About Us
Off The Shelf Products
Specialty/Custom Designs
Standard everyday products
The majority of the products you will see on our website, or market stall if you visit us (see events calendar for details), are made to standard designs and sizes. It must be recognised though, that because of the handcrafted nature of forging process there may well be some minor differences in the finished sizes when compared to those specified on this website; and there will be some variations in the shapes and patterns of the final products.
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Customised designs
"No one size fits all', so they say. Well, because our products are handcrafted, we can adapt most items to your own particular dimensions or even create something to your specific design - subject to certain limitations. See our gallery for examples of work already completed or post an idea on the contacts page, preferably with some dimensions and a drawing or photograph if you would like us to provide a quote for your dream project.
The steel
All our products are handcrafted in the workshop in Wellsford. The steel is either hot or cold forged to the required size and shape and in some cases is welded or riveted together. The steel used is usually mild steel or reinforcing bar (re-bar, or reo); this is normally sourced as new for the mild steel and recycled/re-purposed for the re-bar.
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The timber
For the timber we use a locally sourced pine whenever possible and in keeping with the rustic style most of it is rough-sawn or lightly sanded. We also use dressed pine for some applications and can work with alternative timbers subject to their availability.
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The coatings
Where possible we try to maintain the natural rustic look of the product. However, the reality is that there are situations were it is necessary to apply a coating to protect the steel. In this case we normally heat dry the steel and apply either a clear coat for the maximum natural look or a black spray paint. The timber is normally coated with a clear oil based stain to enhance it's colour and appearance, and to extend it's life.
Hat & coat stands
The Journey so far
The first forge
A spark of an idea
Growing up at home and having access to Dad's workshop I played with bits of wood and steel, and learnt to use tools from an early age. At high school under the inspiration of an engineering teacher's passion for knife making my interest increasingly turned to working steel in the fire to make it do what I wanted.
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A forge and anvil
At 19 and with no money to buy equipment I searched the internet and began to experiment with my own tools and forge. I managed to acquire my great-uncle's English made anvil, some coke from a friend and a 44 gallon drum for a fire pit. With these set up on my parents drive I began by making my own tongs and a few other rough and ready tools
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First products
My first projects included a collection of steel pegs to anchor the concrete edging on the drive way . I then made some experimental draw handles and coat hooks before making a set of climbing spikes for an apprentice arborist friend that are still used today.
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Developing
Needing to have better control of the fire, I went through several revisions of the forge to increase its area and air flow. I eventually moved into one half of my dad's workshop and added a flue and the ability to vary the size of the fire and its heat.