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Schedule
FABA Conference 2022
Friday October 8th
8:00-17:00
Gallery and Silent Auction
Enjoy a showcase of our blacksmith’s work from all across the sate. Location all day in the ballroom
Friday October 8th
8:00-12:00
Blacksmithing 1: Introduction to Blacksmithing
If you’ve never hit hot metal before, this is the class for you. Come learn how to start and maintain a fire in your forge, how to find a comfortable anvil height, good hammer technique, and basic blacksmithing safety. You’ll utilize these as you learn the skills of tapering, spreading, bending, and twisting.
Friday October 8th
8:00-12:00
Blacksmithing 1.5: Refresher
“Knocking the Rust Off”: Did you take a basic class with us last year, but haven’t had the chance to forge much since? Come knock the rust off with us as we get your old skills shining again and maybe add some new skills while we’re at it. (This class is for those with some prior blacksmithing experience, please do not sign up for this class if you have not forged before.)
Friday October 8th
8:00-12:00
Specialty Class: Camp Knife Forging
Students can expect to be able to forge a full tang camp knife, with a 4-6 inch blade. The tang will be constructed so that you may add a wooden handle yourself at home. Your blades will be forged and heat treated by the end of the class, if time and resources are available there may be opportunities to grind and sharpen your knives as well.
Friday October 8th
9:00-11:00
Session 1: Introduction to Leather Knife Sheath Making
Need a place to safely store your shiny hot off the fire knife? The join Ki Harrision, as he teaches introduction to Leather Knife Sheath Making. The class will introduce students to the art of leatherworking. Students can expect to complete a knife sheath for approximately a 5″ blade over the course of 2 days. Note: you will need to select both a session 1 and session 2 to finish your sheath.
Friday October 8th
8:00-12:00
Demonstration: Lost Wax Casting
Lost-wax casting is the process by which a item is cast from an original sculpture, usually made of wax. Intricate works can be achieved by this method. The oldest known example of this technique is a 6,000-year old amulet from the Indus Valley Civilization. Lost-wax casting was widespread in Europe until the 18th century. Although the entire lost wax process can take days to accomplish with the use of some premade models and forms we’ll demonstrate the steps in making a lost wax object.
Friday October 8th
8:00-12:00
Open Forge
Open Forges tent is open for all conference attendees with Blacksmithing 1, or an equivalent skill level and above to practice your skills, finish your projects, or spend some good time hammering away other issues. Must have some forging experience.
Friday October 8th
12:00-13:00
Lunch Break
Friday October 8th
13:00-17:00
Blacksmithing 2: Beginner
This class builds on Class #1. We’ll review fire maintenance, anvil height, hammer technique, and basic safety. We will practice using tapering, spreading, bending, twisting, as well as adding the skills of splitting, punching, and riveting. Prerequisite: Basic Blacksmithing #1 or equivalent skill.
Friday October 8th
13:00-17:00
Specialty Classes: Animal Faces Forging
This workshop is for those who love to combine whimsy and art. Learn how to use simple tools to create and add animal faces to your pieces. Class is sold out, wait list only
Friday October 8th
13:00-17:00
Workshop: Movie Props
This workshop puts a twist on traditional forging. Spend time with a professional movie prop artist and learn how to craft weapons out materials other than metal that look realistic. This workshop is perfect for those who cosplay, professionals who may want to expand their offerings, those who work with medieval fairies, youth programs, or theatre programs or want to make realistic projects for family and friends. No forging will be done during this workshop.
Friday October 8th
13:00-17:00
Demonstration: Knives
Friday October 8th
13:00-17:00
Demonstration: Lost Wax Casting
Lost-wax casting is the process by which a item is cast from an original sculpture, usually made of wax. Intricate works can be achieved by this method. The oldest known example of this technique is a 6,000-year old amulet from the Indus Valley Civilization. Lost-wax casting was widespread in Europe until the 18th century. Although the entire lost wax process can take days to accomplish with the use of some premade models and forms we’ll demonstrate the steps in making a lost wax object.
Friday October 8th
14:00-16:00
Session 1: Introduction to Leather Knife Sheath Making
Need a place to safely store your shiny hot off the fire knife? The join Ki Harrision, as he teaches introduction to Leather Knife Sheath Making. The class will introduce students to the art of leatherworking. Students can expect to complete a knife sheath for approximately a 5″ blade over the course of 2 days. Note: you will need to select both a session 1 and session 2 to finish their sheath. Ki will reserve Sunday morning to help any students finish if they have not done so already.
Friday October 8th
13:00-17:00
Open Forge
Open Forges tent is open for all conference attendees with Blacksmithing 1, or an equivalent skill level and above to practice your skills, finish your projects, or spend some good time hammering away other issues. Must have some forging experience.
