Blacksmiths gather to share knowledge
Bob Elliott of Fairmont, W.Va., did a blacksmith demonstration in Canonsburg for the Pittsburgh Area Artist Blacksmiths Association.
Celeste Van Kirk/Observer-Reporter
In this file photo, blacksmith Bob Elliott bends hot metal during a 2016 demonstration.
An example of the metalwork done by members of the Pittsburgh Area Artist Blacksmiths Association.
A decorative hanger with a leaf and a handle were among the items that Bob Elliott made during his Canonsburg demonstration of blacksmithing.
Blacksmith Bob Elliott heats metal to 1,400 to 1,600 degrees before shaping it during a demonstration for Pittsburgh Area Artist Blacksmiths Association.
CANONSBURG – Superheroes aren’t the only ones who can bend steel. Coercing the rigid metal simply requires a few tools and a lot of practice.
“Forge welding is truly magic,” said Chris Holt. “Experts makes it look easy, but after about 1,000 hits, you can do that, too.”
Holt gathered with other forgers April 2 for a demonstration by blacksmith Bob Elliott. As secretary of Pittsburgh Area Artist Blacksmiths Association, she organizes several demonstrations and events throughout the year for the group’s 275 members.
Elliott’s demonstration took place in Dave Vincenty’s Canonsburg workshop, where members have gathered for more than 30 years to share their knowledge. Elliott talked the group through more complex projects, including a three-pronged hook and door pulls.
The Fairmont, W.Va., resident started forging in the early 1980s to make hardware for his log cabin home. It’s now a part-time job with Elliott teaching others and doing commission work.
While some people are born with a certain proclivity to forging, expertise comes in mastering where the hammer falls, Elliott said.
“What makes a blacksmith good is hammer control,” he said.
As he worked over a fire in the forge, or hearth, Elliott shaped pieces of steel into shapes like leaves and hearts. He used the tools of the trade, including an anvil, tongs, vises and hammers. When the metal reached between 1,400 and 1,600 degrees – indicated by its bright red color – Elliott began the process of shaping and perfecting his design.
A container of water at his feet hissed as he cooled the hot metal in its depths.
For those new to forging, Elliott recommended talking to experienced forgers and watching them work. A good starter project, he said, would be to make a simple hook.
Mike Lubich of Rices Landing has helped many beginners improve their technique.
“I’ve never had anybody start that didn’t just take off with it,” said the retired Mapletown biology teacher.
Like many blacksmiths, Lubich enjoys the challenge of forging. He also appreciates the historic aspect of the craft.
“It’s primitive, working with fire,” he said.
Because many PAABA members are interested in restoration, the group often contributes to community projects.
After a demonstration held Saturday in Rices Landing with the Appalachian Blacksmith Association and Rivers of Steel, PAABA members will help restore Providence Meeting House and Cemetery, Perryopolis, on April 23. A large group will restore the “Perryopolis Quaker Church,” as it is locally known. PAABA will lead the iron restoration work.
Vincenty – an ace of hearts playing card tucked into his bowler hat – summed up the importance of a blacksmith. Pointing to a black line drawn through the shape, he said, “A broken heart – that’s the only thing a blacksmith can’t fix.”
For information about Pittsburgh Area Artist Blacksmiths Association, visit www.paaba.net.