Hey all you Metal-Fabbers … Here’s your September issue of the BARN Metal-Fab newsletter.
Equipment Additions
We don’t have a lot to report this month, but we’ve got a couple of items you may find of interest.
We’ve added two new pieces of equipment in the last month. First is an industrial borescope or endoscope (I prefer the term borescope for some reason … hmm). You’ll find this unit in the bottom drawer directly to the right of the computer in the machine shop. It has a 5-meter cable which connects to an Android or Apple iOS device (a no-cost app is required). The manual includes how to get the app, selecting the end or side camera, light control, and other details. It seems to work well and should provide a clear view of what can’t be viewed directly.
The second piece of equipment is a long-needed portable drill press with a 5”x10” magnetic clamping base. This is a hefty piece of industrial hardware that will handle regular twist drills held with the familiar chuck for holes up to 1/2” or so. For larger holes, the unit has 11 core drills capable of drilling through tough material in diameters from 1/2” to a bit over 1 inch. Larger core drills can be purchased. In order for you to use it, you must first read the manual and be checked out on it. And, it must remain on BARN property.
Handwork 2026
You may be aware that BARN is participating in Handwork 2026, a national program celebrating craft in America. Metal-Fab is participating with two courses, one in the foundry, and another at the forge. The foundry team will be holding the course Handwork in the Foundry: Cast Bronze Bell April 27 – May 1, 2026. Folks will come away from this class with a with a lovely bell they can mount most anywhere.
Yori Seeger will teach a week-long intensive course on forging a woodland hatchet May 4 – 8, 2026. Click on either of those two to get the details. Registration, open now for BARN members, opens to the general public Oct. 3.
Changes in Washington Sales Tax
Beginning Oct. 1, BARN will be required to asses sales tax on all classes. While not monumental, it’s not nothing either. The reason we mention this here is that if you have plans to register for any of the Handwork 2026 classes, you’ll save a bit by doing so no later than Sept. 30.
Ongoing Forge Demos
Yori will be holding monthly forge demonstrations 5 – 6 PM on the fourth Fridays. Our next event is Sept. 26. Please register as it helps us understand interest and tune event exposure.
Until next time, be safe and have fun!
Metal-Fab Lead
Metal-Fab Programming Coordinator
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