The Anvil`s Chorus - New York State Designer Blacksmiths

The Anvil’s Chorus
June 2001
Page 2
The Anvil’s Chorus
Executive Committee ( Board of Directors):
President: Bill Banker – 607-276-6956, PO Box 174 Almond, NY 14804, e-mail:
abanker@infoblvd.net
Vice President: Verner Hornquist – 716–433-7570, 6062 Shaffer Rd. Lockport, NY
14094
Treasurer: Dick Rightmyer – 716-293-3299, 251 Leibeck Rd. Churchville, NY 14428, e
-mail: richarda@localnet.com
Secretary: Harold Hopkinson – 315-682-6314, 4590 South Brookhill Dr. Malius, NY
13104, email: hhh2nd@worldnet.att.net
Forgemasters:
Adirondack: John Scarlett – 315-324-5635
Niagara: Bob Corneck – 716-741-4311, e-mail: roberthc@aol.com
Genesee: Dick Rightmyer – 716-293-3299, e-mail: richarda@localnet.com
Mohawk: Dale Barrows – 607-849-3198, e-mail: dbarr@clarity.connect.com
Southern Tier: John fee – 607-523-6677, e-mail: feejc@webtv.net
Newsletter editor: Al Butlak – 716-894-7185, 1351 Walden Ave. Buffalo, NY 14211, email: butlak1@mindspring.com
Scholarship Chairperson: Jim Robarr – 716-433-8564, e-mail: chefdr1@aol.com
The Cover: Big Bird by John Rausch
Life size (40") 3-dimensional blue heron constructed of copper sheet using
repoussé and chasing techniques. Eyes were made using enameling color fired
on copper with a torch. Color was added to the body using liver of sulfur as
well as flame temper coloring. Cattails were made of iron and copper. The
base is made from raised ¼" plate with a rust patina achieved by using a
mixture of hydrogen peroxide and water. The entire project was given a coat
of clear semi-gloss auto lacquer
THE ANVIL'S CHORUS IS COMPOSED AND WRITTEN BY THE EDITOR EXCEPT AS INDICATED. MATERIAL MAY BE REPRINTED EXCEPT AS NOTED AS LONG AS PROPER
CREDIT IS GIVEN TO NYSDB IT'S OFFICERS, DEMONSTRATOR’S WRITERS EDITOR,
AND MEMBERS SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIM ANY RESPONSIBILITY OR LIABILITY FOR ANY
DAMAGES OR INJURIES AS A RESULT OF THE USE OF ANY INFORMATION PUBLISHED
IN THE ANVIL'S CHORUS. THE USE OF ANY INFORMATION PUBLISHED IS STRICTLY AT
THE USER’S OWN RISK.
NYSDB
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EDITOR’S NOTES- A LOT HAS BEEN GOING ON THIS LAST QUARTER. THE FIRST NEWS IS THAT I SUPPOSE THAT YOU
NOTICED A SPECIAL INSERT IN THE CENTERFOLD. READ IT CAREFULLY AND RESPOND TO YOUR FORGE MASTER AD
YOUR EDITOR. THE FLAG PROJECT IS ON. IF YOU WISH ANY CHANGES TO OUR FLAG SPOKE UP OR IT GOES TO LA CROSS
WISCONSIN NEXT JUNE AS IS. THE RING PROJECT IS ALSO A GO ALTHOUGH THE NYSDB WILL BE FABRICATING THE
GRILLE. THE INSERT WILL EXPLAIN.
GOING BACK A BIT AFTER A MEETING IN MY SHOP WHERE BOB CORNECK IS LEADING US ON THE JOURNEYMEN PROGRAM BY BUILDING A HANGING CANDLESTICK HOLDER. ON MARCH 3rd BOB CORNECK AND MY SELF BRAVED THE
SNOW COVERED ROADS AN WENT TO SEE AN ART EXHIBIT AT THE BUFFALO ART CENTER IN THE OLD TRICO PLANT ON
MAIN STREET WHERE A FORMER MEMBER ISABELLE PELISSIER AND HER ASSOCIATE CATHERINE SHUMAN MILLER PRESENTED A SHOW IN METAL. WHICH WAS VERY INTERESTING TALL PALMS (PICTURE IN PICTURE SECTION) AND SMALL
FLOWERS WHERE SHE GAVE ME CREDIT FOR INSPIRING HER WITH A COUPLE OF CANNAS LILIES THAT I HAD LAYING
AROUND THE SHOP TRYING TO FIGURE OUT HOW TO USE THEM
IN APRIL WE WENT TO VERN HORNQUIST’S SHOP AND SET UP A COUPLE OF COAL FORGES AS WE WILL BE USING HIS
SHOP FOR THE NIAGARA MEETING UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE
WENT DOWN TO THE BOCES SCHOOL WHERE THE GENESEE GROUP MEETS AND DID A LITTLE WORK ON MAKING TENNONS AS WELL AS MAKING THE TOOLS FOR DOING SO.
IN APRIL GENE BEAMER AND CHUCK CANTERBURY HELD THE BLACK SMITHS HELPER WORKSHOP (WRITE UP ELSEWHERE BY KEITH PRICE) ON ANOTHER SUNDAY WENT DOWN TO JOHN FEE’S SHOP IN PAINTED POST AND EXPERIENCED
MAKING ANIMAL HEADS. THERE IS ENOUGH ACTIVITY GOING ON THAT THERE IS MEETING GOING ON ALMOST EVERY
WEEKEND.
THEN THERE WAS THE ALL MEMBER MEETING WHICH FEATURED KEN SCHWARTZ FROM WILLIAMSBURG REALLY
SHOW US DOING BLACKSMITHING AS IT WAS IN THE COLONIAL DAYS. HAROLD HOPKINS ON IN HIS MINUTES HAS A
LITTLE WRITE UP ON THE MEET.
