TRADITIONAL & CONTEMPORARY BLACKSMITHING

Sundance Forge specializes in hand forged decorative/functional ironwork for the home, garden, and cottage.  Most work is done by commission.  Some selected works are produced in quantity for general retail sales.  The forging process includes heating the metal in a forge until red-hot and hammering the metal on an anvil with hammers or specially configured tools to achieve the desired shape.  The heat source is traditionally coal but contemporary Blacksmiths also use propane gas, charcoal and other means to heat metal to the required temperature.  Almost any metal may be forged and the shapes are only limited by one’s imagination.  Some examples are leaves, twists, scrolls, bells, animal shapes, and human shapes.

THE CRAFTSMAN

Bill Banker has been employed for many years as a Mechanical Engineer with a wide variety of experiences in machining, shaping, and finishing metal.  Bill’s Dad was the third generation in a household furniture moving business in which there was always something to repair or refinish.  Bill helped with this work which led to an interest in tools and craftwork.  Hand made gifts became a tradition.  In 1992 Bill discovered Blacksmithing, studying the basics with Rich Wansor at the 17^th century French Fort on Onondaga Lake.  Since then Bill has been very active with the New York State Designer Blacksmith’s (a non-profit educational group) and has attended numerous demonstrations, Hammer Ins, and three national Blacksmith Conferences.

Bill has demonstrated at the Naples Spring Festival, Genesee Country Museum, The New York State Fair, New York State Designer Blacksmith meetings, as well as being on the committee for the International Conference of the Artist’s Blacksmiths Association of North America (ABANA) held at Alfred State College in June 1996.

ORGANIZATION MEMBERSHIPS

Artist Blacksmiths Association of North America
New York State Designer Blacksmiths
Northeastern Blacksmiths Association
Alabama Forge Council
Southern Ohio Forge and Anvil
Allegany Artisans
Wyoming County Arts Council
Hornell Arts Council

TYPICAL ITEMS

Courting Candles                        Fireplace Tools             Bakers Rack                Bells

Plant Hangers                           Chess Tables              Wash Stand                Mantle Hooks

Night Lights                              Hose Hooks               Wall Hooks               Key Chains