Here we are again. Pull up a chair, get your coffee, reading glasses, and writing tools. It is time to discuss the news. The Guild currently has 288 members. Your renewal date is on the mailing label as 20XX.Q (year.quarter).

The GoM FORUM is published monthly by the Guild of Metalsmiths, St. Paul, MN. It is intended as a community bulletin board, a place for all members to express their opinions, concerns, debate policy, propose projects & workshops. In short, to help us run our organization.

Your comments can be mailed to The GoM Forum, c/o Gene Olson, 8600 NE O’Dean Ave. Elk River, MN 55330-7167, Faxed to 612-441-5846, or emailed to:

Those of you working on those informative articles for our quarterly magazine. The copy deadline for the issue 3 of 2002 is August 1.

There is grant money available for Guild members to study intermediate and advanced metalworking techniques.

The Guild educational grant program is designed to bring new skills into the metalworking community. Participants are given money to pay for a portion of their expenses (tuition and travel) and are expected to learn some new or poorly understood skill and to share what they have learned with other members and the public through an article in our quarterly magazine and by leading a workshop on the topic (or other educational service approved by the board)

Here is a picture of one of the machinery bays at Gladwin. All sorts of tools were on display. It was quite an education just to see what could be done with some of these machines. It gives one a whole new perspective on process.

∙A resume of the applicant. (a verbal introduction may suffice if the applicant has been an instructor or otherwise demonstrated competence and reliability within the guild.)

∙ The nature of the Class or project to be funded, dates, and times. The costs involved, including tuition, lodging, travel, meals. The amount of the Grant request.

Grants are reviewed by the members of the board of directors, meeting in committee (occasionally applications are referred to the education committee for their review and recommendations.)

Rome Hutchens shows off the ring he made for the ABANA Ring project.

∙ B. Is the applicant at a point in their career where they can benefit from and then share with others the class/project to be funded?

(I have been looking for my notes and I only came upon one page, so if this report seems a bit thin, that is the reason.)

President Dave Feterl called the meeting to order and thanked our hosts for their hospitality.

Scott Richards displays a roll forming tool he made at Myron’s shop. He also had some panels he had louvered with similar dies. Scott was the fellow that made the nice dust collector we saw at the Arms and Armor meeting.

bank and about 325 people listed as members but 50 odd ones still need to renew.

Program: next meeting will be at the Little Log House Threshing Show grounds South of Hastings on June 12th.

Classes are winding down for the season. We are setting up a good supervised “Taste of Blacksmithing” open session at the fall conference. Thanks to all the instructors.

Forum is out. A special thanks to Sarah deLaney and Rich Herman for volunteering to manage the gallery, and the education section of the website.

Dave Mariette reported that they have been making progress on their set of railroad rail chimes for the opening ceremonies at ABANA. (I gather they are working on this ancient oriental tune, hard to learn , call, “Tooo Ning”)

ABANA National Conference is coming to La Crosse in June. Contact Mary Fredell to Register.612-721-2298.

Guild Member Michael Blue said he was organizing a Hammer-in for the end of June. June 29^th. He has instructors lined up, lots of stuff happening. There is a modest fee for the weekend, call Mike to get registration Info (507-263-8132) or email him at: truthforger@hotmail.com.

So far, there are two main classes planned. A basic knifemaking/bladesmithing class and a damascus welding class. There is a third section called special projects that will cover (at least) mokume, heat treatment of steels, smelting of knife quality steel, japanese blades, folding knives and other stuff. Folks are encouraged to bring along projects they started but have stalled on, or have trouble figuring out solutions for. Each attendee of the basic classes will leave either with a knife they can complete at home or a piece of damascus that they welded.

Drop everything and mark your calendars at once to attend the Guild of Metalsmiths Annual Conference on the weekend of September 28 and 29, 2002. Here's why:

Whatever you joined the Guild for, you will find it at the conference, our biggest event of the year.

-Do you want to see metalworking demonstrations by some of the top people in the business? We have 3 of them this year.

-Do you have questions about blacksmithing that need answers? You'll have the opportunity to talk to literally dozens of other members who can most likely answer your questions.

-Did you join to socialize with people of like interests? We're all here for the same reason. And you probably won't find a friendlier bunch anywhere.

-Do you have a spouse who would like to come with you, but would like something a little different to do? We have a family program to meet their needs.

-If you are brand new to blacksmithing, would you like to get some "hands-on" time at the forge? We have "A Taste of Blacksmithing" just for you.

-Do you want to obtain some metalsmithing-related supplies or tools? Or just see what is available? We have a "tail-gate sales" area where other members have things for sale. We also have two kinds of auctions, our main auction and our silent auction.

-Do you want to see what other members have been making lately? Visit our member Gallery, where you'll see dozens and dozens of pieces ranging from sculpture to utilitarian items to tools and much, much more. And the producers of all these treasures will be there to answer your questions.

You'll see some of our initial publicity for the conference elsewhere in this issue of The Forum, and in future issues you'll see more details. Our conference has something for everyone, and that means YOU! We, the Guild program committee and officers of the Guild are looking forward to providing your every need at this, our 25th annual conference. Mark your calendars today and keep watching for more information and the registration forms.

