Friday 7 February 2014

Observing Bronze Casting at Butser Ancient Farm (5th Feb)



Whilst volunteering and performing general maintenance at the farm as always, the resident bronze caster decided to show us some casting as the "tech shelter" was finally cleaned and had lights installed. I only helped sort the equipment out and prepare the mould. James runs casting courses at Butser, but volunteers got to observe the process for free on Wednesday. I think for volunteers there may be a chance to make something for free, but I won't personally be bronze casting as I have a strict structure and I find following my "don't run before you can walk" method to be effective learning. That is to say I'm just starting in crafts with woodwork, so I don't think I should be metal working yet and trying to make a bronze axe head as it's a very complex and masterful process it seems. It's not that I don't appreciate the opportunity, it's more to do with mentality, level of experience and the learning method I described. Despite that, it was very exciting to observe it.

If any Bushcrafters from Hampshire want to come down to Butser of a Wednesday, I'll be there. It's great fun and a valuable experience, even if volunteering mostly consists of wood stacking, path levelling, stock replenishment and other farm type jobs.

More photos can be seen at the Farm's Facebook page. I'm the one with the most hair.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/2050...2043103798964/

Thanks for reading

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