"Early American Wrought Iron Hardware" with Luke DiBerardinis [REGISTER HERE]
Learn the fundamentals of blacksmithing and improve your skills through the forging of historic hardware. Students can expect a daily demonstration of colonial hardware forging and will be able to customize their projects based on skill level. Topics and demonstrations will cover strap hinges and all their various finials , rams horn hinges, rat tail hinges, pintles, rivets, and clinch nails. Pull handles, thumb latches and all their parts, and installation procedures of the hardware will also be covered. All elements of blacksmithing will be utilized through these projects. By forging utilitarian and functional, yet highly decorative pieces of house hardware. Students will learn Slitting, punching, drifting, upsetting, drawing, bending, forge welding, and fire management techniques.Luke DiBerardinis is a restoration contractor specializing in reproduction hardware. He was born in an 18th century mill house and forged his first thumb latch in 7th grade metal shop. Blacksmithing has been his passion ever since. He has forged hardware for numerous different architects, contractors, museums, historic sites and private homeowners across the country. Luke has studied with Michael McCarthy and Paul Spaulding from the Cooperstown farmers museum and has worked for years under master smith James Kieffer, house hardware specialist.
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