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Cast Iron Cookware – Is it Really a Health Risk

I’m sure you’ve all heard the rumor that cast iron can leak particles of iron into your food, and if you haven’t, I’m going to tell you about it right now. A lot of people have turned away from cast iron cookware in fear that they may be getting iron forced into their system through the meals they fix. People freak out when they hear that metal is being put in their food and quickly buy the first glass pan they can find. You’d probably like me to say next that this is all a lie and that cast iron leaks nothing at all…but then I’d be lying to you.

The great news is that iron is actually good for you! In fact, your body needs iron to produce red blood cells which your body uses to transport oxygen. A lot of people have iron deficiencies, so cooking with cast iron can actually help their bodies function better, not worse. Women who are about to enter menopause may find this quite helpful as their diets usually don’t contain enough of the iron they need. Overall, a little bit of metal may not be that bad.

Iron can be dangerous though for people who have an overabundance of it in their systems. Too much iron can increase a person’s risk of heart disease, increased aging, or even cancer. People who eat a lot of red meat, dried fruit, nuts, or greens may already have a sufficient amount of iron in their bodies. Anyone who has been diagnosed or may be diagnosed with iron overload disease (hemochromatosis) should probably avoid cast iron cookware or use it only in moderation.

You can see why people are a little scared of cast iron cookware. For some it can be great, but for others it can be quite dangerous. So why use cast iron cookware at all? It’s better to be safe than sorry, right? Though this may be true, by eliminating cast iron from your kitchen, you are missing out on some of the most durable and everlasting cookware on the market. Investing in a good cast iron pan is sometimes pricey, but they last forever.

Another way to get the benefits of cast iron cookware while minimizing any issues regarding iron leakage is to choose enameled cast iron. The enamel coating on quality cast iron completely encapsulates that cast iron essentially eliminating the iron contact with your food. But the heat distribution and retention characteristics are totally retained. .

If you choose to use the traditional cast iron, the trick to staying healthy and still eating well is in the seasoning of the iron. You’ll want to choose a piece of cookware that has a pretty smooth surface with few divots or chips in them (you might be surprise at what you can find at garage sales). The smoother the surface, the easier it will be to season and the longer it will last. The oil layer on the outside of the pan will help reduce some of the iron emitted and will also protect the integrity of the piece.

Unless you know that you have too much iron in your system, you should have no reason to worry about cast iron cookware. If you’re still worried about using cast iron, use the enamel alternative which is just as versatile and is available in an array of designer colors.

Cast iron may not be for every occasion but is one of the more versatile options for the kitchen. You should have one or two pieces in yours.

An A8 crucible of cast iron

An A8 crucible of cast iron

There Is So Much More To Find Out On Cast Iron Radiator

Have you ever obtained a cast iron radiator in your house? We all want to dwell in a brand new house, with new fittings, however unfortunately that’s just not possible. So, in your house you can still be utilizing a cast iron radiator, although they are now not being laid out in new buildings. In your personal safety it’s a great idea to know a couple of information about the way you cast iron radiator works and what can go wrong.

The basic design of a cast iron radiator is mainly unchanged as it was launched nearly two hundred years ago. Heated water from a supply similar to a boiler passes through tubes or fins within the radiator that is manufactured from cast iron. The forged iron fins of the radiator soak up warmth from the hot water passing by it. Cast iron is used in the radiator as it includes a high warmth retention capability, that means it’ll keep warm. So, as the hot water passes by way of the cast iron radiator it should slowly warmth up, that heat is then dissipated slowly, warming the room or other area.

When cast iron radiators were first introduced cast iron was a very common metal, though it is not so much in use in the present day, as new materials have surpassed the advantages of cast iron in areas similar to warmth retention and strength. However, if you stay in an older home your radiator will most certainly still be made of cast iron.

Cast iron radiators are preferable for many individuals as there isn’t any shifting air inside the system. Heating systems that employ using transferring air can have an effect on people who endure from allergy symptoms or skin problems negatively. For this reason many people choose cast iron radiators to fashionable designs.

The scale and quantity of fins or tubes of the cast iron radiator will decide how rapidly and effectively it may warm an area. The size of the cast iron radiator and the number of tubes is included determines the surface space of heated cast iron exposed to the area. The bigger the radiator the more floor area there’s to warmth the air around the cast iron radiator and therefore the room. That is why in larger rooms, like colleges, you will typically find a bigger cast iron radiator than you would in rooms in your home.

