RUN OF THE MILL - Ruskin Mill Trust

Arian Leljak, Tutor, On The New Forge
The benefits of the new Forge building have been to have
a clear and safer space which is easier for students to use. We
have improved the light, as well as being in a beautiful and
well-crafted physical space, which is an inspiring structure. It’s
also very nice looking at the pieces of work, such as the grills
made by student Chris, which is an example to other students
of what can be achieved when working with metal since his first
year. These grills are now being copied and produced by Chris.
We now have 25% increased working capacity with
four forges. We have fully-functioning bellows and forge
technologies spanning from Iron Age via Medieval, to Victorian
and early 20th century.
We have made a good start in developing this workshop
and we are starting the process of making our own tool-racks,
charcoal bins, storage for recycling steel and we need a few
benches and a table in order to be able to sit around and have a
good social space. I am very pleased with the beauty and clarity
of the space, and would like to thank Siân for her fundraising
efforts, Marc Mackay and his building team and Garrick and
Chris for the ironwork. David’s stunning piece of stained glass
rounds it off nicely.
Liam, 2nd-year
The new forge has a lot more space to walk and move
around in. It feels much better because it is better protected
from the elements than the old forge. I’ve been working with
the forge since I arrived at Ruskin Mill College and have made
things like hooks, toasting forks, key-rings, hangers and a knife.
I’m currently working on a knife and I’m flattening out the
edges. I heat up the metal in the forge and use the bellows to
get the fire going. When the metal becomes bright-orange, I
take it over to the anvil and shape it with a hammer. Once I’ve
made the knife shape, I will make a handle out of wood and
finally finish it off.
I enjoy Iron Age Forge as it helps me to improve my
confidence, reactions and strength and I learn how to use tools
properly. It also helps me to keep calm because I am doing and
achieving something.
Tractor maintenance has also helped me as I have been able
to cope with working with loud machines, as well as improving
my confidence. Being at Ruskin Mill has been good and I take
each days as it comes.
Matthew, 1st-year
Ruskin Mill College
Run of the Mill ~ Winter 2010
Iron Age Forge has been brilliant. I am making a coat hook
for the first time and the challenge is to replicate another hook.
I would like to make a set of forging tools, such as a fire rake,
poker, toasting fork, shovel and tongs. I didn’t know anything
about Iron Age Forge before and I’m really enjoying learning
the skills.
Images of the build
and above, Matthew
on his replica hook
project and right,
Liam working the
newly restored
bellows with the forge
fuelled by charcoal
made by students.
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