Joe had been a member of the Guild since the 70's and used to handle the fall conference auction. He served a term on the Board of Directors, taught classes, and served on a number of committees over the years.

This is what Lark press says about their book, the following is quoted from the book jacket review.

“Perhaps Arline Fisch can’t teach you to spin straw into gold, but she can show you how to weave with silver, knit with brass, crochet with copper, and braid with gold of various hues.

An internationally recognized jewelry designer, Fisch has been largely responsible for introducing to a wide audience the concept of applying fiber techniques to metal. In the process, she has enriched the creative lives of both metalworkers and fiber artists. Jewelry makers and sculptors have discovered new techniques for their familiar materials.

Weavers, basket makers, and other fiber artists have incorporated new and wonderful materials into their familiar textile techniques.

In Textile techniques in Metal, Arline Fisch describes in detail the application of fiber techniques to precious and nonprecious metals, After tracing the technique back to ancient and diverse cultures, she describes the basic tools and materials required. Then, with step by step instructions and ample how -to-photos, she explains how to work each fiber technique in metal wire or strip: waving, knitting(including machine knitting), crochet, braiding, lacemaking, basketry, and knotting. Each technique is illustrated with examples of handsome jewelry by accomplished designers.

The final chapter consists of a color gallery of more than 50 stunning pieces created by talented designers, illustrating the full range of styles, techniques, and metals.

‘Whether you’re a jewelry maker, a sculptor, a fiber artist, or simply an admirer of fine and innovative design, this is a book you’ll want to browse through at leisure and then study in detail.”

It has some real nice stuff in it including some wire pieces by Kirsten Skiles. , I must say that it must have been tough editing this. The pieces that did make it in are well chosen to represent a broad range of styles and techniques.

The ongoing discussion of using repoussé techniques on altoid tins has brought some advice shared on the Artmetal mail list which I thought I ought to pass on.

The general recommendation for workpiece height was chest high just out from the bottom rib.

Holding your tools, square and hex tool shafts are better than round ones. They allow you to control the tool while holding it loosely, so that it can slide when you hit it. If you are holding your tool too tight, much of the blow is dissipated into your hand. Well directed blows to the workpiece may improve it. Blows caught by your hand will not improve the hand at all.

Also a relaxed grip in positioning the tool is important too. When your big muscled body comes all cued up from swinging that 2 or 5 # hammer and you go to control a tiny punch, you tend to overdo it. Those big muscles end up tightening up and fighting each other to balance each other in holding the little tool. That can give you a real stiff neck and sore body. Try to scale back and relax, it’s just a small challenge

Controling your blows. Swing as hard or as soft as you need to but don’t try to check the swing. It will give you a sore arm. Use a smaller hammer and swing harder.

When tapping with the hammer, don’t extend your index finger down the back of the shaft. It can give you fine control for a short time but it is almost a sure recipe for some painful tendinitis. (you don’t want that)

Only 256 characters go into the database but if you want to tell us more about yourself we may be able to print it here.

Statement: I have worked in various mediums over the years, paint, wood, photography etc. but have always found metal to be most satisfying. The three dimensional aspect, the transitions, textures, and patinas can be used to create from delicate to hard tough objects.

I work mostly jewelry; the piece is viewed from many different angles and in lots of different light.

At Bright Eyes Studio all pieces are hand wrought. All fabricated pieces start as raw material. Melted (alloyed if necessary), poured into ingots, forged and rolled into sheet, sme drawn into wire (all chain is made from wire produced at Bright Eyes), some hammered, fused etc. as needed to produce the desired effect.

To have your letter printed here, Address it Dear Forum: and mail it to The GoM Forum, c/o Gene Olson, 8600 NE O’Dean Ave. Elk River, MN 55330-7167 ; email it to: forum@metalsmith.org or FAX to 763-441-5846

I can bring it to the meeting auction e-mail eaglefeeder@prodigy.net or call 218 729 7417

Nathan and Kevin and the NMMC are to be congratulated on another wonderful conference.

I am unhappy that work conspired to prevent me from going for the whole weekend. I was able to make a fast run up for part of the day yesterday.

Well anyway, I was able to go for part of Saturday and watch Dr. Batson do the powder metal magic. Very much a KISS-able process the way he does it.

That brass armadillo was well done. Although I'm still not sure why anyone would duplicate a pest from Texas. The rest of the gallery was a tour de force of pieces that fully represent the smiths art and were equally impressive. Very nice show and tell to all who contributed.

I'm sorry I didn't get to go for the whole thing. I'll cut out more time next year.

I just wanted to take a moment to thank everyone who came to the NMM conference this past weekend. Despite nasty weather I think we all had a great time. A lot of records were broken this year(attendance, auction, etc.) so maybe we can do even better next year. I was especially pleased with the number of items in the gallery this year. Special thanks go to the southerners who pitched in Friday without being asked. Bill and Myron must be a couple of inches shorter now after all the buckets of water they carried. Looking forward to the Madness in September, I'll see you all there if not at Lacrosse.

