Iron Smelting Demonstration (A Workshop)
Sponsoring Organization(s)
AVISTA: The Association Villard de Honnecourt for the Interdisciplinary Study of Medieval Technology, Science, and Art
Organizer Name
Steven A. Walton
Organizer Affiliation
Michigan Technological Univ.
Presider Name
Steven A. Walton
Paper Title 1
Medieval Iron Smelting Demonstration
Presenter 1 Name
Darrell Markewitz
Presenter 1 Affiliation
Wareham Forge
Start Date
11-5-2013 3:30 PM
Session Location
Swan Pond
Description
The process of making iron in the direct method--that is, making a blacksmith-ready, forgeable bloom of iron rather than turning out cast iron which would need to be refined -- is a mysterious process to the modern scholar. While we understand that iron was ubiquitous in the Middle Ages, we often tend to focus on precious metals and on product rather than process. Come see the end of the day-long smelt that will by 5pm turn out a bloom of glowing iron ready for forging on the anvil. Volunteers for helping build the furnace on Friday and to help charge it throughout the day on Saturday are welcome.
Steven A. Walton
Iron Smelting Demonstration (A Workshop)
Swan Pond
The process of making iron in the direct method--that is, making a blacksmith-ready, forgeable bloom of iron rather than turning out cast iron which would need to be refined -- is a mysterious process to the modern scholar. While we understand that iron was ubiquitous in the Middle Ages, we often tend to focus on precious metals and on product rather than process. Come see the end of the day-long smelt that will by 5pm turn out a bloom of glowing iron ready for forging on the anvil. Volunteers for helping build the furnace on Friday and to help charge it throughout the day on Saturday are welcome.
Steven A. Walton