September 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th

Tannehill State Park in McCalla, AL

Featured Demonstrators Jack Wheeler AND Lyle Wynn

~ Family Activities ~

Show & Tell ~ Beginners Classes ~ Iron Art Auction

Iron-In-The-Hat and tool box drawing

Tailgate Sale Tables (In designated sale area only)

2014 Demonstrators

Jack Wheeler Biography

Since the late 1980’s Jack has been a practicing blacksmith. He joined the Appalachian Area Chapter of Blacksmiths (AACB) about 1990 and served as that organization’s secretary/treasurer and president for a number of years. His background includes classes at the John C. Campbell Folk School (JCCFS) and the Tennessee Tech., Appalachian Center for Craft as well as instruction from local blacksmiths including the late A. P. Billingsley, Calvin Keeton and Joe Humble as well as Ryan Johnson, and many others.

Jack currently teaches an annual class at the JCCFS and has taught at the Appalachian Center for Craft. He also teaches weekly at the Choo Choo Forge where he currently serves a president. He has demonstrated at many of the regional blacksmith organizations in the Southeast and at a number of events sponsored by the AACB. The Jim Alexander Family Flower group project at the 2011 Madison Conference was led by Jack.

As a very active member of the blacksmith community he is heavily involved in AACB activities, provides articles for the chapter newsletter and leads fundraising efforts. One of his main goals in life is to show his appreciation for the friendship, learning opportunities and awesome experiences with the blacksmith community over the past 25 years.

Wheeler’s 2014 Tannehill Demonstration Projects

September’s demonstration will include a variety of projects and will

focus on process and technique. Several of the projects chosen for the

demonstration require special techniques and these will be discussed in

detail. Projects include tomahawks, tongs, wizards and a Freidrich cross

with a base made from a single square bar. In addition, a simple twisted

handle will be demonstrated along with a number of variations and items

that can be completed using this technique. Some of the projects chosen

will utilize wrought iron and forging techniques required for that

material. This demonstration would not be complete without making a

few nails also. A number of “craft show” items will also be

demonstrated and, power hammer and treadle hammer work will be

included.

Alabama Forge Council

29th Annual

AFC Blacksmithing Conference

Lyle Wynn’s Biography

I started Blacksmithing in 1998, and mainly made knives from cable for the first years. In 2007 I started

doing more true blacksmithing mostly learning from other folks at the MS Forge Council meetings and

events. In 2000 I got laid off and started blacksmithing full time. Since 2000 I worked mostly with

Brian Brazeal. Whether you are driving from one place to another or learning to forge an item you have

never attempted repetition is the key to becoming proficient at anything you do. My goal is to share the

information I have learned and hope the people I share with will do the same. All of us can learn a lot,

from heating a piece of metal then using top and bottom dies to forge it to shape.

Wynn’s Demonstration Projects

I intend to make a wine bottle candle stand that will incorporate a stand

I came up with made simply from two pieces of flat bar and two copper

rivets. Another popular item I will demonstrate is the guitar bottle

opener. If time permits I may do some rings. I want to demonstrate the

easy way to make a fork that I learned from Brian Brazeal. If it works

out and I have what I need I will make a hot cut. Everything I make I

will finish and put in the auction.

Family Program Pre-Registration is recommended! Classes will fill-up fast. Don’t miss out.

The minimum age is 15 years; younger ONLY if accompanied by an adult. We are sorry for any

inconvenience, but the adult must stay with the youth during the entire class. Classes are limited to ensure personal attention. All classes are beginner level, no experience needed.

Crystal Lavender Kitchens.

I want to help keep handcrafts from earlier centuries alive in the 21st century. I've had the pleasure of learning these

handcrafts from generous teachers, now I want to share this pleasure and satisfaction with others! I've worked as a

programmer/analyst and living history coordinator.

Basket Making on a Gourd Bowl -- Crystal Lavender Kitchens Max. # students--12 adults and youths 14 and up.

Fee $25--includes handout, cleaned gourd bowl, both natural and dyed reed and finish.

Classes--Friday and Saturday (mornings only) 8:30 am to 11:30 am.

You will learn how to clean a gourd, how to handle the reed and how to shape and weave a basket onto a gourd bowl.

No basket making experience required. Basket making is wet work, so wear old clothes and bring a towel. All other

supplies will be furnished

Leaf Pounding/Printing --Crystal Lavender Kitchens Max # students---12 Adults and youths 14 and up.

Fee $20--- includes handout, 18 inch square of prepared fabric, and 2 inch masking tape.

Class-- Friday afternoon only 1pm to 4pm.

In class, we'll learn how to transfer the natural dyes of leaves onto 100% cotton fabric. At home,

you'll be able to set the dyes with a natural chemical action. The instructor will furnish some

fabric already prepared. You may bring you own 100% cotton that has been washed and dried

without fabric softeners, and then iron to remove wrinkles. You will need to bring a medium size

flat-head hammer, a wooden cutting board and an old (well worn) kitchen/bath towel

Jeff "Milo" Mosley

I joined the AFC about 3 yrs ago. I really enjoy working with copper, most of the work is done

cold.