The Betsy-Tacy Society of Mankato is looking for someone to make an edition of pewter figures off existing originals. (artists permission has been secured) They may consider casting some of the pieces in Silver as well.

The Society is a non-profit dedicated to preserving the work of Maud Hart Lovelace, an author who lived in Mankato, where they maintain a museum in her former home.

If interested, contact Mike Frattalone to look at the material they sent, or contact the Society directly.

There is a RUMOR that Don Welsh plans on selling part of his ample collection of blacksmithing tools and supplies. (I heard it from Don, 3 times)

(and if the some nonmember is selling tools and equipment that may benefit members and the smithing community by keeping good tools in circulation, we will print those free too (anvils, forges, etc.)) Ads, (and letters) are published on a space available basis. This notice needs to ride on one stamp, so if there are too many pages some editing may be done or the ad may be pushed into the next issue.

Display advertising rate is the same as for Metalsmith. Half sheet, 4 insertions, for $50.

6 miles south of Hastings on US Hwy 61

Then go one mile east on 220th St.

a presentation by the members who participated in ABANA’s last tour of Spain and environs.

Samples of historic iron, and other artifacts, a slide presentation of the places visited and the work seen.

Bring that latest piece with you and tell us about your adventures in metalsmithing.

For those of you who have never been to a pot luck dinner. All you need to do is bring "something", anything hotdish, chicken, beans, tacos, cake, cookies, salad, beverage . . . How much? the rule of thumb is "enough food to fill you up" That is, say you were bringing tacos; imagine sitting down to a taco appetiser, then taco main course, and then tacos for desert. That is how many tacos you should bring. Tain't rocket science and whatever you bring will be appreciated.

Special Guests: Each of these folks is a great generalist in all aspects of knives and has specialized in several things individually. There are easily over a hundred years of experience in this list.

A: Basic bladesmithing/knifemaking: Each participant will, time and equipment permitting, take home a project (in 1070, if other steel is desired bring some). Students with a specific problem to solve should bring a blade finished to that level for solution.

B: Damascus steel: Each participant will layout a steel billet and complete a weld or two. Materials are available at the seminar, but if you wish to try a special mix of your own, bring it along. Students can build a billet to bring with them if layout is not a needed objective. If time and equipment access allow, further folding, pattern development or working the billet into a blade may be achieved.

C: Special projects: Are time and interest dependent. If a subject comes up in all three interest groups we’ll try to have a lecture format for everyone interspersed during rest periods and schedule demonstrations as needed. We will be doing MOKUME, discussing COMPLEX HEAT TREATMENTS, demonstrating POWDER MOSAICS, and trying to develop COMPLEX DAMASCUS PATTERNs with an eye to the strengths and limitations of the various tooling available to knife producers. FOLDING KNIVES will be limited to design, layout, and function by demonstration/discussion. An engraving demonstration will be available. If you have a special interest please ask. There will be time on Friday morning to request projects. The only dumb question is the one not asked.

Enrollment is limited to 30-40 as long as we don’t all get under foot at once or I run out of steel, gas or electricity…

We may have an open house for members of the local community interested in what smiths do. It is possible to demonstrate your special skills in open forging or display items you’ve made. Everyone should have items for show and tell anyway. Anyone who has items for sale or swap is welcome to bring them.

PERSONAL TOOLS AND SAFETY EQUIPMENT ARE REQUIRED NOT JUST RECOMMENDED. The minimum of safety equipment for anyone observing includes EYE protection and for the welders, COLORED eye protection, gloves, leathers. Hearing protection may be needed. Grinders should have available some form of respiratory protection in addition to the aforemention eye protectors. I shouldn’t have to remind anyone thinking of signing up, that blacksmithing in general, and knifemaking in particular, is well known for being a dangerous avocation. Each participant will sign an appropriate release before participation.

Directions: Highway 52 between St. Paul MN (CF is 30 miles south of) and Rochester, MN (CF is 40 miles north of). Take County 24 west one quarter mile (the northernmost stoplight in CF on 52, Hardees is on the NE corner, Cannonball Truck stop is on the SE corner, Best Western is on the SW corner), follow the curve south one quarter mile and look to the right (west) for the green 318th street way sign. Follow the blacktop then gravel back into the woods until it curves south into the yard.

Best Western Saratoga 507-263-7272. Rooms are pretty much booked here the weekend of the seminar, but openings can occur at any time. Their prices have ranged from $60.00 to reports of $110.00. Breakfast, Pool and hot tub.

Caravan Motel. 507-263-4777. Pretty plain but it’s not the “Bates.” Rooms up to two people are $55.00/night, $65.00 for more occupants.

Camping availability at Lake Byllesby and in campgrounds in town or nearby are first come first served, reservations are not taken that far in advance. Cannon Falls is not a huge town, Northfield and Hastings are communities nearby with facilities as well. Good food can be had all around. Local watering holes are on your own.

I’ve tried to think of everything and probably missed that which you most need to know. If you have questions please CONTACT: MIKE BLUE AT 507-263-8132 OR TRUTHFORGER@HOTMAIL.COM FOR

Alexander Nasmyth’s original drawing for his steam hammer.