Friday October 8th
17:30-18:30
Board Meeting
Words?
Friday October 8th
19:00-21:00
The Blacksmith's Challange
Ready for the FABA convention forging competition on Friday, 8 October? Here’s your chance to be prepared. Two heats. One Winner. Heat #1 an experienced and beginner smith will have 20 minutes to complete a surprise project. Heat #2 you’ll have 20 minutes to FORGE WELD as many links in your chain as you can make. The gauntlet has been thrown down. Will you pick up the challenge? See you Friday night at FABA CON.
Saturday Schedule
Saturday October 9th
8:00-17:00
Gallery and Silent Auction
Enjoy a showcase of our blacksmith’s work from all across the sate. Location all day in the ballroom
Saturday October 9th
8:00-12:00
Blacksmithing 1.5: Refresher
“Knocking the Rust Off”: Did you take a basic class with us last year, but haven’t had the chance to forge much since? Come knock the rust off with us as we get your old skills shining again and maybe add some new skills while we’re at it. (This class is for those with some prior blacksmithing experience, please do not sign up for this class if you have not forged before.)
Saturday October 9th
8:00-12:00
Blacksmithing 2: Beginner
This class builds on Class #1. We’ll review fire maintenance, anvil height, hammer technique, and basic safety. We will practice using tapering, spreading, bending, twisting, as well as adding the skills of splitting, punching, and riveting. Prerequisite: Basic Blacksmithing #1 or equivalent skill.
Saturday, October 9th
8:00-12:00
Blacksmithing 3: Forge Welding
This class will cover the skills of upsetting and forge welding. We’ll learn how to thicken and join separate pieces of white hot metal into a single solid piece. We’ll start with some basic welds, then combine them with techniques learned in Classes #1 and #2. Prerequisite: Basic Blacksmithing #1 and #2 or equivalent skill
Saturday, October 9th
8:00-12:00
Specialty Class: EDC Knife
What are your everyday carry (EDC) items? Perhaps they include a wallet and cell phone, but what about a knife? In this workshop, students will learn how to forge a small EDC knife with a 2-3″ blade. Depending on time, students may finish the blade with a wooden handle. Students should have some basic blacksmithing skills.
Saturday, October 9th
8:00-12:00
Demonstration: Green Sand Casting
Come join us for this step by step demonstration of making a Greek Xiphos. Hailing from the bronze age this weapon was the most commonly use side arm of the Hellenic armies. It is an 18-24 inches (45-60cm) long short sword, and was a predecessor to many renowned iron swords like the Roman Gladius. In the morning we’ll show the preparation of the mold, melting bronze, and casting a sword.
Saturday, October 9th
8:00-12:00
Open Forge
Open Forges tent is open for all conference attendees with Blacksmithing 1, or an equivalent skill level and above to practice your skills, finish your projects, or spend some good time hammering away other issues. Must have some forging experience.
Saturday, October 9th
8:45-12:00
Parent & Youth Blacksmithing Projects
This class is a fantastic way to introduce your up and coming blacksmith (and yourself) to metal work, while spending quality time together! During the 45 minute course you’ll learn to make a rune necklace and a small medieval inspired letter opener. The teacher will be doing most of the fire management, so you can get a real feel for the tools.
Saturday, October 9th
10:00-12:00
Seminar: Metallurgic - Aspects of Heat Treatment (Free)
Join local Gainesville blacksmith, Dr. Stephen Bloom as he explores the world of metals with UF chemistry professor Dr. Nicole Horenstein. Through experiments and discussion, you’ll gain an understanding of heat-cycling, different heat treatment methods, and differences in steel.
Saturday, October 9th
10:00-12:00
Session 2: Introduction to Leather Knife Sheath Making
Need a place to safely store your shiny hot off the fire knife? The join Ki Harrision, as he teaches introduction to Leather Knife Sheath Making. The class will introduce students to the art of leatherworking. Students can expect to complete a knife sheath for approximately a 5″ blade over the course of 2 days. Note: you will need to select both a session 1 and session 2 to finish your sheath.
Saturday, October 9th
12:00-13:00
Lunch Break (Iron in the Hat)
Saturday, October 9th
13:00-17:00
Blacksmithing 1: Introduction to Blacksmithing
If you’ve never hit hot metal before, this is the class for you. Come learn how to start and maintain a fire in your forge, how to find a comfortable anvil height, good hammer technique, and basic blacksmithing safety. You’ll utilize these as you learn the skills of tapering, spreading, bending, and twisting hot metal.
