Uncle Duke

Our smithy is known as the ZLV Forge, an abbreviation for Zoning Law Violation, after a recent dispute with a neighbor who questioned what started off as a hobby (when he saw smoke coming from the forge). Our little city has an ordinance that prohibits more than one outbuilding on a single parcel without a zoning variance. With this variance, you may not emit any noxious odors, noise, or smoke from this building. We initially sought to build another shed or storage barn to house my forge, however, when we filed for the permit, we were told that because we had a building on the property, we either were going to be denied, would have to tear down the existing building and store all the yard equipment in the building with the forge, or file for a variance. With the variance, we were permitted to build the building, but got into trouble when I fired up the forge. We have since obtained a variance over the objection of the neighbor, however, we are still identified as the "zoning law violators" and the name ZLV Forge has stuck.

What is my shop worth? From a financial standpoint, about $2000 in raw materials, if you're talking replacement costs. From a scrap metal value, probably a quarter of that. From an emotional/personal value, priceless. I am in the process of setting up my first shop after a divorce four years ago; previously I had space at a friend's shop and had a number of tools that I lost in my divorce. I have a home built coal forge (30" x 24") with a large hood, Dayton blower, with a rheostat. I purchased a 122 Mousehole forge anvil, Columbian post vise, a homemade anvil stand (5/8" plate steel with a 1/2" wall schedule 30 steel pipe), a tool rack, a dozen or so tongs, a couple of French and German cross pein hammers, quench buckets, homemade treadle hammer, and will soon have an open air (enclosed on three sides) shelter (local zoning regs don't allow structures in residential areas to emit noxious fumes, soot, dust, or smoke). I am not a blacksmith by trade, although some days, I think it would be more enjoyable than my 8am-6pm job. I have found that working with metal is very relaxing and much more cost effective than therapy for me after the initial start up costs, is very rewarding (I am making the decorations and various accoutrements for my upcoming wedding and reception), and a lot less dangerous than my job or other hobbies/endeavors.