Anyone know of a Traditional Blacksmith?

[John Padgett]

I am looking for a traditional blacksmith to make a broad hatchet like the Roy Underhill hatchet in his book. Also need some holdfasts, moulding plane blades and a striking knife. Thanks in advance. John.

[Nancy Laird]

John, there is a blacksmith in Tijeras, NM, just east of Albuquerque. It is Robb Gunter Architectural Metals & the Forgery School of Blacksmithing. His phone number is (505) 281-8080. I believe he is the one we saw demonstrating at the State Fair last weekend, and if so, he does some good work and can do just about anything. Can't hurt to give him a call, even if he is near 2000 miles away.

Nancy (83 days)

[John Goodridge]

Greetings:

There is a website that seems to focus on that community:

http://www.iforgeiron.com

I believe Mr. Strasil here has mentioned it and may have more knowledge of the site. It had a map of various folks. Maybe you can find someone through that site.

Good luck,

John

[Bruce Page]

John, there is a blacksmith in Tijeras, NM, just east of Albuquerque. It is Robb Gunter Architectural Metals & the Forgery School of Blacksmithing. His phone number is (505) 281-8080. I believe he is the one we saw demonstrating at the State Fair last weekend, and if so, he does some good work and can do just about anything. Can't hurt to give him a call, even if he is near 2000 miles away.

Nancy (83 days)

Small world. I sometimes worked with Robb when he was at Sandia labs. He's a very talented artisan.

[Matt Chantry]

This is the main body for blacksmiths in North America, if not world wide.

http://www.abana.org/

M

[harry strasil]

The Axe Head was traditionally made to the customers specs by the Smith, but the handle was made by the customer to their specs, in many old barns on the wall is hanging a thin wood pattern for the handle designs of choice that each person felt most comfortable with. There are many professional and hobbiest smiths in your area that are capable of making you an axe. Just have a full sized drawing for them to work from.

You might also try this. http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.aspx?c=2&p=20129&cat=1,41131,43408&ap=1

I wanted a light bearded coachmakers axe to use occassionaly so I made one.

[Stephen Pereira]

Hi,

Here is a link to a local blacksmith.. does very nice work. Minnesota is kind of far from NC but it is worth taking a look at his work.

http://www.greatriverforge.com/

[harry strasil]

contact these people John. http://www.ncabana.org/

[Randal Stevenson]

contact these people John. http://www.ncabana.org/



????????
:D:rolleyes:


WHAT???? I am suprised that you don't mention what you do (listed as a blacksmith).;)

[harry strasil]

I have been unable to work as a smith or much else since 1/18/06 due to back injury. what little WWing I do in basement shop is limited to 15 min or less of standing time. Frustrating. Also walking any distance is disabling for at least a day or more.

taken me a week to make a shop made air filter from an old window fan and a new finger friendly taper cutting attachment for table saw. Never had an accident with old taper attachment, but due to my weakened pain wracked body, I decided to play it safe.

[Randal Stevenson]

I have been unable to work as a smith or much else since 1/18/06 due to back injury. what little WWing I do in basement shop is limited to 15 min or less of standing time. Frustrating. Also walking any distance is disabling for at least a day or more.

taken me a week to make a shop made air filter from an old window fan and a new finger friendly taper cutting attachment for table saw. Never had an accident with old taper attachment, but due to my weakened pain wracked body, I decided to play it safe.


Sorry to hear that, I learned how back injuries can be. Early last year, I was helping a friend, when I went down into a pile of metal and cut a 24" slash across my back. I couldn't sleep on it for months, and ripped it open a couple of times.

This does explain why I saw you disappear (post less), as your one of the reasons I joined this forum. On the positive side, I bet you have the sharpest tools in the shop.

[Michael Hammers]

Don has classes and also you will see his articles in PW.

http://www.handcraftwoodworks.com/classes.html

[John Padgett]

Thanks for all the input. I emailed Roy Underhill and he directed me to Highland Hardware where he got his. I think I will go that route. Thanks again. John.

[harry strasil]

John, I have 2 broad hatchets in my timber framing tools, one left handed and one right handed, also 2 broad axes, one left one right. FWIW

[John Padgett]

Are any of them for sale?

[harry strasil]

LOL, nope afraid not.