Just added a series of pictures from a recent commission. This commission was part of an extensive basement renovation which included a forged railing, bar foot rail and decorative strapping along the top of the bar. Many thanks to Karen Colburn from West Wind Design Group (www.westwinddesigngroup.ca) for including 180 Forge Works in this exciting project!

Check out the other pictures of this commission in the Gallery of Work.

During my time at the JCC school in North Carolina a few wks ago, we used a piece of equipment called a Treadle Hammer. This is essentially a foot-actuated sledge hammer which leaves both hands free for the chasing & repousse' chisel work on the iron.
Invented in the 1700's (driven mostly because apprentices were demanding an outrageous 5 cents/day!), this specialized piece of equipment just isn't available at Home Depot or Canadian Tire - imagine that!
So what does a blacksmith do? He builds himself one, of course 
Special thanks to my friend Anthony Goodrum from Alabama for his kind & generous support to make this project such a breeze!