Contemporary Work

Sometimes the client wants something more contemporary than the forged work that I typically do. Here is an example of what can be done with alternative materials to solid iron bars.

I have a client who wanted me to build a shelf system to contain a stereo turntable, amplifier, and a few L.P.s. The only conceptual direction at first, was that he wanted something sleek and contemporary, and something that showed bare metals. The client had just purchased a new Ducati motorcycle, so this seemed like a fun direction in which to move. The material choices include aircraft 4130 chrome molybdenum, silicon bronze, and mild steel. Some of the design cues taken from the motorcycle include the trellis frame construction and the pistons from the engine.

I started with the "piston" pieces. These will be little pads for the feet of the amplifier and the turntable to rest on. They came from a piece of bronze tube, that is drilled to accept the 4130 tubing, and cut to length.

Then, the tops are cut from mild steel, and brazed into the parts.

 They are finished, and test fitted to the 4130 tube.

 Next, a fixture is constructed to hold the pads in proper alignment during construction of the frame.

 Then the 4130 tubing is cut, fitted, and joined to complete the framework.

 The tubes are joined by the process of brazing. The steel is heated to the proper temperature for brass to melt and flow into the intersection, forming a strong and beautiful joint.
Next, the frame is taken out of the fixture, and the joints are filed and sanded smooth.

 After final fitting and finishing, the piece is ready for installation.
The turntable has an isolated motor to drive the platter. This required a separate and unique pad to visually isolate it as well.

 The bullet end pieces were added to support the dust cover for the turntable.

 Here is another detail of the turntable base.

 Here is the shelf that holds L.P.s at hand for easy selection.

 This has really been a fun and satisfying project for the client and for myself. It just goes to show that metalwork can be many things, only limited to the imagination!

What is a blacksmith?

A blacksmith is a craftsman who shapes and fabricates objects from iron or steel by the process of forging. Forging simply means heating the material to the point of plasticity, and forming it by hammering it into shape. The term, blacksmith, refers to the color of the material he works with.
I am a blacksmith. I also work with other metals, mostly as accents to the forged steel that I produce. I have applied bronze, copper, stainless steel, even gold leaf to elements of my work, that's why I like the title of "metalsmith".
With this blog, I will attempt to outline some of my methods, share my experiences, describe some of my design philosophy, and discuss past and current projects.
Thanks for looking, and please come back every now and then, I will try to keep it interesting!