July Update

 SHED PROGRESS

We have had to lower our expectations on our shed size. Our original shed requirements were going to cost us $14,000 but as time went by we have managed to come across a smaller shed of some 9 meters by 6 meters that was once a display shed and is being sold for $4,000. This is a more practical shed for us to aim for as we can get the funds required a lot quicker and get the shed up and running sooner. We will be aiming to have the shed dismantled from it's current location and rebuilt on our site and hopefully, up and running by Christmas 2012. Once power is installed and dolomite laid on the floor, we can get in and place our equipment and start utilizing the space for our members.
We have had to raise our fees slightly to get some money in the kitty to get the basics achieved. Our members have consented to the rise of $20 extra per annum and we have asked for voluntary donations of $50 or more to put into a shed fund to allow us to raise the initial purchase and installation cost.
We can sit tight for a while after construction and plan the other features, such as lighting, concrete flooring and all the fittings and items required to turn it into a function forge and blacksmith shop. Later, down the track, we hope to add on extra structure to increase the size to cater for storage and amenities.

POWER HAMMER PROGRESS

One of our members, Des, has a rather large factory down near Willunga where he runs a Tooling and Blacksmith forge business. He has two power hammers on site as well as gas and coke forges.
He has very kindly offered both his expertise and facilities to our members to learn the use of forging with power hammers and gain experience in forging larger stock sizes, for making tooling and accessories.
This will be of an enormous benefit to those members who have grasped the hand forging techniques and are looking to broaden their horizons. The first workshop was attended by three members and they had a very enjoyable day forging down steel many times faster than they could manage by hand.
Des is quite happy to run regular clinics each month and when he has confirmed a regular schedule, we will get that information out to the membership.

NORTHERN WORKSHOP

Yet another member of ABASA, Andrew, has offered his facilities to our members. Whilst our main thrust is to get Penfield established as soon as possible, Andrew has provided us yet another venue to learn and develop our skills. Andrew is the proprietor of Farmweld Inc and specializes in making gates, fencing, stock handling infrastructure and equipment as well as forging and building artistic wrought iron work. Andrew has a well equipped workshop and a large amount of floor space all located outside of the picturesque town of Birdwood.
As I have said before, we are spoilt for choice in South Australia. We have a great selection of places to forge at, ranging from modern well fitted forges to beautiful historical sitesusing traditional, turn of the century equipment, all in fairly accessible locations.