In yesterday’s post, I shared how we began the process by carving our design into blocks of sand using a large nail or spike. These became the molds. Once they were all finished and lined up on the ground a group of five men began the process of making molten iron. Initially, I thought they had been melting the iron all along. I thought it would take a long time. Wrong.
They had a furnace heated and ready. Once in their protective gear, they used a larger blower to add more air to the furnace and also added coke (not the drink but charcoaled coal). Once the furnace was hot enough they began to add scrap iron. Think old bathtubs, which are iron covered with enamel. Once the iron was melted, they poured it out through a spigot and into big, heavy ladles. The workers then poured the molten iron from the ladle into the molds. It quickly became solid but a very hot solid. Using shovels and other tools, they broke the iron pieced from the mold and put them into a tub of water to cool. Once cool, they used grinders to remove the rough edges. Almost everyone there stayed to see everyone else’s finished piece.
Photo credit to my wife for the photo of me.
Milford Street 
You weren’t joking around when you said it was gonna get hot! What a cool thing, though (no pun intended).
Ha ha ha. It was both hot and cool. We really enjoyed it. Cheers
Very interesting process, especially if you can participate in it!
Amazing!!!!! A family of iron workers. Love it! 🙂
Thank you. I actually have a “family” photo (see link below). My impression is that this is an apprenticeship program of some kind. There was clearly a teacher and a group of younger students. I hope you had an awesome weekend celebrating. Cheers! https://www.dropbox.com/s/vinwbzjcyxk952g/Iron%20Men.jpg?dl=0
This is the coolest fundraiser ever! Maybe I should say “the hottest”! PS Love your design.
Thank you. It is a unique fund raiser. They certainly drew a crowd. Cheers!
Hot time in the old town, eh?
Ha ha ha. That it was. We were behind the rope line and were still toasty. Someone asked if they were standing too close. The reply was that if you got burnt then you were too close. 😉
Celtic swirls sounds like a cool experience Chris 🤓☺️ have a happy day and joyful week many smiles Hedy 💫
Thank you, Hedy. Cheers
Hot indeed! Wow… very cool ( you know what I mean…) and how fun to get to do this. Well done!
I do know what you mean. Thank you and cheers!
Very interesting experience, thank you for sharing! Photos are great 🙂
Thank you. It was a pretty interesting thing to try. We will definitely go again. Cheers!
Wow.. Great post and images Chris.. You look great in the last image.. Cheers!
Thank you so much. Cheers
Really love your Celtic swirl design, Chris! And if this isn’t hot, I don’t know what is! 😄
Very nice! 😀
Thank you so much. I appreciate it. Cheers