LAST WEEKEND THE NIAGARA GROUP DID A DEMO FOR THE BOY SCOUTS (TROOP 8) IN CAMBRIA WHERE PETER
PARRY WITH HIS NAIL MAKING AND BRANDING WOOD CHIPS WITH BSA 2001 FOR THE BOYS, HE NEVER HAD A CHANCE
TO SIT DOWN (MUST’VE DONE A HUNDRED OF THE CHIPS WITH A NAIL IN EACH ONE) CHUCK CANTERBURY DID HIS
THING WITH HIS MELTING POT DOING SOME ALUMINUM CASTINGS .HE IS REALLY GOOD AND YOU SHOULDN’T MISS
ONE OF HIS DEMOS. CHARLIE WOLCOTT WAS THERE WITH AN INTERESTING THING CALLED A SUN DIAL WHICH I HOPE
TO GET DETAILS FOR THE NEXT NEWSLETTER, THE THING REALLY WORKED.
ON MAY 12th DALE BARROWS HELD THE MOHAWK REGION MEETING AT THE CHITTENANGO BARGE CANAL MUSEUM
IN CHITTENANGO NY WHERE THE DID DESIGN AND FORGED CURTAIN TIE BACKS SOUNDS LIKE AN INTERESTING PLACE
TO VISIT.
THE SCHEDULE OF MEETINGS IS A LITTLE GOOFED UP DUE THE FACT THAT I’VE BEEN BUSY AND REALLY DIDN’T
PASS THE WORD THAT CHUCK CANTERBURY WILL BE PREPARING THE SCHEDULES FOR THE CHAPTER GROUPS. IN FUTURE EDITIONS GOING FORWARD QUARTERLY MEETINGS NEED TO GO TO HIM, WITH DATES AND DEMONSTRATOR IF
ANY AND SUBJECT OF MEET.
SO LET’S GET OUT AND DO SOME FORGING AND LET’S GET SOME IDEAS FOR OUR RING PROJECT. WE WILL HAVE A
DISCUSSION AT THE ALL MEMBER PICNIC. WE WANT TO SEE YOU THERE. THERE WILL BE PLENTY TO DO. IF YOU WISH
TO HELP CONTACT BOB CORNECK 716 741 4311 DON'T FORGET YOUR POUND OF BONELESS MEAT AND SOME VEGETABLES FOR JIM ROBARR'S FAMOUS STEW POT WITH THE SECRET INGREDIENTS.
I HOPE THAT I HAVEN'T MISSED ANYTHING. IF I DID THERE IS THE NEXT ISSUE. LET'S HEAR A LITTLE MORE OF WHAT'S
GOING ON IN ALL THE GROUPS. IF YOU PLAN ON WORKING ON THE FLAG OR RING PROJECT. CONTACT YOUR EDITOR OR
YOUR FORGE MASTER. AFTER ALL THIS IS GOING TO BE OUR PROJECT AND WE ARE GOING TO SEEK OUTSIDE HELP BUT
DON’T COUNT ON IT.
ANOTHER FOOTNOTE IS THAT BOB TROUT WAS ELEVATED TO THE NEXT LEVEL WITH THE ROYCROFTERS COPPERSMITHS, DON'T REMEMBER WHEN IT WAS. SORRY BOB I ASKED YOU TO E-MAIL IT IN. ANYHOW IF YOU SEE HIM CONGRATULATIONS ARE IN ORDER. ANOTHER THING BOB MENTIONED IS THAT SCOTT OLIVER IS TAKING OVER BOB'S TOOL
MAKING BUSINESS. IF YOU NEED ANYTHING CALL SCOTT AT 716 256 9978 OR DROP HIM A LINE AT 78 ASBURY ST. ROCHESTER NY 14620.
JUST IN CASE A LOT OF YOU NEW MEMBERS DON'T KNOW WHAT THE FRANCIS WHITAKER RING PROJECT TS ABOUT
I’LL EXPLAIN BRIEFLY. THIS PROJECT IS INTENDED AS A MEMORIAL TO FRANCIS WHO HAS PASSED AWAY BUT WE
WOULD LIKE TO KEEP HIS SPIRIT ALIVE. IN OGDENSBURG AT A GENERAL MEETING IT WAS DECIDED TO PARTICIPATE.
AFTER A FEW LETTERS TO THE CONFERENCE CHAIRMAN AND BOARD MEMBERS WE CAN DO THE PROJECT BUT WILL
HAVE TO WORK ON OWN. WE WILL BE GIVEN ROOM TO DISPLAY IT. THE DRAWING IN THE INSERT WAS TAKEN FROM A
1990 NYSDB NEWSLETTER BUT I MODIFIED IT SOMEWHAT. THE RINGS WILL ALL BE TEN INCHES IN DIAMETER OVERALL
AND BE FORGE WELDED. IT IS A LOT OF FUN DOING THESE RINGS DESIGNING AND FABRICATING THEM. IN 98 TEN OF
OUR MEMBERS SUBMITTED THREE RINGS AND TOOK PREFERENCE WITH OUR BLACKSMITH ANGEL RING. ON THIS VENTURE WE ARE GOING TO DO ONE BETTER AS WE ARE GOING TO DO THE WHOLE GRILLE AND TRY TO GET SOME OF THE
OTHER CHAPTERS TO SUBMIT SOME OF THE RINGS AND ANY OTHER HELP THEY MIGHT OFFER.
THE FLAG PROJECT IS ALSO A GO ON OUR OWN BUT SPACE WILL BE AVAILABLE IN THE GALLERY BUT I PREFER AN
OUTSIDE DISPLAY. WE WON'T HAVE TO DO ANY THING ON THIS UNLESS SOMEONE THINKS FLAG OR BRACKET
CHANGES ARE IN ORDER.
- AL BUTLAK Jr. THE EDITOR
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ABANA Chapter Liaison Letter
March 2001
First things first. A big thanks to all the editors who have published Doug Learn’s president’s message and my liaison letter.
This is the best way we have of communicating with all persons.
What can ABANA do for my chapter and me?—The often asked question. We are working on this one—you will see the difference.
The Member Services Committee meets every month. This is what we did at the March meeting.
We are developing a Resource Kit of useful information that will be an annual mailing to the chapters. This kit is an expanded version of the mailing recently sent to chapter presidents.
We have begun the process of developing a program to establish ABANA Representatives in each chapter that chooses to
participate. These ABANA Reps. will facilitate the communication between ABANA and the chapters. This communication
will be a two way street. A pilot project is about to begin in The Guild of Metalsmiths to work the bugs out of the program.
