vernonia’s
voice craftsmen
april
2008
15
Forging a New Life (cont.)
those who have an appreciation for beautiful crafts-
manship, what you purchase should last a lifetime.
the best way to get started is to attend a conference or school, then
practice, read, and practice some more.”
“For the most part, ninety-nine percent of the time,”
says Wolfgang, “it is custom work, not fabrication.
Fabrication is taking pieces off the shelf and putting
them together. Custom work takes raw material to
make the parts. There are lots of fabricators, but not
many blacksmiths.”
“Conferences are being attended more and more by young people
and women of all ages. The power hammer has leveled the playing
field; no longer do you need to be a burly giant to be a successful
blacksmith,” explained Wolfgang.
“There are more and more people coming into the trade
which nearly died out in the 60’s,” said Wolfgang. He
attributes its survival to the back-to-nature era of the
late 60’s and early 70’s. “It’s getting increasingly dif-
ficult to do an apprenticeship due to the labor laws.
Since no license is required for blacksmiths in the U.S.,
The Smith’s Wife
Wolfgang’s wife Dianne manages another part of the business.
Her commute is about two seconds. She too loves the life and had
always dreamed of working from home. For the last five years she
has enjoyed just that. “I can work and be home with my ‘kids’”
says Dianne. Dianne and Wolfgang have three stunning Rottweil-
ers (Atilla, Rommel and Ivan).
One of Wolfgang Forge’s customers, Rejuvenation Hardware in
Portland, came to him with a project some years ago. They asked
if he could make their brass cabinetry hardware look old. In no
time, Wolfgang developed a process to produce antique looking
finishes for cabinet hardware. In no time, the business grew so
much that Wolfgang could not keep up with the orders and his custom work, so Dianne took over this area.
Today Dianne is working with top-of-the-line hardware customers – Chown Hardware, Rejuvenation Hardware
and The Joinery – as well as managing and processing online orders.
“To age the hardware is a five-step process, and
then there’s the packaging and delivering,” says
Dianne. “Orders just keep coming in…I can
barely keep up with it, but I love it!”
To learn more about Wolfgang Forge, or to place
an online order, go to www.wolfgangforge.com
or call (503) 429-7342.
Pictured at left: One of serveral styles of cabinet
hardware Dianne sells through local hardware stores
and on their website. Quantity discounts available.
Save the Date!
KUPL Fishing With Dad
June 14, 2008
Times
5:30am
8:15am
9:15am
9:45am
6:15pm
7:15pm
7:45pm
Vernonia Jazzercise
at the Vernonia Grange Hall
375 North Street
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T
W
Th
F
J
PT
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PT
J
“My brother Sporty gots
the best GUN SHOP in the county...
Come on down and check ‘er out.”
Hunting, Fishing & Camping
New & Used
Buy, Sell, Trade & Consignment
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J
PT
J*
PT
J*
PT
J
EX
J*
PT
J
EX
*Childcare Available at these classes
J=Jazzercise, PT=Personal Touch, EX=Express
Please call for an appointment (503)429-0196
SPORTY’S
The friendliest outdoor store around!
275 West Columbia River Highway
Clastkanie • 503-728-2712