Visited the old forge at the Pioneer Village in Salem and it got me thinking

Tbh, I was there last weekend with my family and they still have the original 1870s hand-cranked blower hooked up to the coal forge. The volunteer smith was making a simple S-hook, and watching him work that crank with one hand while hammering with the other was something else. It made me realize how much we take powered blowers and modern anvils for granted now. He said it took him a solid 20 minutes just to get a good welding heat. Does anyone still use a hand-crank setup, or know a good source for that style of blower if mine ever gives out?

3 comments

3 Comments

the_rose25d ago

Watched a guy try to use one at a demo last year and he was drenched in sweat. Makes you wonder how they did it all day, right?

noah51725d ago

Read an article about medieval reenactors. They said the trick was wearing a thick linen undershirt. It soaks up the sweat and keeps the armor from rubbing your skin raw. Also, you build up a tolerance over time. Your body just gets used to the weight and the heat. Still looks miserable though.

patricia_campbell21d ago

Ever try wool instead of linen? It sounds weird, but it handles sweat better and doesn't get that gross damp feeling.