We decided to start a program to identify successful projects and procedures in individual chapters. The information about
these activities would then be sent to all chapters for their use.
We are working on a safety statement that would be useful to individuals and chapters.
None of these programs will see swift completion. But we will keep you informed.
Also remember: (1) ABANA offers educational scholarships to individuals and grants to chapters. Contact the Central Office for
application forms. (2) The 5th International Exhibition of the IFGS at Stolberg Castle near Achen, Germany is from June 1 to
July 15, 2001. To enter or for information e-mail ifgs@gmx.de.
April 2001
The often asked question, “What does ABANA do for me for my 45 bucks -- or more-- a year?” This letter
will focus on two things that ABANA will do for you in the future.
ABANA’s Member Services committee is currently working on two (actually, more than two, but for now I will talk about only
two) new programs that have the potential of giving a whole lot of assistance to the chapters. Here they are.
It seems to me that it was Mark Twain who said, “The ABANA chapters will correctly do all of the things some of the time,
some of the things all of the time, but not all of the things all of the time.” Being inspired by the wisdom of Mr. Twain, we decided to develop a new program that will let all of the chapters know about some of the things that some of the chapters are doing
right.
We have thought this program through only in general terms—no particulars yet. It would work something like this. We will
identify 10, or so, crucial aspects of a chapter organization, such as the structure of the board of directors, educational program,
etc. Then, seek out those chapters that are successfully administering one or more of these crucial aspects of their chapter organization. The final step would be to send this information to all of the chapters for their use. We need to share our blacksmithing
skills and our administration skills.
The second new program is a combination of communication between ABANA and the chapters and recruitment of ABANA
members. We are just starting to think this program through, so I can give you only a thumb nail sketch.
Participating chapters appoint an ABANA-chapter representative, to be known as The Rep. The task of The Rep is to give the
chapter members the latest information about ABANA and to hear the questions and comments and to relay this feedback to the
Member Services Committee. The big deal about this program is that it is one more way for ABANA to communicate with the
chapters. But mostly, it is an opportunity for persons to speak their piece and to be heard by ABANA. Communication is a two
way street. If this is going to work, we must give The Rep the tools and the support to do the job—this is the part that will take
some good planning on our part.
The Rep, speaking at every chapter meeting, and keeping ABANA in the awareness of persons will hopefully result in an increase in ABANA membership.
Let me know what you think about these new programs.
Bob Fredell, Chairman
Member Services Committee
3500-45 Ave. So.
Minneapolis, MN 55406-2927
(612) 721-2298
fredell@frostbit.com
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President's Message to the Chapters
March, 2001
Circumstances have forced me to address one of the issues of the relationship between ABANA and its chapters, that of following the policies and
rules of ABANA. Much time in the past month has been taken up with addressing anvil shoots by a small minority of ABANA Chapters. Many
know that this is a practice banned by ABANA. For those who do not, this letter serves as the official notice of that ban, based on my responsibility
as noted in the 2000 ABANA Board Meeting Minutes (Motion 18 of that meeting). This letter will also be posted on the ABANA web site along
with a press release and other information regarding anvil shoots. A version of this letter and the press release will also be in the next issue of The
Anvil’s Ring. The official policy as stated in 1997 (and approved in motion 346): WHEREAS, ABANA officially condemns the practice of "Anvil
Shoots" whereby an anvil is caused to fly into the air by use of explosives for the purpose of entertainment. NOW therefore be it and it is hereby
resolved: No Anvil Shoot or like form of public entertainment by propelling anvils into the air will be scheduled, conducted, allowed, or directly or
indirectly advertised, publically announced or noted: 1. At any ABANA sponsored public or private event; 2. At any event sponsored by any other
individuals or organizations who have used ABANA’s name in their promotion of the event; 3. At any event, Chapter function,school or demonstration sponsored by other individuals or organizations that borrow, rent, or use ABANA’s Mobile Teaching Station at the event of any other
ABANA equipment or property.
This prohibition was not enforced in the past by Board action, but now it must be. ABANA would be legally liable if it does not enforce its policy
on anvil shoots and harm of any kind occurs, and that liability would cripple and could ruin ABANA. ABANA simply cannot accept the liability
for the risk that anvil shooting presents, an activity that it cannot control and might not even be aware of. The unacceptable risk and legal jeopardy
that anvil shooting exposes ABANA to in this present day and age forced the Board into prohibiting anvil shoots at any ABANA function, including chapter functions.
One of the Board’s legal responsibilities is to enforce all the policies of ABANA. Organizations live or die by following (or not) their by-laws,
procedures and policies. When chapters join ABANA they agree to "….abide by the applicable ABANA by-laws and other structured operating
procedures" (Article III-A, Section 2, f). The Board, representing the membership of ABANA, asks the chapters to follow motions of 1997 and
2000 and not hold anvil shoots at chapter events. Any ABANA Chapter that feels anvil shooting is more important than their relationship with
ABANA is free to leave our organization and we will wish them well and hold no ill feelings towards them. However, if a chapter holds an anvil
shoot at any chapter event, then based on their failure to abide by the ABANA by-laws and the unacceptable risk their actions pose to ABANA, the
chapter must be removed from the roll of ABANA Chapters effective the moment the fuse is lit. This is the legal responsibility of the ABANA
Board of Directors, and one we do not take lightly. I respectfully but strongly urge all chapters and their membership, both those who are ABANA
members and those who are not, to seriously consider the issues that are at stake for ABANA and your chapter, and not hold anvil shoots.
We all have much to do to continue the advancement of blacksmithing, for our membership, present and future, and in the eyes of the public. Let us
unite and use our limited time and resources to move blacksmithing forward into the 21 st century stronger than ever before.
April 2001.