Since there are little or no moving components on a cast iron radiator there’s little or no that may break, or go incorrect with them, though when you have ever lived having a cast iron radiator you’ll know some might be noisy! Which means that they require little upkeep, though age can be a figuring factor and an older cast iron radiator might give you trouble.

As with anything in the house that produces heat, care have to be exercised and safety precautions taken. Though a cast iron radiator will not burn you if touched, a protracted interval of contact with the cast iron radiator fins may undoubtedly end in a burn. So, if you have kids or pets make sure they are being monitored if they’re in a room where there’s a cast iron radiator.

Create a fresh identity for your home with Cast Iron Gutters

Give your home a new identity and presence with Cast Iron Gutters. It is a strong and a durable metal that is absolutely easy to maintain. It lasts long and you will not have to worry about changing your gutters after every few years. Although guttering is not a very attractive thing but if you select the cast iron once then your home is sure to look good and have a beautiful exterior for a long time.

The cast iron gutters go well with traditional homes. The gutters serve a good functional purpose and are easy to maintain. These recyclable and eco-friendly things help you to save time and a lot of money. These gutters have an external sheen and add a touch of elegance to your house. They are extremely useful and are the perfect solution in your home for draining away the dirt. The best aspect of cast iron gutters is that they don’t create any noise if they are properly installed.

Maintenance of the cast iron gutters is very easy. By cleaning the mat regularly you will be able to maintain your gutters without any hassles. Always try to ensure that there is no sedimentation forming in the gutters, because that can be an unwanted situation for you. Both in terms of durability and reliability, these cast iron ones are always the best for your home. Even in harsh weather conditions your gutters will be absolutely perfect. The most excellent part of having cast iron guttering in your home is that you can paint on them depending on your own choice.

Those with country houses in idyllic settings can also opt for the cast iron gutters. When you think of the metal cast iron, the first thing which comes to your mind is sophisticated chairs and tables set out on a patio. We all know that guttering is not one of the most appealing features to a house. But with your choice of cast iron gutters you are surely going to change your view regarding gutters made of cast iron. This metal brings pure style and elegance to the appearance of your house. If you are planning to go for these gutters then you should know that they are extremely affordable and economical.

It goes without saying that before considering of buying cast iron gutters the primary elements to consider is performance and enhanced visual appeal. These gutters are durable as well as aesthetically pleasing hence it is a popular choice for many people who have an old fashioned country house. The visual appeal of these gutters is quite impressive and you can surely boast about it. In terms of performance it can adapt to any kind of weather and provide the same level of efficiency.

This form of gutter has an exceptional performance level and hence it has been popular for a long time. With cast iron gutters you will be able to give a new look to your house. So make a wise choice and get cast iron guttering done for your home so that it serves your purpose and save you all hassle.

More Cast Iron Metal Articles

Why You Should Use A Cast Iron Skilet

If you happen to be like most home owners then you almost certainly take pride inside your kitchen area. The kitchen ceased for being just a room in which foods is ready or cooked. These days, the cooking area is also a place exactly where a loved ones can gather and invest high quality time jointly. Some homeowners even entertain their guests in the kitchen area. Regardless of whether you’ve just moved in to a new household or you merely want to create more than your kitchen area, it is significant that you simply get the greatest cookware for your kitchen. A cast iron skillet should be part of this cookware. Following all, your kitchen must not just be about appearances. You also need the very best utensils in order to create the greatest food. In spite of all the new and high-tech cookware that is making their way to the market, several old-fashioned cooks and housekeepers still prefer the classic cast iron skillet. Locate out why by reading this write-up.

Numerous people favor cast iron mainly because of its capability to heat up evenly. If you’ve been applying aluminum or stainless steel pans inside your cooking area until now, then you definitely most likely know the difficulties that come along with it. 1 of these complications happens when the frying pan doesn’t obtain even heat even when you happen to be placing it on the fire. As a result, the foods you prepare on that pan has undercooked components and overcooked parts towards the point of burning. With a cast metal skillet, you will not have to be concerned about this problem anymore. A skillet or frying pan which is produced of pure cast iron is recognized for getting in a position to distribute heat throughout its surface in equal amounts. This means that whatever you prepare within the skillet will receive the equivalent temperature, resulting inside a a lot more delicious dish.