Copper Pencil Cup--$35 fee, copper and basic tools will be furnished.

This is a basic texture, soldering, and coloring class. Lots of fun!!! 8 students max per class.

Please register early for your spot!! Classes--Thursday afternoon 2pm to 5pm.

Friday--8:30am to 11:30am Friday afternoon 1pm to 4pm Saturday--8:30am to 11:30am

Green Coal – By Ronnie Lee

The AFC has teaching stations available for hands-on instruction by accomplished blacksmith Ronnie Lee. If you are just

getting started in blacksmithing, here is your chance to learn the basics from a very accomplished Blacksmith.

Class fee $10 per student. 8 Students per class max. A specific area will be set aside for this class.

___________________________________________________________________________________

Thursday September 5th 2pm to 5pm Copper Pencil Cup class

Friday Night Blast Bring your hammer and tongs to hold ½” square stock. Two sets of tongs might be helpful (hint, hint)!!! Our

Friday Nigh Blast contest will be the longest draw with an added challenge. The rules are simple. We will give

you a bar of a certain length and in a pre-set amount of time make it grow in length. I will explain the extra twist

to the contest on the evening of the event. This will be a great time for all, please consider participating. Prizes

will be awarded!!!

The Auction Your donated items for the auction are very much appreciated. The auction proceeds are where the AFC gener-

ates its income to offer blacksmithing scholarships and to host the free workshops each year. The conference

fees pay for putting on the conference but the auction is how we continue to provide the activities that further the

art and craft of blacksmithing. Our auctioneer this year is Col. Anthony Goodrum. Remember, this is a charity

auction, bid generously. This year will also give out door prizes during the Auction.

KEEP YOUR I-I-T-H TICKETS

If you cannot attend we welcome your donations. Please send them to:

Raymond Head – AFC - Auction

138 Cone Lane Wetumpka, AL 36093

The AFC is in need of donations of tools for the Tool Box,

please be generous!!!

Iron-in the-Hat & Tool Box Drawing This year the AFC will be conducting iron-in-the-hat & Tool Box Drawing to help raise funds for our educa-

tional programs. Tickets are $1 each, 6 for $5, and 25 for $20. Two drawings will be held for items donated and

the centerpiece is a blacksmith’s toolbox. Any items for the general iron-in-the-hat or tools for the toolbox

would be greatly appreciated.

AFTER THE DRAWING, DO NOT THROW OUT YOUR TICKETS! SAVE THEM FOR THE DOOR

PRIZE DRAWING DURING THE AUCTION

Please send iron-in-the-hat donations (if you cannot attend)

to: Raymond Head – AFC - I I T H 138 Cone Lane Wetumpka, AL 36093

Fri 8:30 -11:30 am Fri 1-4 pm Sat 8:30 -11:30 am Sat 1-4 pm

Basket Making on a Gourd

Bowl

Copper pencil cup

Green Coal

Leaf Pounding/

Printing

Copper Pencil Cup

Green Coal

Basket Making on a Gourd

Bowl

Copper pencil cup

Green Coal

Green Coal

Tailgate Sale Tables

This year the conference will open on Thursday for tailgate sales. This day has been set aside for the

buying and selling of tools and equipment at your leisure.

Special note; Unless you are selling directly from your camper please set up all sells tables in the

designated area only (next to the Forge Pavilion). If you have any questions please contact Raymond

Head for assistances. This is for the privacy and safety of your fellow campers. This year AFC will have a very limited amount of coal for sale in 50 pound bags. The price is $18.00

per bag at the Park with all of the proceeds going to our building fund. If you need coal get it while you

can. It might be several years in the future before the AFC makes another bulk coal purchase.

Registration Gate entry will begin Thursday (September 4th) afternoon. Pre-registered attendees pay $50 and AFC

membership is required; AFC dues are $25 per year and include 6 issues of the Bituminous Bits.

Registration at the conference will be $60 plus membership for 3-days and $35 plus membership

for 1-day, per person. Again AFC membership is required Those attending the demonstrations or

are setting up tailgate sales are required to pay the conference fee. Family members or temporary

visitors need only sign the release and obtain a badge for TEMPORARY entry into the conference area.

Family members, of a registered conference participant, attending family program classes only, are

not required to pay the full conference fee. If you take up space at a blacksmith demo you must pay

the conference fee.

Location Tannehill State Park is located approximately 25 miles southwest of Birmingham.

Take Exit 100 from I-59/20 and go east about 2 miles to the park or take Exit 1

from I-459 and go south about 7 miles, the park entrance will be on your right.

The conference will be held in Farley Field at the extreme northern end of the

park.

The blacksmithing demonstrations will be in the Forge and the Vulcan

Pavilions. Plenty of bleacher and chair seating are available. The family

and children’s programs will be held in nearby tents and pavilions.

Lodging Camping Campsites are available at the Tannehill Ironworks near the demonstration site on Mill Creek.

