Blacksmithing at the Forest Gate Learning Zone LB Newham Monday 26^th January

I decided to give it a miss last term so I had time to play with my new toy – the laser cutter. Well I have not finished playing yet, in fact have merely scratched the surface.

I did make a display for my leather work, we shall look at that time.

So, just to recap – this is the only adult education blacksmithing course in existence. £90 a term + £30 materials for ten three hour sessions. There is an afternoon session 1- 4pm and an evening 6-9pm.  The first term is an introduction and you follow the sensible path of learning skills in an orderly fashion, making something new virtually every week. The second term you can make what you want under guidance. Most as usual, want to run before they can walk.

This is my forth year and I need more adzes to sell, let’s hope it gets quicker and does not become too repetitive. As with anything you find faster ways of doing things. Could really to with a power hammer if anyone has one?

It’s strange but it seems to attract many more women than men.

Note the scrolling tool on the anvil – looks like cheating to me!

Check out their website and get to that enrolment early, it’s always full.

Saturday 24^th January - Wanstead London, turning yew handles for my youngest son Sam.

Sam is expanding his making capability by taking on an apprentice, more tools so more tool handles.

Thought I would use something pretty – these are from branch wood given to me by my friend Gabor.

 

Saturday 24^th January - Wanstead London, turning a log stool for my neighbour Dennis.

This is a Cherry log from a tree in his garden – just over 12” in diameter. I had to axe off a little to get it onto my lathe. I used a big drive centre and started very slowly, I have speed control which is a huge advantage when turning something so big and very heavy.

Half way through turning – mountains of cherry smelling shavings, I let them dry and then bag up for fire / stove lighting. Fuel is becoming very desirable, even the caretaker at school is after them when we have finished on club turning nights.

The finished stool – just a big tidy up really. Now it will be left to split and dry out naturally. That will take 2 – 5 years. But it could be oiled any time after about six months or so. It’s a stool now but could give you a damp seat.

Kent group Leatherworking in Beneden at Colin Reynolds 17-01-15

This was the first visit to this venue, a pretty location with good views.

This leather carving was one of many processes being used on the day.

 

Harry Rogers was busy making a commission, he is normally too busy helping others to have time for himself.

This handsome water wheel was begging to be used, so I did – managed to soak myself first and then refrigerate my fingers. Not the thing to use on a cold day in January.

All the usual suspects, trying their best to keep warm and dry. Most were making tool covers

Bardster was there to show us some leather plaiting – this time with eight strands. He showed us a strander earlier (circular type that starts of in the middle of the leather).

 Mark Cross Inn 16-01-15

On my journey down to Benenden I picked up a knife from Mark Cross and stopped at this enormous hostelry. Long Man Ales as well as an extensive menu.








At Goudhurst I popped into the Star and Eagle Hotel. I was very tempted by the game pie with chocolate.




The history goes back at bit and so do some of the fittings – this door handle I thought was worth a mention I may try to make a copy.

I would like to think that this was a local village sign – will wait to be proved wrong.

Wednesday 14^th January Andy Coates demonstrating at Fairlop Woodturners - King Solomon High School IG6 3HB

This was his second visit to our club, and was our first demonstration this year. Andy was demonstrating making his favourite hollow form – a rough onion shape lidded vessel. The quick bit is making the form, the time and effort is then invested in the decoration.

This was a completed box he brought with – Sycamore with pyro graphed elements is a bit of an understatement!

The underside was not forgotten

This was another sycamore box and lid – with a burr oak insert in the lid.

What a clever use of small scraps to really make a difference.

The moral of the story is not to throw away any small burr scrap.