As you possibly know, iron is definitely an essential mineral that we should present for our bodies to make sure optimum well being. Did you realize that merely making use of a cast metal skillet to prepare your foods enables some from the iron around the skillet to mix with the food? If you are raising your eyebrows and wondering if that is an appetizing idea, then you need to know that the quantity of iron that mixes using the meals is practically invisible and can’t even be detected by taste. Despite this actuality, you need to still load up on iron supplements considering that the iron your skillet gives barely meets the daily metal specifications within your body.

For all of the benefits that an iron skillet can supply you, you would believe that it can set you back hundreds of bucks. You will be astonished to realize that it is in fact 1 from the most affordable kitchen area resources that you just can purchase. In case you like to watch the Television purchasing network or shop in your nearest household appliance shop, you most likely arrive throughout new cookware that boasts the latest technology that promises to create your boiling simpler and your foods tastier. Even so, these hi-tech pans and skillets come at a cost. When you go for a cast metal skillet, you’ll be obtaining a fantastic offer. For half the value of other skillets, you’ll be able to own a pure metal skillet that can stand the check of time, can cook your foods better and can even give your foods the minerals it requirements.

Lucas Avery has written articles on a wide selection of niches for a lot of various sites. Even though Avery focuses primarily on house improvement and health and fitness, he also specializes on 12 inch nontick skillet which assesses the best farberware 12 inch skillet.

Good Housekeeping Research Institute tests celebrity-brand cookware. For more great videos check out: www.goodhousekeeping.com More from the World of Good Housekeeping: www.goodhousekeeping.com Subscribe to Good Housekeeping: subscribe.hearstmags.com -
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How To Care For A Polished Cast Iron Radiator

When choosing a traditional cast iron radiator one of the most beautiful and traditional finishes is the hand polished choice. ” When choosing a hand polished finish for your cast iron radiators it is always best to make sure the technique used to polish the radiator is performed mainly by hand, the old fashioned way, to ensure a smooth unscratched finish” Helen Proctor Paladin Radiators.

Basically for the hand polished finish the cast iron as a metal is polished to a high sheen and should incorporate using the old technique of hand polishing as machines can be harsh on the cast iron which results in losing some of the beauty of the natural cast iron and to ensure that the ornate raised decorative radiator detail is not flattened or damaged. The hand polishing technique offers more accents to the detail on an ornate radiator and creates a fantastic natural finish for any cast iron radiator style.

The hand polishing process reveals and polishes the original cast iron surface, polishing the radiator down to the bare metal. It is a particularly beautiful finish however the bare metal is exposed to the air and so therefore the radiator will require some minimal attention to care to eliminate rust spots occurring due to moisture in the air. The best way to maintain the beauty of a hand polished radiator and keep the shine on the natural cast is to create a barrier from the air and moisture. It is advised to achieve this to apply an oil based barrier to the surface of the radiator. Every 6 to 8 weeks, take a soft polishing cloth, lightly sprayed with WD40 and dust your radiator on all polished areas, this will ensure your polished radiator remains rust free and buffs to the original shine. Baby Oil or Linseed Oil may also be used as an alternative to WD40, as these oils acts in the same way as WD40. It is advised to apply the oil based barrier once every 6 to 8 weeks, as over time, people and household pets touch or brush against the radiator, this causes the oil layer to be thinned leaving the bare metal to become exposed to air and moisture.

If rusting has occurred, don’t panic! The easiest way to remove light rust patches is to take a soft dry cloth lightly sprayed with oil and simply buff out the rust. Please note to use a soft cloth, as a scourer or cloth with a harsh surface will scratch the bare metal surface giving an unsightly finish once buffed. The cloth must also be dry as adding moisture to the cloth will result in rust occurring.

The traditional method of hand polishing polishes the sides, top and front of the cast iron radiator, basically these areas that are seen and are easily accessible for cleaning. The back of the radiator is not polished as the back of the radiator is difficult to reach once installed and the back is also difficult to reach for cleaning and rust prevention.

The hand polished finish does require a small amount of regular maintenance to maintain the polished look to its best but it is stunning choice of finish and really shows the cast iron radiator to its best advantage. A natural and beautiful finish that is certainly worth the effort.

How To Lift And Carry A Cast Iron Radiator

Many people have purchased a quantity of cast iron radiators on the internet and are surprised when 1.5 tons of metal arrive at their door requiring much strength to lift and place into position, especially when stairs are involved.