One recurring themes I have heard since becoming an ABANA member is references to factions of ABANA based on geographical location, traditional versus artists-smiths, etc. This theme is usually based on past history and events, rooted in the personalities of the persons involved with
ABANA during some time period in ABANA's history. Some of these incidents were based on substantive issues of policy and direction. Other
incidents were rooted in personal conflicts or reasons lost in the fog of history, but have grown to mythic proportion and now have taken on a life of
their own. I ran for the Board in part to make this an organization that embraces all legitimate aspects of blacksmithing and uses those aspects as a
source of strength to move ABANA and blacksmithing into the future. I intend to continue that effort, but to do so we must remove the obsession
with these ghosts of the past from our organization. This Board cannot undo any of the real or imagined past slights or omissions, mistakes or miscommunication between the Board, ABANA members or ABANA chapters, in all directions, since it's inception. But if this obsession is not removed, ABANA will continue to meet unnecessary resistance from within in it's efforts to move blacksmithing into the 21st century stronger than
ever before. These instances are in the past; this Board is working in the present for the future of blacksmithing and ABANA. This does not mean
that past issues are to be dismissed out of hand, but rather put in the proper perspective as we move into the future. And we must move into the
future.
This Board under my leadership is an activist board, engaged in moving ABANA forward in part by upholding the existing policies and procedures
of ABANA. This has caused concerns and resistance from some chapters and individuals. But as I have said in past messages, the Board has a legal
obligation to uphold those policies and procedures and will do so. The other side of this relationship is our effort to improve the relationship with
the membership and the chapters. Information is sent to chapter presidents and editors, posted on the ABANA website, included in both The Anvil's
Ring and Hammer’s Blow. We as a Board use these tools to communicate with the chapters and the membership; these are our voices to you. Some
of the conversations I have had with chapter members reveal that this information is not reaching the proper audience. Why some are aware and
others are not is a mystery to me. But what is disturbing to me is the lack of calls to any of the Board members for clarification on topics or responses to requests for feedback. Frankly, much incorrect information is floating around that could be clarified with a call or an e-mail to a Board
member. Communication is a two-way street. We need feedback on what we are doing, but little has been offered. The request for comments on the
draft Statement of Mutual Responsibilities has gotten three responses. This document defines the relationship between the chapters and ABANA
and we need your input. Bob Fredell and his Member Services Committee have some new ideas that hopefully will be introduced by the end of the
year. Again, these will need cooperation and input from the chapters. We cannot help you if you do not participate in this dialogue.
There has been discussions regarding a re-examination of the relationship between the chapters and ABANA. We cannot take this step without
input from all ABANA Chapters and the understanding by all of ABANA and the chapters as to what such a change may bring to ABANA and the
chapters. Any such step must be productive and a benefit for the whole organization. I feel that to do anything at this time without input from all the
chapters regarding their issues with the present arrangement, a clear understanding of what all the chapters want from any different relationship, the
introduction to the chapters and the membership of possible changes that the Board is working on and will be introducing over the rest of the year,
and a firm agenda and a clear understanding by all involved of the ramifications of each possible new arrangement would be premature and nonproductive.
These changes will take time, patience and open-minded cooperation from all involved. We must work together to build this relationship. This
Board will continue to communicate with you, and we welcome and need your input.
Safe and productive forging.
Doug Learn, President
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Jim Cooper resigned from the ABANA Board of Directors effective March 26, 2001. If you would like to view a copy of Jim’s resignation letter it may be found
under “Latest News” on the ABANA web site home page, www.abana.org
Dave Mudge from Bogalusa, Louisiana was the runner up from the last election and has agreed to serve out Jim's term. Please read his message below and thanks
Dave for agreeing to serve!
Jerry Kagele, Secretary
Artist-Blacksmith's Association of North America
ABANA Welcomes New Board Member Dave Mudge
I am Dave Mudge, newsletter editor for Louisiana Metalsmiths Association as well as the founder and past president of that group. I am a full-time professional
artist / blacksmith and have been for 15 years. I am a long-time ABANA member and already serve on the Internet Committee. I am honored to be asked to fill in
for Jim Cooper on the board of directors and will do my best to serve the ABANA organization and the members that make it possible. I think that
communication is the most important thing that we have in common with one another. I am usually home and if I'm not, my e-mail and my answering machine
are always on.
Here is my contact information:
Dave Mudge
Magic Hammer Forge
15227 Mansfield Rd
Bogalusa, LA 70427-0187
985-735-0049 voice
985-735-7236 fax
lama@lametalsmiths.org
www.magichammer.ironworkers.com
www.magichammer.freeservers.com
President's Message May 2001
I would like to start this letter by welcoming David Mudge to the ABANA
Board of Directors. Dave will fill out the term of Jim Cooper who resigned
in March. Dave is a hard worker and will do a great job for the membership!
This month I include the statement that ABANA has released regarding the
removal of seven chapters because of their participation in an anvil shoot,
in direct defiance of the stated policy against such anvil shoots. With this
statement and all the other communications over the past four months indeed the past four years, regarding this banned practice, I believe that
enough has been said on this subject.
Please note that the Appalachian Blacksmiths Association, the fine group of
smiths based in West Virginia, are NOT the Appalachian chapter in question here. Dave Allen, former president and now Newsletter Editor (funny
how those two offices often follow one another) requested that I make this
clarification to the Board and the chapters. Thanks Dave for all you have
done for your chapter.
ABANA, pursuant to it's previously stated policy against the practice of
"anvil-shooting," has revoked the chapter charters of the following chapters: Alabama Forge Council, Alex Bealer Blacksmith Association, Appalachian Area Chapter, Florida Artist Blacksmith Association, North Carolina
Chapter of ABANA, Ocmulgee Blacksmith Guild, and the Philip Simmons
Artist-Blacksmith Guild of South Carolina.
The action was taken based on participation by the chapters in an "anvilshooting" event held at the Southeastern Regional Blacksmithing Conference, an official ABANA event, held at Madison, Georgia, on Saturday,
May 19, 2001. Commencing in 1997, the ABANA Board of Directors has
declared that this practice was not compatible with the Mission Statement
of the organization, was an inherently dangerous activity that jeopardized
the safety of both spectators and participants, generated legal liability for
both ABANA and the respective chapters, and was an activity which was
generally uninsurable. This Board action represents the only time that
ABANA has felt compelled to proscribe a chapter activity, reflecting the
gravity of the situation.
