Geddes Blacksmithing Queensland

04/02/2025

The blacksmith classes are filling very quickly for 2025. And rightfully so, with this unique environment that this blacksmith shop offers. This shop draws a fine line between a past-century heritage-looking blacksmith shop and a training facility that is used to train our future Blacksmith tradesmen and women.

Again, this year the classes offer a unique opportunity for individuals to learn aspects of the blacksmith trade/craft they may never have the chance to do. Martin offers a large range of classes suitable for beginners and experienced metal workers.

These classes are offered to individuals who wouldn’t normally have had the ability to access this range of diversity.
Martin, along with 30 years of teaching experience, always has a strong focus on safety, workshop culture, and the skills and knowledge required for people to have hands-on experiences in blacksmithing.

Please don't hesitate to call to clarify anything. 0414 849 555.

Please go to the website for class bookings:
http://blacksmithingqld.com.au

As I often hear Martin say “I look forward to seeing you at the anvil”
Research
Michelle Eyles

14/08/2024

In the past few years, I have been liaising with the Manufacturing Industry Skills Alliance (MISA) https://manufacturingalliance.org.au/ about reviewing and updating six of the nine national blacksmithing units.

Within each of these units is a description of the theory and practical work that a blacksmith needs to fulfill to complete an apprenticeship. In the last few months, a technical committee was formed by (MISA) which includes myself, https://blacksmithingqld.com.au/
• Jim Deering from VIC, https://wilkurforge.com.au/
• Pete Mattila from TAS, http://petemattila.com/
• Craig Drew from NSW, https://www.artistblacksmithnsw.com/

This technical committee was chaired by Gordon Campbell from (MISA)
Gordon Campbell’s role is to ensure that all government procedures are met before any new or upgraded national units are released.

In the last few months, the members of the technical committee have been meeting once a week to go through the suggested changes I have made to the units. The original units have not been reviewed for several decades.

I have also implemented 2 units into the training package involving hydraulic press work. Press work units need to be represented due to the industry having better access to H-frame and C-frame presses to perform Blacksmithing outcomes.

MISA and the committee invite interested people to view these proposed changes and provide input/feedback. Public and government consultation is now open for the two new units and the upgraded Blacksmithing units from the 12th of August until the 6th of September

Please follow the link below to view the upgraded six existing units and the two new units and register for one or two of the feedback sessions held on Monday the 19th of August from 4.00 pm - 5.00 pm and Tuesday the 27th of August from 12.00 to 1 pm. Your input will be greatly appreciated.

Please follow the link below for all the details.
https://manufacturingalliance.org.au/projects/mem-blacksmithing/
Regards
MG
I look forward to seeing you at the anvil.

15/04/2024

This weekend I will be delivering “Hammers Talk” This was the lost language between the Blacksmith and the Striker. This Saturday's class is Intro, Level One. If you didn’t get into the class you are welcome to come along and have a look. Details on the website.
https://blacksmithingqld.com.au/

15/04/2024

Saturday’s Power Hammer class was delivered with a strong emphasis on Hammer safety. Small classes with a lot of focus on each student's safe Power Hammer practice.
The next class is on 12/10/24
https://blacksmithingqld.com.au/

Ask yourself these questions and much more is discussed about correct tooling use.

1. What is the orientation between the clip and the reins of the tongs?
2. What is singularly, the main factor that fatigues tongs when using a power hammer?
3. How do you ascertain the gap between the reins before applying the load on the reins with the clip?
4. Why are clips always non-ferrous?
5. Why is it dangerous to apply excessive load on the tong reins with a clip?

15/02/2024

2024 Blacksmith Classes Filling Fast!!

This year’s classes offer a unique opportunity for individuals to learn aspects of the Blacksmith trade. For the first time, official Power Hammer operations will be offered to hobbyists. This training will be offered to individuals who wouldn’t normally have had the opportunity to experience unless they were an indentured Blacksmith Apprentice.

Our qualified Blacksmith, Martin Geddes’ vast experience enables him to offer a wide variety of classes to help people enhance their skillset in this traditional trade. Martin always has a heavy focus on safety, workshop culture, and the skills and knowledge required for people to get involved in the Blacksmithing trade.

This Blacksmith shop draws a fine line between a past-century heritage-looking Blacksmith Shop and a training facility that is used to train our future Blacksmith tradesmen. The trade was reinstated in 2019 at a National level by the Manufacturing sector of Australia and this venue is utilised by registered training organisations (RTO) to train Queensland's Blacksmiths.

For more information on upcoming classes, go to www.blacksmithingqld.com.au
Michelle Eyles

08/02/2024

Hello everyone.
I'm happy to announce the Blacksmith class schedule for 2024. Thank you for being patient with me in recommencing classes. All classes fall into general Blacksmithing activities and can be achieved with minimum or no experience. Classes will go live on my webpage in the early hours of Friday morning. (tomorrow). https://blacksmithingqld.com.au
Also, all participants must be 16 years and over.
I look forward to seeing you at the anvil.
MG

16/11/2023

Post IV

Cylinder back from acid dip. Cleaned and painted and further inspection. Bottom port needs attention with possible hole that will needs a repair.
Cylinder will require a sleeve and Stuffing chamber in good condition.

11/11/2023

Post. Version III.

Finally a decision made to remove the block of steel on the end of the rod which was welded in place and not serviceable.

Have my mate Derek overseeing all turning and milling activities and for this master machinist nothing phases him.

Cylinder to machine, new piston and rings to turn up, new rod to design to accommodate new piston and newly made pallets. Also small bronze keeper to machine and long wedges to grind

Stuffing box at base of cylinder will have a minimum of 100mm deep of graphite rope to seal the chamber. Long way to go yet but enjoying the journey.

29/10/2023

A few months ago, I picked up a Rigby Patent 2cwt power hammer. This power hammer had been sitting out in the weather for over 10 years. It has been through floods in Brisbane and has been poorly operated because of the lack of understanding of the manufacturer's parameters during the operation of the hammer.

I've been slowly pulling it down and assessing the problems. It does need a new piston, the cylinder machined, a new rod, and a fair bit of TLC. I have yet to tackle the Steam Chest.

What attracted me to this hammer was that it requires a hammer driver, there is no foot mechanism.

In Queensland the skill of hammer driving is nearly non-existent we only have one hammer driver still working in an industrial setting. Hammer driving is an integral part of hammer work, so I plan to get this hammer functional to achieve some training to fill this gap. My plan is to run it back on steam.

27/06/2023

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=182892348045047&id=100089728474541&sfnsn=mo&mibextid=RUbZ1f

Have you been Blacksmithing? This is a great chance to test your skills!

18/10/2021

Breast cancer awareness month has rolled around again and I make a combination of ferrous and none-ferrous bras that get auctioned off for the cause. Steel for the cups, copper on the top and brass at the base. This can be changed around to suit. All hand beaten and riveted. These are also popular with the Steam Punk community