Saturday, October 9th
13:00-17:00
Blacksmithing 4: Intermediate
Blacksmiths have been recyclers since the beginning of their craft. Come learn how to tell if that piece of scrap is wrought iron, mild steel, or tool steel. We’ll use spark testing and break testing to determine properties and proper treatment of various metals. We’ll finish by using the skills learned to make your choice of at least one punch or chisel. Prerequisite: Basic Blacksmithing #1 and #2 or equivalent skill.
Saturday, October 9th
13:30-14:30
Seminar: Streaming of Blacksmithing or other Hobbies (Free)
Live streaming and social media content creation has been a growing trend for years. Learn how to use free programs and inexpensive equipment to get started and reach new customers, grow your skills, or just meet other enthusiastic and talented creators. The presenter will cover streaming platforms, like Twitch, Facebook and Youtube, the benefits of online communities for crafters, budgeting, budget, equipment, and monetization. John Hare, 2 time Amazon’s Prime Gaming guest streams Blacksmithing, Bee Keeping, Brewing and Falconry live on Twitch. Check out his content at: twitch.tv/burrowsforge
Saturday, October 9th
13:00-17:00
Demonstration: Bronze Xiphos
Building on the Green Sand Casting Demonstration from this morning, we will show how to carefully remove the sword from the mold and the removal of slag bronze from the edges. Next we will demonstration the shaping handle and guard, as well as the attachment of scales. We’ll finish the day off with by giving it a hardened killing edge, and polishing it until you can see the soot on your face. NOTE: The Bronze Xiphos will be up for auction at the evening’s banquet!
Saturday, October 9th
13:00-17:00
Open Forge
Open Forges tent is open for all conference attendees with Blacksmithing 1, or an equivalent skill level and above to practice your skills, finish your projects, or spend some good time hammering away other issues. Must have some forging experience.
Saturday, October 9th
14:30-16:30
Session 2: Introduction to Leather Knife Sheath Making
Need a place to safely store your shiny hot off the fire knife? The join Ki Harrision, as he teaches introduction to Leather Knife Sheath Making. The class will introduce students to the art of leatherworking. Students can expect to complete a knife sheath for approximately a 5″ blade over the course of 2 days. Note: you will need to select both a session 1 and session 2 to finish their sheath.
Saturday, October 9th
15:00-17:00
Knife Testing
The Honorable Bearded Brotherhood of Blacksmiths do cordially invite any and all knife makers to a Knife Testing, and Metallurgical Summit at this October’s Florida Artists Blacksmith Associations Annual Conference. Blades to be tested must be no longer than twelve inches, and have secure and Well Made Handles! Qualified Members of the BBB will be inspecting your blades before they can be tested. Expect to be questioned about your Heat Treating Methods. Your blades may expect to face 2×4, hemp rope, various ripe fruits and vegetables, and firehose.
Banquet
Join us for a fantastic meal, fellowship, silent auction winners, and a live auction bonanza.
Sunday Schedule
Sunday, October 10th
8:00-12:00
Gallery
Enjoy a showcase of our blacksmith’s work from all across the state. Location all day in the ballroom
Sunday, October 10th
8:00-12:00
Blacksmithing 5: Refresher
This class is for those who want to make their own tongs but aren’t sure where to start. Come learn about half-face hammer blows, shouldering, and the difference between right and left handed tongs as we work on a basic pair of tongs. Prerequisite: Basic Blacksmithing #1 and #2 or equivalent skill.
Sunday, October 10th
8:00-12:00
Workshop: Casting Mini Xiphos
Enjoyed Saturday’s demonstration on the Bronze Age Greek Xiphos? Now is your chance to try it! You’ll be lead through all the steps to complete a mini sized Xiphos to threaten your mail with.
Sunday, October 10th
8:00-12:00
Workshop: Working With Aluminum
While “blacksmith” is in our name, there’s really a whole spectrum of smithing colors available to the skilled metalworker. Whitesmithing is a sister discipline that refers to tinsmithing and other light metals; in this case, aluminum! How does the metal work? How does it respond to heat treating? Can it be worked hot? Do I need specialty equipment to work it hot? Join us as we explore the forging properties of aluminum by making a stovetop spoon holder!
Sunday, October 10th
8:00-12:00
Open Forge
Open Forges tent is open for all conference attendees with Blacksmithing 1, or an equivalent skill level and above to practice your skills, finish your projects, or spend some good time hammering away other issues. Must have some forging experience.
Sunday, October 10th
12:00-13:00
Lunch Break
Saturday, October 9th
13:00-17:00
Conference Breakdown
Whelp it’s been a great run folks! Time to tear down, and we’ll see you next year. OR at the next regional meet up
