This month we met at
Greenbank Mill.
At Our Meeting: Monday, January 8, 2007
Location: Greenbank Mill,
Prices Corner, Wilmington, DE
Program:
"Processing Minerals into Metals-History and Present", presented
by Brownell Ferry
Here's a brief summary:
We started the presentation at the end of the Stone Age with a
fascinating history when humans first learned how to make metals from minerals.
We then reviewed the Eastern Pennsylvania Colonial iron making at the end of the
1700's when a housing boom resulted in a high demand for wrought iron nails and other iron
products. From there we proceeded to the making of liquid steel. Finally we
reviewed the atomic chemistry on the amazing phenomenon of blacksmith hot forging bonding
of wrought iron parts and the cold forming of sheet steel into complex automotive parts.
Brownell also brought some display items including a 1700's trading ax.
Glad you could make it for an entertaining and informative evening.
Refreshments: Sophie Homesy
Program Review: Members, here's your chance
to write for the club webpages! If you enjoyed Brownie's presentation, we invite you
to write a brief review. Thanks, Ken.
Thanks again to Brownell Ferry for a most interesting presentation on iron
and steel making, and it's history. It's something I've long wondered about but never
bothered to find out.
I've now got a crucible, copper ore and charcoal, and if I can find some iron oxide for
flux, I'll give it a try. I wonder if good-old Chesapeake goethite would work.
--Tom
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