Iron at Heltborg

Those interested in iron smelting should take a look at this:

http://www.bjorgvin-handverkslag.net/24936672

This is a team working at the Heltborg Museum in Denmark - I believe under Jens Jørgen Ølsen.

The site includes a short video clip of the extraction and initial compaction of their bloom. They are using wooden tools for this. First is a tool like our own 'Thumper' (a section of 10 cm diameter log). Where we use this inside the smelter to compact in place, here you will see it used in conjunction with a stone anvil. Primarily it is used to strike off the loose 'mother'. Then the action switches to what Mike McCarthy calls a 'Troll Hammer' - a short section of log sent on a long handle. The effect for initial compaction is impressive!