After four years of allowing the chapters to voluntarily stop the activity, the
Board further clarified it's position in the minutes of the fall 2000 Board
meeting, the Spring issue of The Anvil's Ring, the ABANA web site and
President's letter to all chapters, advising that chapters who persisted in the
activity would jeopardize their charters. Full efforts were made to ensure
that all chapters fully understood the reasoning behind this decision, the
gravity of the situation and the consequences of those actions. Thus, the
Board's actions in revoking these charters was done with the full knowledge
of those chapters as to the consequences of their actions.
This Board action does not affect the membership status of ABANA members who are also members of the disenfranchised chapters. As with any
member, they are welcome and encouraged to continue their participation
in ABANA programs, conferences, and publications. They are also be free
to form ABANA chapters who are willing to follow the requirements put
forth in the applicable ABANA by-laws and other structured operating
Pictures submitted by John Rausch
procedures. Indeed, the Board, and we speak as the representatives of the membership of ABANA as a whole, welcomes their continued positive contribution and
participation in ABANA, as we do any person who supports blacksmithing and all
that ABANA stands for.
The Board action does not affect the internal organization or finances of the disenfranchised chapters nor any future actions of these chapters. We wish them well.
We do request that the North Carolina chapter remove the reference to ABANA
from it's name, as this relationship no longer exists.
ABANA remains the premier artistic blacksmithing organization in the world,
dedicated to serving all who hold this most noble of crafts in highest esteem. Even
with the loss of seven chapters under these unfortunate circumstances, ABANA
still counts some 53 member chapters, both nationally and internationally, with an
international membership of approximately 5,000. ABANA is presently concentrating on it's national and nation-wide conferences, publications, educational and
training programs, long-range planning and the ABANA International Conference
at the University of Wisconsin at LaCrosse in June, 2002. We work in the present
for the future of blacksmithing.
Issued by the President and the Secretary of ABANA, on behalf of the ABANA
Board of Directors, 23 May 2001.
Next month we move to positive messages and efforts for blacksmithing and
ABANA. Safe and productive forging!
Doug Learn, President
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The Anvil’s Chorus
This is the hearth scroll I forge from the 1.5"
channel iron I bought from AL Butlak. The
height is about 20" and is 38" wide it stands on
arched legs with 12" spread for plenty of balance.
The channel was formed in to two 'S' scrolls and
hot collared at center with stem for candle pan.
The two side stems were tenioned and riveted to
the scrolls. Legs joined with rivets thru square
holes.
Scroll ends are finished in fish tails.
This was a commission piece for a customer in
Allegany N.Y., to use in front of a fire place in
summer, with either candles or small plants
Bruce and Donna Osgood
mailto:osgfam@penn.com
Palms by Isabelle Pelissier
steel 2000
Left to Right, John Fee, Jim (Paw
Paw) Wilson, and Bruce
(Atli) Blackistone
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Further notes on Work
Center:
1. Dimensions of my
work center (as a
straight point) are : 36”
long , 9 1/2” wide, 22
1/2 “ tall.
2. Anvil can be reversed with horn pointing right. With a
square base anvil or
spacers, one could set
it up to allow anvil to
be mounted 4 ways.
3. Drawing may be deceptive. The wood
panel (tool shelf) on
my work center is 9
1/2” x 18”.
4. It is a good idea to
use a “quality” vise on
this setup. You will use
it a lot and the holes
may not fit the next
one.
5. Great for demonstrations….you have vise,
anvil and workbench
all in one 35# pkg. (not
counting anvil)
6. You can paint a
ruler on bed rail facing
you. Handy for a quick
measure on hot item.
NYSDB
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Taken from Tidewater Blacksmith’s Guild newsletter Volume 25 No. 1 March 2001
The Anvil’s Chorus
NYSDB
Page 12
Repair Days At The National Ornamental Metal Museum
October 19- 21, 2001
Master Smith: Tim McCreight
September 16 – November 25, 2001
Metalworkers, this is your invitation to join metalsmiths from across the country to support the Museum’s annual fundraising
event. Mix and mingle, feast on barbeque and the extraordinary sunsets on the mighty Mississippi River, and hone skills repairing and refurbishing metal objects brought by the public.
Tim McCreight is this year’s Master Smith. He has taught metalsmithing and design for 20 years and currently teaches in the
department of Metalsmithing and Jewelry at the Maine College of Art in Portland. His work will be on exhibit in the Museum
September 16 to November 25. 2001. During Repair Days weekend, he will lead a gallery tour and hold a Saturday morning lecture/demonstration. The rest of the time, he will be hard at work with his fellow metalsmiths repairing the broken and bent treasures brought in.
McCreight has published 12 books on working with metals, two of which have been adopted as textbooks. He is a member
of the Board of Trustees of the Haystack Mountain School of Crafts, a member of the Board of Directors of the American Craft
Council and of the Society of North American Goldsmiths where he served as President from 1992-1996. He has taught over 80
workshops and participated in more than 85 exhibitions.
Currently he is a Professor at the Maine College of Art in Portland, Maine and President of Brymorgen Press. He serves as
Consultant to Mitsubishi Materials Corporation in Tokyo and has been the Director of the PMC Guild since 1996. Visitors to the
Museum have seen his work in the 1989 Ecclesiastical Metals exhibit and the 1999 Environmental Bead.
We fix everything but cats, cars and broken hearts.
Forging A LeafI don't know how many of you seen the post on Keenjunk but Jeff Mohr wants to make a blacksmith family tree. He's asking
every one to forge a leaf, with your touch mark on it and send it down for their South eastern conference. the leaf can only be 6
inches long max. with a 3 inch stem. Any kind of leaf.
Send to:
Jeff Mohr
22 Ironwood Ct.
Crawfordville FL 32327
Will be interesting to see the finished tree. Thankx John Fee
New York State Designers Blacksmiths
Annual Picnic
Amherst Museum
July 28th & 29th
Help out this year! Call Bob Corneck Picnic Chairman 741-4311
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The Anvil’s Chorus
MINUTES - NYSDB General Business Meeting April 28, 2001 By Harold H. Hopkinson, Secretary
Executive Committee (Board of Directors): Bill Banker, President,; Verner Hornquist, Vice President; Dick Rightmyer,
Treasurer; Harold Hopkinson, Secretary
Quoting the Sunday edition of the Watertown Daily Times "Kenneth A. Schwarz pulled the red hot
iron piece from the
burning coal and placed it on an anvil". Truly one of the better "every member" meetings of the NYSDB's happened at Marty H.
