Tag Archives: Metalwork

Early Medieval Iron Making

Posted on March 3, 2020 by Jan van Cappelle (Javaca)

This movie is the first thing I ever saw about early iron production. And it fascinated me completely. Literally combining the four elements in the process to make something. Earth + water make cobb Air dries the oven Fire breaks … Continue reading →

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Iron Smelting in Africa

Posted on January 30, 2019 by Jan van Cappelle (Javaca)

Another documentary about iron smelting. See how similar the methods are… Continue reading →

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A home-made drawknife

Posted on May 4, 2018 by Jan van Cappelle (Javaca)

Another addition to my historical toolboxes just has to be a drawknife. A tool that has been around since Roman times, it survived the ages very well. I am always looking for suitable stock materials to make edge tools. Old … Continue reading →

Posted in Projects, Re-enactment, Think different, Tools, Uncategorized, Woodworking, Workshop | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Forging ahead

Posted on April 19, 2018 by Jan van Cappelle (Javaca)

It’s a craft that always captivated me: blacksmithing. The art of working and shaping metal into useable objects. I was always fond of the “Skippers of the Kameleon“, a Dutch series of childrens books, written by Hotze de Roos. In … Continue reading →

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A 17th century “Dutch Plane” – (free plans!)

Posted on April 1, 2018 by Jan van Cappelle (Javaca)

In 1628 the Swedish warship Vasa set out for its maiden voyage. With 64 canons on 2 decks it was the pride of the Swedish marine. But this was shortlived; after only one mile she keeled over, water poored trough … Continue reading →

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The secrets of the viking sword

Posted on June 8, 2017 by Jan van Cappelle (Javaca)

A lovely documentary on making the legendary ULFBERT seords  

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What the Ancients knew

Posted on November 4, 2016 by Jan van Cappelle (Javaca)

Ter leringe ende vermaak… (For learning and entertainment…) Or perhaps more for inspirational purposes?

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Forgery at the shop…

Posted on August 30, 2016 by Jan van Cappelle (Javaca)

One of the things I’ve wished for a long time is to have a small forge. Ever since being a boy blacksmithing has fascinated me. From old village smiths making farming tools to the Japanese epitome of the samurai sword. For … Continue reading →

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The making of a Steinway piano

Posted on May 28, 2016 by Jan van Cappelle (Javaca)

One of the most famous instrument manufacturers in the world is Steinway. Here is an old 1929 movie about the construction of their pianos. Notice they already used electric glue pots. All in all the process doesn’t differ much from … Continue reading →

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A viking tool chest

Posted on May 13, 2016 by Jan van Cappelle (Javaca)

Archaeology and history were two of my first loves. From the age of eight and onwards I studied everything I could find on the prehistorical cultures, ancient Egyptians, Romans, Vikings and local history. But along with reading the books I … Continue reading →

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