Monday, September 2, 2013

Portable Forge/Our World

 Burning coal in a portable forge

A few weeks ago, I attended an event that celebrated East Gwillimbury's role in the War of 1812.  (EG was part of a route on which supplies traveled to western Ontario.)

A blacksmith with a portable forge joined in the festivities.

 Slightly better look at the forge

I'm not a pyromaniac but I AM fascinated by fire. What a great photo op, right?

Unfortunately getting an uncluttered shot of the forge was impossible, but this gives you an idea of the size of the space the blacksmith was  working in.

 Pounding red-hot iron rod into shape

The blacksmith noticed me taking photos and offered to make me ahook for hanging plants. He also let me step inside the roped-off area so I could take photos.

 Closer view of hot rod

He also  patiently explained and answered questions about what he was doing.

 Turning a hook

After pounding a point on the end of the rod, he cooled  the rod slightly in water and carefully pounded a hook.

 Hand  rotated blower to fan the flames

Every so often to keep the flames hot, he turned the hand crank on this blower.  Sorry I neglected to take a photo of the crank!

Finishing off the hangar

The hangar is now holding a planter on my side porch.

More photos from Our World can be seen by clicking HERE.

30 comments:

Revrunner said...

Good images, EG, showing the interaction between the blacksmith and his tools.

Our photos said...

Lovely Photos!
Greetings, RW & SK

Andy said...

Nice capture of the smithy at work.

Buttons Thoughts said...

Oh I love watching a blacksmith work your shots are incredible. B

MadSnapper said...

you already know that I AM a pyromaniac, so this post is big with me. great shots and cool hook.. loved it all

Nancy said...

Becoming a lost art -- love seeing the smithy in action. :)

Anonymous said...

A real craftsman, great series!

Darla said...

Wonderful shots and lucky you to go home with a hand forged plant hanger.

Darla

Pamela Gordon said...

That was interesting and you got a nice surprise from your photo shoot too. I have a similar hook made at Kings Landing Historical Settlement. I was doing the same thing as you were - taking photos of the blacksmith as he was demonstrating making things from the forge. He offered me the hook when he was done. :) I've not used it yet! Great photos!

TexWisGirl said...

what a cool, personalized demonstration! :)

eileeninmd said...

It is cool watching the blacksmith at work. And so nice he made you a hook. Wonderful shots! Have a happy week ahead!

Judy said...

Lucky!!! You got some good shots, even with all the people trying to watch him!!! And a hanger to boot!!!

Penelope Postcards said...

How nice that the man enjoyed explaining about what he was doing. And because of your interest you are the lucky recipient of a hand-molded plant hook that has a history behind it.

Yogi♪♪♪ said...

Great photos. The few times I've seen blacksmiths work it is just plum amazing.

The Furry Gnome said...

You're such an excellent photographer! I loved the first photo of the fire glowing.

Stephanie said...

Great set of images.

Small City Scenes said...

Great images, EG. Love the workings of a forge and what the blacksmith can create. My late husband was a farrier for sometime and loved working in the fire. Horseshoes use propane nowadays and some don't even form shoes but buy them ready made. I loved the fire and the pounding of the hammer and the swoosh when the hot iron was put in the water. Great series. I am glad you were there and the blacksmith was gracious enough to invite you in.

Is today Canada Labour Day? Happy Holiday. MB

RedPat said...

Wonderful shots, EG! He is a nice guy!

Gill - That British Woman said...

what a neat thing for the blacksmith to do for you.

Great and interesting shots.

Gill

aspiritofsimplicity said...

I think this is so interesting. We once lived in a little house in NH that had started it's life as a blacksmith's shop in 1740. Wasn't he nice to give you the hook.

Coloring Outside the Lines said...

Very cool- I am always fascinated by crafters.

Randy said...

Great shots. That would be something I would like to try one day.

Rose said...

What a great opportunity to take photos...and you got some good ones. I am not a pyromaniac either, but my husband might disagree....I have always loved playing with fire.

chai-and-chardonnay.blogspot.com said...

What n interesting series of pictures! Never seen a blacksmith so close up!

Stephanie said...

How nice of him to cooperate with your photo shot. The fire does make a great photo.

Reader Wil said...

Thank you for sharing this amazing series of photos of a blacksmith at work.

Unknown said...

Fascinating post!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.

kayerj said...

how interesting--I've never seen one of these.

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

Fascinating post...learned a lot from your great pix and explanations. Very neat that someone is keeping this craft alive. Even neater that he encouraged you to get even better position for your pictures, that he answered your questions, and of course that he made you the hanger. Wonderful!

Anonymous said...

How interesting!

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East Gwillimbury is a rural town less than an hour north of Toronto, Canada's largest city. My family calls me CameraGirl because I take my camera with me wherever I go.