Snye's new shop during the weekend of April 28-29, 2001. Ken Schwarz demonstrated by making a form for thumb latches, a
hammer head, a draw knife and a wood chisel. In making these items Ken used wrought iron, steel and 1800 procedures. It was
an educational and interesting demonstration. Thanks to Marty and Ken Schwarz.
A general business meeting was held at 1:00 PM on Saturday by the Chapter President, William Banker. Dick Rightmyer,
NYSDB Treasurer reported a cash balance of $2927 on hand before the April 28-29 meeting income and expense. Several items
were brought up for discussion.
1. Bill Banker mentioned that Chuck Canterbury was to hold a workshop to build "Smithing Magicians" on May 15th.
2. Members need to submit information for the News Letter (Anvil's Chorus) to Al Butlak. It was also mentioned that the
News Letter will be posted on the Internet. See the NYSDB's web site (nysdb.abana-chapter.com ). Old issues of the News Letter may also be available on the NYSDB's web site in the future. Note that News Letter information for the Summer edition
must be in Al's hands by May 15,2001 and for the Fall News Letter by August 15th. Al's address is: 1351 Walden Ave.; Buffalo,
NY 14211.
3. Members were asked to provide their E-mail addresses to Chuck McLellan. Chuck's address is: 3206 Philmore Ave.; Caledonia, NY 14423.
4. Bob Corneck gave a report on the progress of the Journeyman Program started by the Niagara Region. They are using plastic encased cards with a written description for each session. He also extended an invitation to all members to attend the NYSDB
picnic on July 29 and to submit samples of their work for the Art Exhibit.
5. Al Butlak proposed that the NYSDB Regions start a ring project for the next ABANA conference auction. He suggested
making a 10 inch outside diameter ring from 1" x 1/4" flat steel with a forged item mounted on the inside.
6. A description of the two NYSDB Scholarship funds was given.
7. It was mentioned that the drawing for the Treadle Hammer would be delayed to the July 29 picnic so there would be more
time to sell chances.
8. It was mentioned that Dick Geier has NYSDB hats, shirts, mugs, patches and gloves for sale. Also there should be some
available at each of the regions. Please ask the Forgemaster who is taking care of them.
9. Free Videos are available through the NYSDB organization. You pay only for the postage both ways. A deposit is reuired.
10. Product Liability insurance is available from The Hartford insurance company. You can call Michael J. Romeo (800-2429872 Ext. 115) of the Industrial Coverage Corp. for information.
11. There was some discussion as to where the October every-member meeting was to be held and who the demonstrator
would be. A power hammer demonstration was suggested.
12. Dennis Coal and Stove Co. 7987 #5 Road West; Fabius, NY 13063 was mentioned as a supplier of blacksmiths coal.
13. Duff MacDonald mentioned that he may be able to get swage blocks - cost in Canadian funds would be about $250 for a
175 lbs. block and $95 for a 60 lb. block. Contact: Duff's Welding, R.R. #4, Wolfe Island, Ontario KOH 2YO
The members and guests of the NYSDB extended a sincere THANK YOU to both Kenneth Schwarz and Marty Snye.
On Saturday May 5th, eleven members and several guests met at Gene Beamer’s shop for the purpose of making at least a
dozen of the “Blacksmith Helper” tools. Being a guillotine type anvil tool, they have the capability of accepting a number of differed types dies. This tool can make the solo blacksmiths job much easier.
We arrived between 8 and 9 AM for the usual coffee, doughnut, and talk . We all had chance to admire Gene’s shop, which is
the site of his metal fabrication business. We quickly decided to make the helpers by means of an assembly line method. The
“everyone make your own” method was discarded for inefficiency.
We started by cutting and de-burring the 3/4’ square stock and the 3/4x2 inch stock, which would be used as the diestock. The
3/4 inch square stock was then tack welded to the 1/4” laser cut side plates using jigs and a mig welder. Then 9/32” holes were
drilled through the assembly to receive the 1/4” bolts which would fasten the helper together. The fit of the diestock was checked
and additional shims were added as needed. An innovation of Chuck Canterbury’s was included. His idea allows for the addition
of a “stop rod” to help speed up multi-piece production work. After the fit was checked the units were bolted together, the tack
welds ground off, and the helpers cleaned up.
After a lunch of chili and french bread, thoughtfully provided by Gene and Chuck, we set out to provide each tool with a set of
fullering dies. 5/8” rod was cut into 2 inch pieces and welded to the 3/4” die stock. Any excess weld was ground off and the fit
was inspected. Parts for additional kits were also made. When were finished and the obligatory photos taken, we each took home
a tool that will prove to be an important and valuable addition to nay blacksmith’s shop. Thanks to Chuck Canterbury who set it
up and to Gene Beamer for letting us use his shop and equipment.
- Keith Price
NYSDB
Page 14
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Karen Beauty
828-837-27751
FRANCIS WHITAKER BLACKSMITHING SCHOLARSHIPS
One Whitaker scholarship for experienced smiths will be awarded at the John C. Campbell Folk School in 2001. This "tuition
only" scholarship, valued at $588, will be awarded for the fall two-week class of Whitaker traditional methods taught by Bob
Becker, October 28 - November 10, 2001.
Financial need of the applicant will be considered, and applicants must be above the beginner level. Apply by sending the
following items to: John C. Campbell Folk School, Blacksmith Scholarship, One Folk-School Road, Brasstown, North Carolina
28902.
1
2
3
4
5
6
Name, address, phone number
Resume of your blacksmithing experience. Include training, blacksmith classes taken, apprenticeships, blacksmith and
related work experience. Describe type of work, products, your part of the work, length of time, etc. (Example - Can you
forge-weld, turn a smooth scroll with hammer and anvil, and forge an upset square corner?)
