Houston
Area
Blacksmith's
Association
7418 Branch Point
Houston, TX 77095-2649
2005
Board of Directors
Richard Boswell
27923 FM 2978
Magnolia, TX
77354
281-356-5205
James Porter
713-582-9496
and Secretary
Dave Koenig
281-855-2869
Cathy Porter
8127 N. FM 1291
Fayetteville, TX 78940
979-249-5414
Frank Walters
281-491-7328
Tim Bailey
713-398-4086
Mark Finstad
713-528-0452
Tee Hines
281-356-1340
and Board Member
Les Cook
281-481-2457
On Line
Resources
ABANA
ABANA Demonstrator Guideline
North Texas
Blacksmiths Association
Balcones Forge
Louisiana Metalsmiths
Association
Maps
Power Hammer Building and Using
Vince Lusco
The July HABA meeting will be held at Bob Collier’s shop in New Waverly, TX. Bob is long time and lifetime HABA member well known for his tool sales. Bob just returned from Colorado with trailer full of smithing tools. As he says, buying and selling tools is just in his blood and the local smithing community is fortunate to be on the receiving end of Bob’s passion.
In addition to having smithing tools for sale, Bob invited his good friend and HABA member, Vince Lusco to tell us how he built his own power hammer and show us how it works. Vince is bringing his homemade pneumatic power hammer down from his Center, TX shop. The hammer weighs about 700 pounds and has a 35 pound ram. Vince and Bob will have it hooked up and ready to work in time for the meeting.This is a Kinyon hammer which many of you heard about through the years. Now will be your chance to see one in action, learn many of the ins and outs of putting one together and then trying it out for yourself. Overall Vince says it is a very do-able project for most people.
Vince built his hammer not too long after HABA got started using the ABANA plans for reference. The hammer was his first or second shot at building a pneumatic piece of equipment. His first was a can crusher which he has used for recycling aluminum cans.
In addition to telling you what he knows about building a hammer and answering as many of your questions as he can, Vince will demonstrate how he made the branches, leaves and acorns for an iron oak framed mirror he built. When Vince is done, you will have a chance to work one on one with him and see what you can do with his hammer.
More photos from the meeting are on another web page for your viewing. Please Click on July Meeting Photos.
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SATURDAY, JULY 16 :
The schedule looks like this, rain or shine:
- 8:30 am : Sign in and setup
- 9:00am : HABA Meeting and Announcements
- 9:30 am : Begin Demo
- 12:00 pm : Free Lunch
- 5:00 pm : Conclude
Free Lunch
Visiting Bob’s shop, having an opportunity to buy some old tools, learning about building your own pneumatic hammer, seeing a power hammer demonstration and maybe using one for the first time is just the beginning. Bob and Vince will treat us to brisket and all the trimmings at lunch time. They will also have plenty of water and soda on hand too.
There will be one catch though. You will have to contact Dave Koenig at either 281-855-2869 or tudorforge@sbcglobal.net, like at the last meeting, and let him know if you plan to stay for lunch. There will be no cost to you but Bob and Vince do need to know how much food to prepare and how many drinks to have on hand.
Where :
Bob Colliers's Shop, 6100 FM 1374, New Waverly, TX 77358
Directions to Bob's Shop
From Houston- Exit I-45 at Exit #102
Go north from Houston on I-45 and take Exit #102 to the right. Exit #102 is just past the weigh station. Proceed along the frontage road. Go through the first light. Go to the second light. Turn left under the freeway at the second light onto FM 1374 (right turn is 105). Go 2.7 miles West from I-45. Bob’s shop is on the left (south) side of the road and has many oil company signs on it. Bob will also have a HABA sign out front.
From Huntsville Exit I-45 at Exit 103
Go south from Huntsville on I-45 and take Exit 103. Turn right onto FM 1374 and go 2.7 miles from I-45. Bob’s shop is on the left side of the road and has many oil company signs on it. Bob will also have a HABA sign out front.
A Google Map is available by clicking on Bob's Tool Shed
What to Bring
Safety Glasses with Side Shields: These are required at all of our working meetings. If you plan to do some forging, bring any other safety equipment you will need for the job. Gloves and hearing protection are also highly recommended.
Tools to Sell: Bob says to bring anything you have to sell too. The more people there are selling, the more people will show up, the more smithing resources will get redistributed and the more the craft is preserved and promoted.
Something To Sit On: Bob has a pretty good selection of chairs but brining one of your own improves your odds of having one when you need it.
A Forge: If you want to get in some forge time, there is plenty of room around Bob’s shop to set up a forge and work. He has a beautiful place in the country.
A Friend: This will be rather special meeting so invite that new person you just met who expressed an interest in the craft. Let that person know what is planned for July.
NOTE: Membership renewal begins January 1, 2005. Note that joining/renewal is prorated at $10 beginning in June 2005.
You do not have to be a member to attend our meetings! Bring a Guest!
Bring your Membership Dues if you want to work at a forge (not needed this workshop) and are not a current Member !
Minors are welcome but must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
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Enjoy!
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Last updates were on July 17, 2005
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