Wrought Iron Handicrafts Announcements

I am sending you the lastest on my project for 4-H this year. I had a great year and Im already planning next years project for my Grand Finale in 4-H!Once again, Metalcraft deserves the credit for another outstanding year with my 4-H welding project. This year I challenged myself by creating a classic courting bench. Since we purchased our Metalcraft machines at the 2001 Nebraska State Fair, I had made a goal to create a courting bench . A courting bench is seating for each person as they face opposite directions. Years ago these benches were used by young couples for intimate conversations. While the bench is styled after antique benches from the early 1900s, I opted to create my own pattern. This allowed me to determine the amount of materials I would most likely need for this project. My project proved to be unique as it incorporated various welding techniques and positions.This project required a great deal of planning as the construction had to be completed in a specific order. My first challenge was to properly align the three S patterns that are critical in the construction of this courting bench. The metal has a tendency to spring out of shape so stabilizing the S curve used for the seat was very important.I then finished stabilizing the project with the addition of the lower S curve. The next step involved the seating portion of the benches. This was a real challenge, requiring good support. Also, each of the seat lathes was a different length. Thus, one of the more time consuming portions of this project were the measurements needed for this step. It was critical to measure several times.

My next challenge was how to finish the arms of the bench. Since I had chosen to use heavier flat iron, it was not possible to simply twist and curl the arms into position. This was resolved by adding the separate scroll to the finished end of the arms and then blending it back into the rear chair support.

Finally, it was time for my favorite part of this project, making and installing the scrolls (I have the Metalcraft MK3/3 Scroll Former). After making a test scroll to check for length, positioning and appearance, I began making the multiple scrolls with my equipment. I am so glad to have the Metalcraft equipment as the courting bench required a total of fourteen scrolls! Each scroll was fitted and welded in place. I am very pleased with the design of the scrolls as they remind me of butterflies and I believe they bring a classy touch to my project. To accessorize my classic courting bench, I chose to use purchased finials to complete the posts. My parents say it is a pretty hot bench, especially since my jeans accidentally caught on fire while I was welding it together!

As I completed each step, I found it was necessary to clean my welds as in some cases they were not very easy to reach. This was done by hand using a file in tight areas and the larger welds were finished using a flapper wheel grinder.

Once construction was completed, I primed my project and then applied two coats of glossy black paint to finish my classic courting bench.

This courting bench will add to the landscaping of our home as it will be placed near our waterfall and pond. I am extremely proud of my accomplishment and had some of my senior pictures taken with the courting bench. At the 2004 Madison County Fair this summer, I received a purple ribbon and an Outstanding Exhibit award. My success continued at the 2004 Nebraska State Fair where I was awarded a total of 96 out of 100 points on my courting bench which earned a purple ribbon as well as a Special Recognition Award for Outstanding Craftsmanship. A special thanks to Metalcraft for all of their support and wonderful equipment. I am looking forward to next year, working on my projects as a member of the Needles & Knives 4-H Club!

Sincerely,

Ashley Andrews

Last year Ashley wrote us and described her accomplishments in 4H using the Metalcraft Tools (Her original story is shown further down the announcements page). Here is an update on Ashley Andrews.

For my 4-H projects this year, I used the Metalcraft Tools to make 2 projects. In my Celebrate Arts project, I made a stepping stone Garden Plaque Easel. For this project I received a purple ribbon (highest ribbon award).

For my second project I further challenged myself by creating a classic street lamp. My project proved to be unique as it incorporated various welding techniques and positions as well as combining a new element - electricity. I have long admired street lamps but usually they are antique and expensive or not in working order. Thus, I decided this would be the perfect opportunity for me to create a street lamp to fit my needs.

After observing various street lights, I created my own pattern on paper. My classic street lamp is 8 feet tall and has a total of 24 matching scrolls. To have these scroll identical in size and shape was made possible with the Metalcraft Tools my family purchased in 2001.

I was awarded a Special Recognition Rosette Ribbon and a purple ribbon (99 out of 100 points for my welding skills and techniques) for my efforts on this classic street lamp. In addition, I received word that I will be representing the state of Nebraska at the 2003 National 4-H Congress in Atlanta, Georgia later this fall.

From WIH: In addition to 4-H, Ashley continues to be busy with music, school activities, leadership roles, and a part-time job.

Ashley, its a delight to hear from you on how the Metalcraft Tools have proved to be so useful in your metal projects.

We all look forward to seeing what Ashley will be inspired to create next year. Thank you Ashley for sending us an update on your wonderful achievements.

Wrought Iron Handicrafts would like to congratulate Ashley on her outstanding achievements.

It is wonderful to hear from a young adult who has been involved in so many activities around her community.

Here is the letter Ashley wrote:

Dear Ken and Scott Thamert,

My projects have been made much easier to complete since our family purchased the “Metalcraft” machines at the 2001 Nebraska State Fair. I am a member of the Needles and Knives 4-H Club of Madison County, Nebraska. Welding has been one of my favorite projects since I was nine years old. I am now 15 years old.

I was anxious to get our “Metalcraft” machines/tools set up after they arrived. I started practicing bending and scrolling metal pieces. After some thought, I designed two projects for 4-H this year, using the “Metalcraft” tools. The first was a 6 1/2 foot tall climbing rose trellis. Using flat steel, the design combines scrolls and twists. This project project received a purple ribbon (first place) at the Madison County Fair and was selected for competition at the 2002 Nebraska State Fair where it received a blue (second place) ribbon. I then presented the trellis as a gift to my grandmother.

My second project was the creation of a display easel. This project used steel rod. Because the bends and scrolls needed to mirror one another, my “Metalcraft” equipment made this possible. Consistency and uniformity are critical when creating a welding project for 4-H. The ability to bend and scroll the metal without the need to heat the metal first made this project so much easier to complete. While the pieces of the rose trellis were assembled using riveting with some minor welding, the easel was assembled entirely through welding. My easel received a purple ribbon at the Madison County Fair and it too was selected for display at the 2002 Nebraska State Fair.

I was excited to receive not only a purple ribbon at the state fair, but a “special recognition” as well. However, the pinnacle of my awards was to receive, for the second consecutive year, the Outstanding Welding Project Award from the Nebraska Blacksmiths and Welders Association. This is a wonderful honor.

I am on my schools honor roll and active in the marching/concert/jazz bands, orchestra and choir. I am a member of the Norfolk Youth Leadership Council, Jobs Daughters, Needles and Knives 4-H Club and the Madison County Junior Leader 4-H Club.

I am always looking for new project ideas and creating new designs for future projects. The “Metalcraft” tools allow me to expand the possiblities.

P.S. Thanks for making Metalcraft! I love using it!

Not only does Ashley deserve high praise for her accomplishments, but also her parents deserve recognition for their support and encouragement in Ashleys interests. Thank you Ashley, Colin, and Carol.

Ken and Scott Thamert WIH.