Pictures and description of your present work.
Reason you need scholarship money.
Goals of your blacksmithing career.
Projects you propose to make in the class.
Application and project proposal must be received by September 1, 2001
ABANA Chapter Liaison Letter
May 2001
My Belief
I still remember the smell of smoke drifting across the grassy plain overlooking the Fox River in De Pere Wisconsin-my first ABANA conference. Everything was so new. So exciting. A new world of skills and friendships was opening up to me.
I sometimes wonder how many of us today would be enjoying the fruits of blacksmithing if it were not for ABANA’s role in rejuvenating interest in ironwork and spreading the almost lost skills of blacksmithing.
When I think of what ABANA has done for me, I think not so much of the obvious and concrete, (publications and the like) but the intangible.
If it had not been for this renewed interest in blacksmithing and the relearning of the skills, the blacksmithing networks that I enjoy may have
never been born. My home chapter, The Guild of Metalsmiths, grew out of an ABANA conference in Carbondale, Illinois.
ABANA is part of the thrust in creating continent wide blacksmithing relationships for you and me.
Does all this sound a bit mushy and sentimental, probably. Does it apply to most all of us, I believe so. This is my response to “what does
ABANA do for me.”
Now For The Concrete
By about the first of June 2001 two events will take place.
The results of the survey of chapter editors will be distributed to the editors.
Chapter presidents will receive a preliminary write-up of a new program that we believe can be useful to all chapters. It will be a way for
chapters to exchange information on those activities that they believe are working especially well. We want to check out with the chapter
presidents if we are on the right track.
Here is what you can do. Ask your president about this preliminary write-up.
Give your input to the proposal. Ask your president to forward your ideas
along with his/hers response to the Member Services Committee.
And remember, always think safety.
Looking for your feed back
Bob Fredell, Chairman
NYSDB
Page 15
MINUTES NYSDB Board of Directors Meeting April 28, 2001 By Harold H. Hopkinson, Secretary
Executive Committee (Board of Directors): Bill Banker, President; Verner Hornquist, Vice President; Dick Rightmyer, Treasurer
Harold Hopkinson, Secretary
Standing Committee Chairpersons:
Elections, ....................................................…
Forgemasters:
By-Laws, ....................................................…
Adirondack,........... John Scarlett
Membership, ..........................Chuck McLellan
Niagara, ......................Bob Corneck
Publicity/Promotion, ....................................…
Genesee, ............Dick Rightmyer
Planning and Budget, ...................................…
Mohawk, ..............Dale Barrows
Event Coordinator,...................... R. Scott Oliver
Southern Tier, ...............John Fee
News Letter Editor:
Al Butlak
Scholarship Chairperson:
Jim Robarr
Present: Bill Banker, Al Butlak, Robert Corneck, John Fee, Harold Hopkinson, Steve Kellogg, R. Scot Oliver, John Rausch,
Dick Rightmyer, John Scarlett,
Next Executive Committee meeting: Meeting will be held October 20th during the "Every Member Meeting" at the BOCES
campus, 6401 East River Road, Rush, NY.
Every Member Meetings:
The following meeting dates were established: July 28, 29 at the Amherst Museum; Public demonstrations and picnic.
October 20, 21 (third week-end) at the BOCES campus in Rush, NY.
April 27, 28 (Location to be determined)
R. Scott Oliver will determine costs and information for several possible demonstrators. He will try to get Bob Cerny for the
October meeting. John Rausch will contact Allan Kress for the April 2002 meeting. Allan would be demonstrating the use of
power hammers and making tools.
Membership: No report
Newsletter Editor: All information for the Quarterly News Letter (Anvil's Chorus) must be in Al Butlak's hand by the following
dates:
Summer Issue
May 15, 2001
Fall Issue
August 15, 2001
Winter Issue
November 15, 2001
Spring Issue
February 15, 2002
Scholarship Chairperson: No report (see general business meeting minutes)
Other Items:
Website: Pictures of members work, either photographs or electronic pictures may be sent to Bill Banker for use on NYSDB's
web site.
Forgemasters should send information on upcoming meetings and events for the web site calendar.
Treadle Hammer: The operational treadle hammer raffle was delayed until the July picnic meeting to give more time for
ticket sales at the Regional meetings. This should be a good fund raiser for our organization.
Picnic: It was requested that Forgemasters plan to demonstrate on Sunday the 29th at the picnic.
Meetings: It was generally agreed that we would invite a demonstrator from within New York State for the October "every
member" meeting and for the April meeting, a demonstrator from without New York State. There was a general agreement that
a penalty could be charged for not pre-registering for "every member" meetings. There was a general discussion of if and how
we should inform other ABANA chapters of our meetings. There were no conclusions to this question.
The NYSDB Flag
Gateway work
Both submitted by
Al Butlak
Page 16
The Anvil’s Chorus
Time to Forge A Head by Tom Latane
1. Upset square bar moving material to one side.
2. Split opening for mouth. Throat can be made deeper with narrower chisel of the type used to drift open a chisel cut. Spread
mouth to accept a piece of round stock.
3. With neck in vise and round stock across vise jaws use a set hammer to shape top of nose leaving brow as a shoulder.
4. Fuller either side of nose. Use eye punch behind fuller under brow. Fuller behind eye.
5. Beat brow down over eye for sinister look. Butcher around end of nose
6. Set teeth back from lips with butcher which is close to square.
7. Punch out between teeth with narrow butcher to leave fangs. Punch nostrils.
8. On top of head, behind end of eye fuller, use larger fuller in center of head. Butcher tips of what will be ears, outward.
9. Use tear drop tool to depress under sides of ears.
10. Butcher upwards and reshape ear with tear drop tool.
11. With round stock again in mouth (may need to be smaller diameter because of teeth having been driven back) use wood
mallet to bend head forward. Pick up ears with butcher and tear drop tool. Planish and -file neck behind the ears.
Taken from: Guild of Metalsmiths Volume 25 No. 1March 2001
NYSDB
Page 17
Flux for Forge Welds
It started to be a problem when I noticed that I kept getting a white bloom appear around the weld about a month after forging. It
didn't matter that I lacquered the work, that I used a wire wheel to buff it up - it always came back.
