Bodgers Blacksmiths & Workshops - New Beginnings

 

The last few years

I'd been advised by my Web Master that Face Book was the way forward for all Craftsmen and I've been following that advice regularly for a while, a few years in fact.  I've now decided that, although FB has it's merits I prefer Blogging.  To me it's more like having a conversation with like minded folks by the fire or in the kitchen or on a woodland amble.  So I've decided to renew my chats to you all here.  I'll keep on FBing and Tweeting but here I can let my ideas ramble on and listen to all your thoughts and opinions - should you decide to share them with me...

Woodland Workshop Idyll

I've made lots of changes - my wonderful Woodland Workshop in the stunning Essex countryside is one.  I do all my Pole Lathe turning here,  three different lathes permanently set up including a bowl turning lathe, with another three all ready should I want a change but those I would say are my travelling lathes.


  

Bowl carving has become a favourite pastime and I've constructed several Bowl Horses to meet all the different sizes and shapes I love to play around with.

Historic Waltham Abbey twixt Epping Forest & Lee Valley Park

Waltham Abbey now has a new workshop.  The old one is long gone to my regret - it was pastoral and quirky but being open to the elements all year round was proving challenging so it was out with the old and in with the new!  This one is fully insulated, double glazed, electric lights and made from about 90% reclaimed and scavenged materials including the roof which I was delighted about.  It means that work can be continued all year round.  It's roomy with a big workbench, Pole Lathe, Shave Horse, Chopping Blocks, all the hand tools cupboards and shelves I could possibly desire.  There is one difference it also has a power lathe - more about this another time...

 

 

Blacksmithing Conundrum

The Blacksmiths Forge is another little project that's on a bit of a back burner at present.  It was built on my Woodland Field and is fully equipped with a forge, believe it or not, lovely big anvil and plenty of tools.  I've realised though I'm not a metal worker, it's just not my forte.  I decided that I'd have to let others use their magic with fire to make wonderful knives, axes and chisels and I'll put them through their paces to make beautiful things from wood.  So today it's standing unused in a quiet corner surrounded by oak, ash and blackthorn quietly waiting for a smith to awaken it's dormancy and put fire in it's heart and start making things...