On Sunday we plan to run a series of professional development workshops at the Tharwa Valley Forge for Knifemakers and Bladesmiths. We are looking for volunteers to run short 1 - 2 hour demonstrations on an area of expertise. The workshops would aim to share knowledge and innovation with other makers. These may be in
Forging
Grinding
Mosaic Pins
Damascus, Mosaic Damascus
Guard Making
Finishing
Working with special materials
If you are interested in exhibiting, teaching or helping please contact Karim.
We look forward to seeing you there.
Fly Press Demonstration
Number 7 Flypress
The Flypress, or screw press, was a machine invented in the 1500's for making coins. It uses no electricity, but by using counterweights and a large screw thread is able to exert a large amount of pressore on a small area. It's removable dies make it very useful for the modern blacksmith and can be used on hot or cold metal. Dies are easily made out of scrap metal.
These machines were a common feature in many workshops, but are now being replaced with motorized options. They are relatively easy to get and very affordable. Best of all they are quiet and need no special foundations (although they need to be bolted down) so are suitable for suburban workshops.
Karim will demonstrate how the flypress can be used for fullering, moving metal, stamping, drawing out tangs, circle making and other useful techniques. This could be the next super tool for bladesmiths.
Forged blacksmithing tongs - box jawed. Jaw width 32mm, tongs 380mm long. Perfect size for bladesmithing. 
