About The Bronze Age Foundry
The Bronze Age Foundry project is an attempt to recreate as nearly as possible the metallurgical technology of the Bronze Age, but it is not only an archeological experiment, it is also a means of connecting with the skills and experience of our ancestors, both technical and magical.
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The foundry can also be set up
inside Dave's Yurt
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The design of the furnace is derived from archeological evidence supplimented
by reference to techniques used by various so called 'primative' cultures
around the world. It consists of a clay bowl, built into the ground, containing
a charcoal fire. Air is forced into the fire by means of two hand operated
goat skin bellows via clay pipes (or 'tuyeres').
The metal to be cast is contained by a ceramic crucible within the fire. When
a temperature of between 1150 & 1200c has been reached, the crucible is withdrawn
from the fire and the molten metal poured into the moulds.
The moulds used are of the same materials as the Bronze Foundry, namely stone,
clay and Bronze. The carved stone & cast bronze moulds are used for most of
the tools and weapons, with the clay being employed for the lost wax pieces.
Sometimes a combination of stone or bronze permanent moulds is used with clay
inserts; for example in the casting of socketed tools, i.e. spears and axes
of the later Bronze Age.
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| The green flame of a copper tinged furnace |
The Bronze itself, an alloy of Copper and Tin, is made up in differing proportions
according to the items to be cast. The addition of more Tin increases the
hardness of the alloy, but also causes it to become more brittle. Therefore
a balance of these qualities has to be found according to the use of the finished
object. For example, an axehead consists of about 90% Cu to 10% Sn whereas
a razor blade consists of about 80% Cu to 20% Sn
No technical explanation can convey the mystery and wonder of the transformations brought about by fire, or the beauty of fluid metal. There is no doubt that this process, held in great awe and respect in the Ancient World, retains its beauty and fascination even today.