Cast Iron Radiators are much heavier than modern steel radiators and care should be taken when moving a cast iron radiator. Cast Iron Radiators are often delivered strapped onto a pallet as a pallet supports the full length of a radiator. It is advisable to have sufficient help when receiving cast iron radiators to ensure that the radiators are handled correctly into the position required.

Reputable dealer’s custom build all cast iron radiators to a length depending on how many sections are required to heat individual rooms effectively. Each section is carefully put together the old fashioned way tightened by hand with a gasket between each section creating a water tight seal. Each radiator is pressure tested before delivery ensuring the radiator is water tight. A common cause of leakage from a radiator is too much strain being placed on the gaskets when a radiator is being moved incorrectly. Cast iron radiators must be carried in an upright position at all times so no strain is put on the gaskets. Carrying the radiators flat (horizontally) or dragging the radiator will put too much strain on the gaskets causing them to become weakened and thus subsequently leak. This is a problem especially if your radiator is particularly long and heavy.

Please take care when lifting cast iron radiators as cast iron is heavy, a cast iron radiator can weigh anywhere between 20kg to 400kg. Always follow the correct HSE lifting guidelines. Bend at your knees and lift with your legs and arms rather than bending over with your back. Never attempt to lift a cast iron radiator on your own or be tempted to drag the radiator across the floor surface into position for plumbing.

The best and safest way to manage carrying a cast iron radiator upright (vertically) is to use two short pieces of wood or metal bars with dimensions of 20mm x 50mm x 250mm. These pieces of wood or metal bars will make good handles when inserted between the last two sections at either end of the radiator.

A help sheet on how to carry and lift traditional radiators should be provided by reputable dealers upon ordering your radiators and this should be handed over to all those handling the delivery and installing the radiators.

If cast iron radiators are carried correctly, no leakages should occur allowing you to enjoy the benefits and beauty of owning a cast iron radiator without any stress.

Cast Iron Skillets — Cooking Advantages With Traditional Cookware

Not all good things come with a hefty price tag! Whichis very apt when we talk about the cast iron skillets.  Often quality skillets can be found discarded at a swap meet or garage sale.  And you can find new products at good retailers both on line and at the local mall.  However, these new products can have a hefty price associated with them.

You can buy expensive modern cookware made of lighter metals and alloys, but the advantages of cast iron are uniques compared to other cookware. Be it durability, versitility, heat distribution or heat retention, cast iron cookware is definitely the best choice for some applications.

Although it sounds old fashioned, cast iron skillets and Dutch ovens are important kitchen tools. Some of the advantages of using cast iron are as follows:

? Even Distribution of Heat
One of the advantages of using a cast iron is that, while it may take a bit longer to get up to temperature, when it reached the desired temperature the heat is evenly distributed throughout the entire utensil. Also, once heated, it retains heat for some time unlike aluminum and other cookware metals. Cooking in a cast iron skillet or pans would great choices for braising or browning, would provide constant temperature for soups, stews or thick sauces and would be superb for recipes that mix vegetables with roasts for slower cooking. The results would also be tastier meals.

? Durable and long lasting
The durability of cast iron skillets and cookware is yet another advantage. Cast iron cookware has been known to be passed down from generation to generation. With proper care, it will continue to perform well for many more decades. Newer versions include enamel coated cast iron which has the same durability but adds fashion colors along with different shapes and sizes.

? Easy maintenance.
In contrast to general belief, cast iron skillet is fairly easy to maintain. Reconditioning can be done in your oven. After heating to a high temperature for several hours followed by cleaning with baking powder or other biodegradable scrubbing powder, rinse thoroughly and then apply a coating of fat or oil on the surface and allow the oil to fill in the porous surface of the pan. After each use, apply a thin coat of oil to the clean surface. This will create a barrier for protecting the surface.

? Non-stick properties
While aged and conditioned cast iron is not truly non-stick, traditional cast iron does obtain a sheen and finish that has characteristics similar to non-stick.

? Wide variety
Cast iron skillets are available in many types. You can find different sizes of frying pan, griddles, Dutch ovens and roasting pans. The enamel alternatives add an array of colors as well. The versatility of this cookware is unmatched by any other style. Roasting, stewing, grilling and baking are just some of the options possible. Since cast iron can go from stove to oven to table to refrigerator with no special handling needed, you are limited only by imagination

? Health Benefits.
Cooking in cast iron adds marginal amounts of iron into the food. For most people this is a positive result. When compared to some other alternatives, according to many reports, cast iron is a safer alternative.

