Blacksmithing and the Economy

[Archie Zietman]

Hey guys,
The world economy seems pretty bad right now. I was considering going more full time into ironwork this summer, but the headlines, and current economic situation are making me think otherwise. Maybe things will have cleared up by summer, probably not. So, full or part time blacksmiths: How are you guys doing? Business is slow? Usual? Good? Any change in demand? Those kinda questions. I just want to know what economic climate I'd be jumping into.

be merry,
dress warm,
Archie

[solvarr]

most of the smiths and merchants I know have seen a downturn since the price of gas went up didn't see an upswing when gas went back down.

[HWooldridge]

Yes, it's slowed down a lot but it's not dead. I have a couple things going but overall it is much reduced over the past two years.

[UnicornForge]

I lost track of the number of local smiths either selling some of their stuff and downsizing, as well as those getting out of the business. I guess I should have been paying more attention. The cost of iron, fuel and other consumables around here went increased in cost beyond belief.

Example:
Around year 2000 a 15 foot length of 1/2" by 3" bent into a ring (iron tire), welded and fully finished was about $20.
May 2008 a 20 foot flat length of that steel cost about $60.
Nov 7, 2008 the cost of a 20 foot length of that steel cost $100

[chyancarrek]

Real drop off for me - probably about 70 percent over the last six months.
I'm ok as everything I have is paid off and have very minimal debt but it's hitting a lot of folks real hard. I've recently started working part time with an artist in his studio (bronze sculpture) to make ends meet without hitting the reserves.

Lots of full-timers are calling it quits in these parts too - I've gotten a number of blacksmith auction emails over the last couple months.

It's tough right now - if you've got a steady day-gig, stick with it and let smithing be a sideline - it'll be difficult to drum up enough start up business to make a go of it.

[JosephPrivott]

This has been a particular concern of mine since I m trying earnestly to begin a 'professional' Smithy. Incidentally, in a series of thoughts and conversations around the forum, I've begun to rethink my idea to incorporate welding and/or machining services as a part of it to provide a service diversity cushion of sorts.

A piece of 6" pipe cut 10" long cost me $26 last week (the biggest welding/machine shop in town, and frankly, a bunch of shysters) . That is a scandal, but was my only option at the time.

I've also noticed someone trying to peddle their iron on Ebay recently. The stuff is executed well, and to me, is dirt cheap, but NONE of it has any bids, so unless people are "buy it now"ing, I don't think he's finding it profitable (which is unfortunate, because I had hoped to make a stipend out of the same concept).

I've found a few vendors interested in my products (initially), but things have been dang quiet recently.

I believe my next step is welding certification, as discussed on another thread.....

[BeaverDamForge]

In a related vein, why is the price of steel so high and the price paid for scrap so low right now?

Good Luck!

[Quenchcrack]

Beaver, That steel was made months ago from high priced scrap. Dealers paid a dear price for it and are not likely to drop the price to you until the mill drop the price to the wholesalers. Don't hold your breath.

[solvarr]

Originally Posted by BeaverDamForge

In a related vein, why is the price of steel so high and the price paid for scrap so low right now?

Good Luck!

The price for scrap has dropped because demand dropped.
China stopped buying.
They can't finance their new contruction.

[jimmy seale]

i guess it's good i a wannabe.... good luck to you in your decision,me i'm just trying to keep a job- oilfield on a downword slide at this time too- god help us all,jimmy