There are a number of people around the world that are now engaged in  
producing iron in bloomery furnaces. While some are concerned  
primarily with recreating historic and pre-historic bloomeries,  
others are working on the dynamics of bloomery operation. Lee Sauder  
and Skip Williams of Rockbridge Bloomery have come up with a couple  
of novel plans which make it possible for just about anyone to smelt  
iron. My 17 year old daughter did it last year for her science  
project (OK she had a lot of help). Directions for a couple of  
"backyard bloomeries are available at:

http://iron.wlu.edu/reports/Little%20Princess.htm
http://iron.wlu.edu/Coatedtyle%20Construction.htm

For those interested in iron technology there are two conferences  
devoted to it in the US. Ironmasters is primarily academics and  
consists of papers and a tour. It is usually held in the Spring, but  
given its informal nature can be difficult to locate. Another meeting  
is held in October at the Farmers' Musuem in Cooperstown, NY. This  
group is primarily smiths and experimental smelters. Last October  
everyone, who wanted to, got to run a bloomery. There is also ample  
opportunity to get a little training in smithing and work in the forge.

James Brothers, RPA
[log in to unmask]