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.htmhttp://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
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