? Cheap and affordable price.
While it may be possible to find traditional cast iron cookware that is pretty inexpensive, newer versions are no longer really cheap option. Enamel cookware can be expensive as demonstrated by Le Creseut and Lodge. There are other quality brands that are not quite as expensive such as <a rel=”nofollow” onclick=”javascript:_gaq.push(['_trackPageview', '/outgoing/article_exit_link']);” href=”http://www.yoursmartkitchen.com/store-categories-Cast-Iron_3242608.html”Chasseur</a> a French manufacture or Color Cast a US producer.

Even though there are multiple benefits of using cast iron skillets, there is one common myth, which needs to be resolved. The myth that says do not use soap to clean your cast iron cookware at it can damage or corrode it, but this is not the case. A mild antibacterial soap and baking soda can be used to clean your cast iron cookware easily.

The effectiveness of cast iron cookware is surely going to continue far into the future. New metals and engineering will continue evolve and cookware will change but cast iron will remain a mainstay in kitchens well into the future no matter what new alternatives are developed.

How To Year or so Cast Iron Kitchenware

Why period your cast metal? Well, the point of applying a cast metal pan or skillet is to have a cooking surface area that heats evenly and doesn’t induce food to stick to it during the cooking course of action. Seasoning your cast iron kitchenware is heading to make this probable.

Seasoning a cast metal pan is a scientific course of action. It’s a whole lot like blacksmithing: The mix of heat and metal, treated in particular approaches, improves the good quality of the last product. Cast metal pans are reasonably uncomplicated and pretty common products, so the system shouldn’t deviate overly very much from what I’m about to describe.

Initial of all, when you purchase cast iron cookware, evade something but a solid piece of cast iron. You don’t want everything that screws on, nor do you want any wood fixtures or strange coatings. Just 100 percent cast iron! When you have selected your cookware, also make certain that you have food grade peanut or coconut essential oil, and a roll of paper towels. You might have examine that lard or animal extra fat is proper for the task, but that’s incorrect. You want a challenging layer of curing, not the soft layer that animal body fat gives you! Eliminate all the labels on the pan, scrub it by hand (never ever use a dishwasher on your cast iron) to get any glues off, and allow it to air dry fully. Never ever year or so a wet pan!

Now lightly coat the complete inside of your pan. I are unable to anxiety this more than enough: Only use a light coat of oil! Employing as well very much oil is not only a waste, but will enhance the quantity of essential oil that demands to be burnt away, hence disrupting the seasoning practice. Fit out a piece of aluminum foil (a small bigger than the key system of the pan) on a counter finest that you can spare for a couple of days. Flip the pan throughout (deal with-down, with the bottom of the pan pointed at the sky) so that the essential oil and gradually run and dry more than the training of the following 36 hrs to 48 hrs. At the end of that period, take the pan off the foil and study it, but do not touch the cooking surface area! If you see any spots that are still liquid, lightly blot them. The pan will need to now be all set to season.

Arranged your oven to 500 degrees (Fahrenheit of training course) and cut out a different strip of aluminum foil, the very same size as final time. Set that foil on the shelf of your oven, and place the pan encounter down (bottom of the pan after once again pointed at the sky) on very best of it. Some persons say that you can do this course of action at reduced temperatures… but that isn’t science. Science says that you want about 500 degrees in order to thoroughly burn the essential oil to the pan. Leave the pan in the throughout for a complete hour. If you’re doing several pieces at once, leave them in for an additional 5 minutes or so.

Following you’ve started out the pan baking, bear in mind this crucial action: Turn on just about every vent and open every single kitchen window that you can! This course of action can be smoky, to say the least! Right ventilation is a have got to. Of program, be conscious of fire hazards at all times, and be ready to deal with them!

When time is up, remove the cookware from the oven with your very best oven gloves; it’s proceeding to be very warm. Enable it to trendy on the stove prime, then investigate the surface area. Now, due to the fact you implemented excellent oils at higher heats, you should see some darkening or blackening of the pan. If you aren’t pleased, apply a rather light coat of essential oil, and year or so it in the oven for a further 60 minutes at 500 degrees. Due to the fact you allowed it to neat initial, and you’re employing such a light layer of essential oil, this will need to be no predicament for the pan (no demand to let the oil get tacky for a couple of days on the second run). Either way, when you’re pleased, allow for it to awesome to room temperature. Under no circumstances use normal water to cool your cast iron pan, as it will undo all the tricky perform you’ve just performed!

