Yesterday and Today

Forging   Forward     Into The       New Century

The National Blacksmith and Weldors Association (NBWA) goes back to 1875 when it was a Horseshoers Association. In 1895 the Horseshoers and Blacksmiths joined together to form one association. From 1898 to 1957 they published the "American Ironsmith" - which for many years was recognized as the "oldest metalsmith publication in the world".

On July 25, 1892, in Cleveland, Ohio, the National Blacksmiths and Weldors Association was chartered. The Association is presently incorporated in the State of Iowa as a non-profit organization. Approximately twenty-five states are represented in its membership - although the largest numbers come from the mid-western states of Iowa, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota and Wisconsin. Each state is represented by one director for each fifteen national members. President, first and second Vice Presidents, newsletter editor and information director are elected from the list of directors. The president appoints his own Secretary-Treasurer to serve with him.

The National Blacksmiths and Weldors Assn., Inc. is not a union, it has no intention to dictate rates or policy to its members. The Association is fraternal in nature - offering friendship, suggestions and a helping hand to fellow craftsmen. Their membership includes craftsmen who are qualified to cut, bend, shape, weld, and repair all metals - "black" iron, aluminum, stainless steel, brass, bronze, cast metals - even the exotic new space-age materials.

The members of the National Blacksmiths and Weldors Association, Inc. are proud of their trade and personal skills - they are Blacksmiths - one of American's elite group.

NBWA Mission Statement

• Organize and offer assistance to state organizations for the advancement of their members with education and guiding measures for the present and future prospects of the trade.
• Unite the members in the bonds of friendship, good fellowship, and mutual understanding.
• Promote the theory and practice of quality and integrity in the pursuit of service to others.
• Encourage capable persons to pursue our vocation.
• And to revere the heritage of our predecessors artistry and inventiveness as an inspiration to our membership, progress yet to be achieved.

The Modern Blacksmith. Isn't that a contradiction?

Absolutely not! The proverb - "By the hammer and hand all arts do stand" sums up a great deal of information concerning the mechanics of today. If we trace any industry or profession back to its origin, we find that both the hammer and hand have had much to do with establishing and maintaining it thru the years. Today's craftsmen have progressed beyond the forge, bellows, and anvil, although these tools are still found in many modern shops today.

The blacksmith trade today is much more than just working with the black iron of our ancestors. Today's craft requires a knowledge of steel strengths, design stresses, drawing and reading of blueprints, the understanding of design and application of hydraulic power. Some common terms used today are: R.P.M., Horse Power, AC-DC., P.S.I., F.P.M., footpounds of torque, B. T. U., AMPS, volts, etc....

The blacksmith of today must have considerable education along many lines of endeavor. He must have a good basic education in mechanics, industrial arts, design, engineering, electricity, business and accounting - plus common sense and a little genius to solve the problems of today's modern blacksmith. First and foremost, he must have the natural aptitude for the trade - and be qualified at the trade.

That sounds good. But where does the blacksmith fit in modern society?

The smith is still a staunch pillar of the community. He contributes much towards his town, not only financially, but serving his community as a truly concerned citizen. Shopmen of today still have a kinship for the land and rural life. They take great pride in the heritage and patriotism of our country.

Blacksmithing is hard, hot, dirty work. A smith has to build up his reputation thru quality work, good service and a public knowledge that he stands back of his work. He can look his customers in the eye and say - "Here it is, I've done my best. Come again - I'll be here to serve you in the future. " His word and reputation are his guarantee. His customers are his friends and neighbors, those whom he has direct contact with in his daily life.

Is the American Blacksmith a vanishing breed? No! Not as long as equipment and machines are made of iron and steel. They will continue to need repairs and replacement parts, requiring the skill of the Smith. There is an ever increasing need for the knowledge and skills of today's craftsman.

The small town repair shop is still the hub of the community as it was in the pioneer days. It may not be the most lucrative occupation but it is highly satisfying. Blacksmithing is not an easy life - it's a real challenge to the strong hearted man - or woman. As the world develops newer, bigger, better fields in aircraft, power generation, automotive, metal working, aerospace, etc., so shall the "smith" of tomorrow advance with it.