
modern viewpoint?  My wife is a spinster and specializes in fine even
spinning and has run into the same thing, people tell her that her stuff
is not handspun because it is too regular and not "funky". How they ever
imagine that the incredibly fine woolens, gauzes, linnens were ever made
with "funky" yarns is beyond my comprehension!

I will dig out my 1929 copy of a book on Ornamental Ironwork, I seem to
remember a medieval style that was very much like "cut and paste".  Back
then it was conspicuous consumption to have smooth, identical iron bars
used in what was referred to as "carpenter like joining methods".
Thomas
Columbus, OH

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From: Page Thomas <[email-masked]>
Date: Wed, 20 Mar 1996 14:34:51 -0600 (CST)

An old blacksmith friend of mine, who learned his trade from, my great,
uncle (and I have some of his hand forged pieces) used to say (he 
is dead now) "that hammer marks were a sign of sloppy work and use of  
the hammer.  Any smith can make hammer marks, but only the best can forge 
and weld where there are no visible marks.  It is all in the way one 
holds the hammer."

So much for old blacksmiths!!!!!

Page A. Thomas
[email-masked]