Improved (water and electricity) sites, primitive camping and cabins are available. Check-in at the

country store. For reservations and information, call the park at 205-477-5711 or

http://www.tannehill.org Conference attendees are responsible for their own camping fee’s

Hotels

Sleep Inn

1259 Greenmor Drive

205-424-0000

Comfort Inn

5051 Academy Lane

(205) 428-3999

Jameson Inn

5021 Academy Lane

205-428-3194

Best Western

5041 Academy Lane

205-481-1950

Wellesley Inn

11170 Will Walker Rd

(205) 556-3606

Holiday Inn Express

5001 Academy Ln

(205) 428-9972

Schedule of Events

Wednesday Sept 3rd Tail Gate Sales

Thursday Sept 4th Registration & set-up

Tailgate Tool Sales (In designated sale area only)

Set-up of all needed Equipment.

2pm to 5pm

Copper Pencil Cup class -- Jeff Mosley

Friday Sept. 5th 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM

Featured Demonstrator - Jack Wheeler - Forge Pavilion

Featured Demonstrator - Lyle Wynn Vulcan Pavilion Green Coal – up to 8 students

Basket Making on a Gourd Bowl -- Crystal Lavender Kitchens

Copper Pencil Cup-- Jeff Mosley

Break for Lunch

12:30 to 4:00 pm

Featured Demonstrator - Jack Wheeler - Forge Pavilion

Featured Demonstrator - Lyle Wynn- Vulcan Pavilion Green Coal – up to 8 students

1pm to 4pm

Leaf Pounding/Printing --Crystal Lavender Kitchens

Copper Pencil Cup -- Jeff Mosley

7:00 pm

Friday Night Blast - Forging Contest

Saturday Sept 6th 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM

Featured Demonstrator - Jack Wheeler - Forge Pavilion

Featured Demonstrator - Lyle Wynn- Vulcan Pavilion Green Coal – up to 8 students

Basket Making on a Gourd Bowl -- Crystal Lavender Kitchens

Copper Pencil Cup -- Jeff Mosley

Break for Lunch

Board of Directors meeting during lunch time Saturday (Forge Pavilion).

12:30 to 4:00 pm

Featured Demonstrator - Jack Wheeler - Forge Pavilion

Featured Demonstrator - Lyle Wynn- Vulcan Pavilion Green Coal – up to 8 students

4:30 Sharp

Iron-In-The-Hat – Auction - Awards Ceremony 7:00 PM

Playtime at the shop – Impromptu Demos and Open discussions about Blacksmithing.

Sunday Sept 7th 9AM to 11AM

2D drawing class/lecture- Allison Bohorfoush will demonstrate creating

2D drawings on the computer suitable for use in water jet or plasma cutting applications

as well as professional ironwork proposals for customers, pattern making and other shop needs.

We will then pack up and clean up the area Please stay and help out. Every hand will be appreciated!

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2014 AFC FALL CONFERENCE

TOOL BOX

INDIVIDUALS / GROUPS

THAT SIGNED UP FOR SPECIFIC TOOLS

PLEASE DELIVER THEM TO ALLAN KRESS

AT CONFERENCE OR BEFORE

POST VISE

TOOL BOX

ANVIL TOOLS/HARDIES

FIRE TOOLS (RAKE, POKER, WATER CAN)

SCROLL JIGS

TREADLE HAMMER TOOLS

FORGING HAMMER, BALL PEIN, SLEDGE HAMMER

TONGS

CHISEL SET

POWER HAMMER TOOLS

FLUX, GLOVES, CHALK,

SILVER PENCIL, TAPE MEASURE

MORE TOOLS ARE ALWAYS WELCOME.

BIGGER BOX MEANS MORE MONEY WE RAISE.

EMAIL ALLAN KRESS IF YOU HAVE ANYTHING TO ADD

akress@bellsouth.net

Put AFC Tool Box in the subject line of your email

These stands are so versatile. We have even used them in non-welding classes at

Tannehill. Allan Kress uses his for all sorts of projects around the shop. It is so much

nicer to work on something at eye level rather than bending over. The overhead clamp

allows for all kinds of configurations. These stands can be completely broken down for

easy storage and transport.

2013 AFC FALL CONFERENCE

IRON IN THE HAT & AUCTION

CONFERENCE IS ONLY A COUPLE OF MONTHS AWAY .

REMEMBER TO BRING SOMETHING NICE FOR

IRON IN THE HAT AND FOR THE AUCTION.

HAND-MADE ITEMS ARE THE BEST. SHARE YOUR PIECES

OF ART WITH THE GROUP.

WE HOPE TO OFFER MORE EDUCATIONAL WORKSHOPS IN 2015 AND

NEED YOUR SUPPORT TO MAKE THAT HAPPEN.

BRING ART…...BUY ART!

Cost: $300.

available at the

2014 AFC Conference Stand specifications: 6 ft tall

Adjustable table

Adjustable overhead clamp / arm

Adjustable arm to hold welder gun, welpers and brush

Adjustable hold down for

steadying piece to be welded

Above & below;

Close ups of the

overhead clamp

arm and adjustable

hold downs on the

welding stand

Welding stand workshop was funded

in part by

Support The Arts….. Buy a welding stand!

Welding Stand

Raffle! Buy tickets!