Ep.37 – Canadian Blacksmithing with Lynndon Novak

Planet B612

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In this episode, I interview Canadian Blacksmith, Lynndon Novak. Lynndon lives and works out of Winnipeg, Manitoba. He’s a welder, and an artistic blacksmith. We discuss what it takes to be a blacksmith, how to create a cheap forge, how artisans are doing in Canada, and why permanence in art is a beautiful thing.

• (0:01:05) Canadian Blacksmiths and Bladesmiths group
• (0:01:46) Growing up in Manitoba
• (0:02:30) The World of Trades
• (0:03:25) The School for Welding
• (0:04:05) Leaving Tech and entering welding
• (0:05:47) The many facets of welding and metalworking
• (0:06:35) Working at New Flyer bus manufacturer
• (0:08:15) Learning about welding
• (0:09:00) Winnipeg South Tech Welding Program and choosing the right school and program for you
• (0:10:35) The Abstract Blacksmith
• (0:11:48) You don't need to be a big dude to be a blacksmith - Kv Artist Blacksmith
• (0:13:43) GS Tongs
• (0:14:35) Building your own tools - Lynndon's tools and workshop
• (0:17:30) Lynndon’s journey in blacksmithing
• (0:18:45) Cloverdale Forge and Matt Jenkins
• (0:20:00) Making a starter forge without breaking the bank
• (0:23:30) Stepping up your game - Building a more professional forge
• (0:25:58) Fire hazards and safety awareness of building and running your own forge
• (0:27:40) Building my brick propane forge
• (0:28:30) Firebricks!
• (0:29:55) Being a master of heat - the blacksmith wizard and metal magic
• (0:30:40) What metals do you work with? Different metals and their properties
• (0:35:35) Working with reclaimed steel
• (0:36:00) Wootz Bloomery - the origins and history of damascus steel vs todays patterned damascus steel
• (0:38:50) Acid washing and the creation of patterns
• (0:40:35) Swords and knives
• (0:42:58) The dream of permanence in art
• (0:44:52) The appreciation of artistic metalwork in Canada
• (0:48:30) Building a better marketplace
• (0:49:30) Manitoba Blacksmiths Guild and upcoming events
• (0:52:38) Lego! Lego! Lego!
• (0:56:49) Smithlist

Visit The Abstract Blacksmith on FB: https://www.facebook.com/abstractblacksmith/ Follow The Abstract Blacksmith on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abstract_blacksmith/ Visit Smithlist: https://smithlist.ca/

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