On that note, some guidelines for caring for your seasoned cast metal:

* Cleanse cast iron though it’s incredibly hot. If you desire to use h2o to clear it, use only warm normal water, and normally fresh by hand – no dishwashers!

* A lot of the time, you’ve fried something oily in the pan, and you can merely use a paper towel to softly wipe the pan clean up.

* If you have to scrub (shame on you for utilizing too very much heat or not good enough essential oil!), use a bamboo or stiff fiber brush to steer clear of damaging the cured surface. No wire, no steel wool! You can use modern day soaps, but no ‘traditional’ soaps with harsh chemicals in them. And consider: Sizzling drinking water (use rubber gloves if it’s as well sexy for you) when you wash your cast iron!

* In time, soon after you use your cast metal adequate, you’ll see it blacken. This coating is magnificent, much better than any commercial coating out there. You’ll require to use much less and much less essential oil, and caring for the pan will turn into better and much easier.

Benefits Of Using Cast Iron Cookware

Cast iron cookware has been used for centuries to cook meals, wash clothes and as wall ornaments in a home. The benefits of using cast iron cookware are truly evident to people who love the outdoors because cast iron cookware holds up well when exposed to all weather elements. Any rust that forms is easily removed and the strong metal surface is often not affected by any type of cooking temperatures.

Most people love cooking with cast iron cookware because of the resilient cast iron metal promotes even heat distribution. Some people enjoy cooking with cast iron cookware because it can be used inside the oven and can withstand a variety of heating levels without causing damage to the shape of the cooking pan. Cast iron cookware is also liked because it travels well and can produce many edible items.

The various shapes of cast iron cookware allow people to bake, boil and roast foods without fear that any foods will be over cooked. Cast iron cookware shortens the cooking process and allows cooks to utilize the interior space of an oven more effectively because cast iron cookware sets are manufactured for this purpose.

Many people enjoy cooking cornbread in large cast iron skillets because the corn meal browns evenly on top and on the bottom. There are many styles of corn bread that can be cooked at one time and this is especially helpful if a family prefers to eat wedges of cornbread for an evening meal and sconces for an afternoon snack. The pre-shaped forms for sconces allow cooks to provide elegant morsels for guest at a dinner party.

Cooks truly appreciate the benefits of using cast iron cookware when it is time to clean up after dinner. Even the hardest baked on foods can be easily removed with a limited amount of soaking. Maintaining a smooth interior surface in a cast iron pan can be accomplished with a steel wool pad. Many cooks have learned through years of use that cleaning all surfaces of cast iron cookware will render better results if a consistent circular motion is used on the cooking surface.

Cast iron cookware maintains a pitch black metal surface at all times. Since cast iron is prone to rusting, cooks have found that oil will keep rust from forming. Any type of oil can be used on cast iron cookware and many cooks will choose to store cast iron cookware with a rich layer of oil on it so that it will be ready for use each day. Cast iron cookware is a good value for the money because it will last for many years and many cast iron pieces have been passed on to many generations of families.

First Cast Iron Pour Event to launch Metal Monkeys on Sunday 31st May 2009 at The Kiln,Badshot Lea Village Hall, St Georges Rd, Badshot Lea, Farnham. Metal Monkeys involved the community in their first public iron pour and launched the group with a grant from the Lottery distributer Awards for All. Metal Monkeys worked with two local schools and arts organisation Creative Response, who work with vulnerable people. As well as enabling people to see the spectacle of an iron pour there was a storytelling workshop, facepainting and Hog roast/BBQ to celebrate newly created art works and collaboration! Iron Monkeys a professional development workshop for the group also took place from 18th to 24th May 2009, funded by the National Lottery through Arts Council England. This enabled Metal Monkeys to learn about a continous pour cupola furnace under the instruction of Professor Daniel Hunt from Kansas State University, USA. Metal Monkeys have built one of only a handfull of continuous pour furnaces in the UK, the exciting advantage of this type of furnace being the production of multiple art works and artist collaboration. Iron Monkeys has enabled the production of new art which was on show as part of Surrey Artists Open Studio Event in June 2009. Metal Monkeys also hosted a workshop for 12 artists from 25th to 30th May.