hotrodiesel Posted December 16, 2008 Share Posted December 16, 2008 Hi, I have been a farrier for 18 years. I am not sure how much longer I will be able to shoe, so I am starting to do some ornamental blacksmithing. I have lots of experience forging(mainly shoes). Is there much demand for ornamental stuff? Any tips on things that sell, or getting started would be great. Dan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ironrosefarms Posted December 16, 2008 Share Posted December 16, 2008 Welcome fellow Hoosier.. Ornamental is a wide range of things, I have personally not figured out a way to make a living at the forge but others here have. Many of those making a living are also doing some more industrial type stuff such as gates and things. Like many other crafts you have to find your niche. Look forward to seeing you around IFI James Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve Sells Posted December 16, 2008 Share Posted December 16, 2008 More of us from Indiana joining I see, Welcome to IFI. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frosty Posted December 17, 2008 Share Posted December 17, 2008 Welcome aboard Dan, glad to have ya. I think farriers thinking of their knees and backs make up the largest demographic of guys breaking into ornamental ironwork. I know about half a dozen personally and I'm pretty limited geographically. What's going to sell for you and how well you do is an immortal issue with smiths on this list and others. I don't know if what you make will appeal to buyers but I do know you have the most important basic skills necessary for a professional blacksmith. Control, technique and speed. I know there are a number of things I could sell like hotcakes if I could produce them fast enough to make a profit. Anyway, there are quite a few threads on IFI dealing with the business and artistic end of the craft, a few searches should give you plenty of good reading. There are the gallery and BS to peruse too. Pack a lunch and other refreshments, you'll need them. Frosty Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Confederate Forge Posted December 17, 2008 Share Posted December 17, 2008 Hello Dan! Welcome aboard. I know you from the other forums. Not personaly but I have seen you around. This is a wonderful site I am sure you will enjoy it. There are many great ideas and discussions going around here. You do some fine work Dan. That is a fine looking straight bar in your avatar. The people here are very helpful so dont be afraid to speak up. Take care bud! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hotrodiesel Posted December 17, 2008 Author Share Posted December 17, 2008 Thanks for the welcome guys. Yes my back is the main reason for starting this venture. I will always shoe horses just not as many. Confederate forge thanks for the compliment. I have seen you on the wcb site. I have started to do some ornamental stuff. Just easy stuff right now. I am going to try to get the word out about my new venture. Hopefully it will help supplement my income a bit. Dan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ptree Posted December 17, 2008 Share Posted December 17, 2008 Welcome from Floyds Knobs In. You a IBA member? Good satellite groups across Indiana, and a very nice hammer-in at Tipton every year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Confederate Forge Posted December 18, 2008 Share Posted December 18, 2008 Dan, maybe make a few small things and give them to your customers for christmas to get the word out you are making more than horseshoes. A few hoof picks and bottle openers could go a long way. All it takes is for someone to ask your customer where they got that nice hoof pick. Good luck bud. Matthew. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hotrodiesel Posted December 23, 2008 Author Share Posted December 23, 2008 Welcome from Floyds Knobs In. You a IBA member? Good satellite groups across Indiana, and a very nice hammer-in at Tipton every year. Will soon be an IBA memeber, Maybe see you around.:cool: Dan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hotrodiesel Posted December 23, 2008 Author Share Posted December 23, 2008 You do some fine work Dan. That is a fine looking straight bar in your avatar Thanks Matt! And it's a heartbar shoe!:cool: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Confederate Forge Posted December 23, 2008 Share Posted December 23, 2008 You do some fine work Dan. That is a fine looking straight bar in your avatar Thanks Matt! And it's a heartbar shoe!:cool: Dang, I knew that. Dont know why I called it a straight bar:confused:. Nice looking Heartbar! :cool::) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hotrodiesel Posted December 23, 2008 Author Share Posted December 23, 2008 (edited) I'll give you a pass this time. Maybe a closer view will help. 17 1/2"x3/8"x3/4" flat bar Now go make some on your new anvil!!!http://www.iforgeiron.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=10206&stc=1&d=1230014235 Dan Edited December 23, 2008 by hotrodiesel Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hotrodiesel Posted December 23, 2008 Author Share Posted December 23, 2008 Did you get your knife done? Matt Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Confederate Forge Posted December 23, 2008 Share Posted December 23, 2008 Yeah thats the one you made for Todd's contest isnt it? Fine looking shoe. I would make an attempt at a heart bar if I could forge weld. :confused: Yep I got the knife done. I put up pics in the "For my Brother" post here on IFI. It turned out good I think. I will have to get crackin on the forge welding. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hotrodiesel Posted December 23, 2008 Author Share Posted December 23, 2008 I can teach you how to forge weld. It's all in the prep. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hotrodiesel Posted December 23, 2008 Author Share Posted December 23, 2008 (edited) Yeah thats the one you made for Todd's contest isnt it? Fine looking shoe. I would make an attempt at a heart bar if I could forge weld. :confused: Yep I got the knife done. I put up pics in the "For my Brother" post here on IFI. It turned out good I think. I will have to get crackin on the forge welding. Knife looks real good, bud! Come out to my shop anytime, dude. I got the steel and the forges and the anvils and the gas. Edited December 23, 2008 by hotrodiesel Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Confederate Forge Posted December 23, 2008 Share Posted December 23, 2008 Knife looks real good, bud! Come out to my shop anytime, dude. I got the steel and the forges and the anvils and the gas. Thanks Dan. I would love to come work with you sometime. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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