Choice 1
I was using borax straight out of the 20 Mule Team box. What I learned was that this is the anhydrous chemical form of borax
and it was its affinity with water that was getting me into trouble. No matter how I had I tried it could be seen coming back.
(when borax expands like popcorn - this is the water turning to steam and expanding the now plastic borax.
If you continue to stick with simple borax then you may want to try the one or all of the following:
Forge weld at a higher temperature - Dick Rightmyer's advise
Use a sharp scraper at yellow heat - Ken Schwartz told me this at the All-State, he uses the end of a file.
Soak in the slack tub overnight - A N Onymous
Soak in warmed Muriatic Acid for 30 minutes - DANGEROUS but it works for me – when I say dangerous take me seriously this and Caustic Soda are extremely corrosive to human parts especially eyes
I like borax - it wets well and is easy to get.
Choice 2
Take borax and dehydrate it (I don't know the chemical name) In an iron pot heat the borax until it melts - then pour it out a little
at a time into another stout iron pot and pound the daylights out of it (Wait 'til it cools or you'll get burned!) This is in reality a
low temperature glass (or fritt) and works well but very time consuming
Choice 3 - MY BEST SO FAR
Boric Acid and iron filings - When I first started making it I couldn't get it to work - I then tried at the end of a long day with little fire left (and it was full of slag) and used a burned piece of 3/8" round and it stuck!) Once I had faith it has worked ever since!
Recipe
Boric Acid is a powder - known as Roach Killer and I got mine from Home Depot.
Add 9 (ABOUT $5.00 PER #) To this add an equal part of iron (steel in reality) filings. This is the tough part - fortunately Al
Butlak hadn't swept up around his 2 saws for a while (perhaps a long while) and I use these saw cuttings. I had grave misgivings
since the dust wasn't pure - it had copper – bronze - aluminum in it. Anyone who knows metallurgy knows that you don't
want any of these guys creeping round your grain boundaries!
BUT IT WORKED ANYWAY.
Mix it up well.
Equal parts you said? Yes, equal volumes - not equal weights. I haven't got any proof of this ratio except when I used equal by
weight, it didn't work.
I would like to take the credit for discovering this - but I can't - I read it in one of the newsletters - If you know who started making it, I would like to give him or her credit.
A general point about forge welding - this flux works because the iron filing make the pieces stick quickly. This is the secret behind many "easy welding fluxes". Simple borax will work fine if the pieces are prevented from squirming around under the hammer. So, good weld prep. is crucial, make those Finger Nail scarfs and forge them in first and the piece wont squirm around
and the weld will work - promise.
Good Luck
Bob Corneck
Welcome!
We would like to welcome the new members to NYSDB!
Terrence M. Rose – Derby, NY – sorry we forgot you last newsletter
Shawn Wright – Attica, NY
Ammon Bartram – Wayland, NY
Timothy Martin – Potsdam, NY
Brian Hirsch – Buffalo, NY
Philip Holmes – Avoca, NY
NYSDB
Page 18
Coal Is Back!
Reboy Coal
Maple & Jamison Rd
Elma, NY
(WNY)
716-652-4321
Dennis Coal
7987 #5 Rd West
Fabius, NY
(CNY)
315-677-9383
1800 Dale Road
Buffalo, NY 14225
(716)892-8434
UPSTATE STEEL INC.
Al Butlak is taking over selling club stuff!!
Call him at 716-894-7185
NYSDB
Page 19
Membership Application
The New York State Designers Blacksmith’s
Name ________________________________
Phone ________________________
Address _________________________________
City _________________________
Phone __________________________________
Do you want your phone number on the membership lists? Yes / No
What areas of blacksmithing are you interested in? (Please check all that apply)
Ornamental
Tool Making
Knifemaking
General Forging
Other ____________
Do you have a:
Forge
Power Hammer
Are you a:
Full time smith
Part time smith
Hobby smith
Colonial Reproduction
Beginner
Dues are $20 per year & initiation fee of $10. Multiple years accepted. Included also are 4 issues of the Anvil’s Chorus are published about Jan 30 / April 30 / July 30 / Oct 30.
Send completed form, checks payable to NYSBD and remittance to:
Dick Rightmeyer, Treasurer
251 Leibeck Road
Churchville, NY 14428
ABANA Membership Application
Includes a subscription to The Anvil’s Ring and the Hammer’s Blow Primary ABANA Chapter Affiliation
Name ____________________________
Phone _________________________
Address __________________________
City ___________________________
State ___________
Zip ____________
Prov. ___________________ Code _____________
Indicate type of membership applying for:
New member
Renewal member
Regular membership
Senior Citizen
Overseas Airmail
Overseas Surface mail
Full Time student
Contributory Member
Public Library
$35.00
$100.00
$35.00
$45.00
$40.00
$80.00
$60.00
CHECKS & MONEY ORDERS ENCLOSED (Written on US Bank Only)
Visa MasterCard _______ / _______ / _______ / _______ Expiration _____/_____
Send to: ABANA PO Box 846 Farmington, GA 30638
New York State Designer Blacksmiths
Al Butlak, Newsletter Editor
1351 Walden Ave
Buffalo, NY 14211-2826
Return Service Requested
T h e A nv il ’s Ch o ru s
Remember!
Genesse region:
Meetings are held 3rd Saturday of the month Rush, NY Journeyman Program
Mohawk region:
Meets the 2nd Saturday of the month at the Chittenango Barge Canal Museum
Chittenango, NY Simple projects
Niagara region:
1st Saturday of the month– Vern Hornquist’s shop Lockport, NY
Set up shop future site for Ring Project Grille Journeyman Program
3rd Sunday of the month Amherst Museum
June 17 th Mumford, NY
Adirondack region:
Rotating schedule and site location.
All Member Picnic July 28th & 29th
This list is incomplete since a schedule of events has not been forwarded to me, updates are greatly appreciated.
E-mail any articles and/ or pictures to us at butlak1@mindspring.com or send them to: Al
Butlak, 1351 Walden Ave. Buffalo, NY 14211
Please submit any input to the editor! We need you thoughts! Thanks!