THE FORT JIM BLACKSMITH SHOP
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BLACKSMITH - a short History.
In the early history of metalworking, a man who formed metal came to be called a "smith". As a man learned to make and use a wide variety of metals, a distinction evolved, based on the color, or type, of metal worked. A "whitesmith" is one who forms the light-colored metals, such as tin, lead and silver - a "blacksmith" works in iron.
In the United States, particularly in the West, the word "blacksmith" evokes the image of a man shoeing a horse, but this was only one role of the blacksmith in the beginnings of the industrial age.
A blacksmith is an iron worker. In his prime, the blacksmith was master of all things mechanical, and was called on to make and repair the tools used for producing food, the equipment for mining and the saws and axes for cutting and milling lumber. He designed and made the metal hardware that held buildings together and made doors swing and wheels turn. Since iron improved the efficiency and useful life of man's means of transportation, the horse, he also shod horses.
Today, blacksmiths still improve our lives, by offering his or her skills in this modern world for decorative and functional ironwork. Blacksmiths that specialize in shoeing horses are known as farriers.
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Lloyd Heller has always been a "hands on" kind of a guy, having run his own construction and heavy equipment businesses, so ornamental blacksmithing was a natural extension of his creative abilities.
Lloyd trained as a Blacksmith under the docent program in Coloma State Park. He has continued working in the craft by building his own forge and blacksmith shop.
Lloyd enjoys creating useful items such as hooks, racks, door handles and hinges, etc. Custom orders are welcome.
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Many of the Blacksmith items are used to help create custom furniture
handcrafted from reclaimed wood by
Millwood Furnishings
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Prices of items below are subject to change.
contact Lloyd for more information.
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All Blacksmith items are individually hand forged over a coal forge.
No two items will look exactly alike since they are all individually made.
Items are designed with a "rustic" appearance, although other finishes are available.
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Butterfly Hinges
Our Butterfly Hinges come in two basic shapes. Each shape can be designed for a flush or offset door. When properly installed, the door can be easily removed and replaced without any tools.
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Miscellaneous hooks, handles and other things.
If you have any questions about our products
or if you need something special contact Lloyd
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ITEMS BELOW ARE FOR DISPLAY ONLY
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| Oak Burl w/ stand |
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| Burl Stand |
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| Oak Burl Art. |
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