Silver Spider Forge

Hand-forged Iron Pieces — Tools of all sorts

Commissioned Ironwork - Click for details Coffee Table with Glass Top Plant Hangers - custom made for Geiger's Trails End	Wallhanging created for the Grand Rapids Area Library Foundation Art Auction Sconce — Click for details Knife — Click for details Manuel works a piece of steel. Click for details
Leaf Tool and Leaf Hammer handmade by Manuel	5/8" Beading Swage handmade by Manuel

In the 20-some years I have been working iron and steel, I have come to learn quite a bit about the forming and working of metals. I haven't always documented the work and the processes, however so many others have joined in the re-awakening of the craft it didn't seem something absolutely necessary to me - I was too busy doing.
Now it is Fall of 2008. I have over the past couple of years been confronted with a number of issues not the least of which is health and my ability to hold a hammer for extended periods of time due to arthritis setting in (it runs in my family).
But arthritis aside, I only do blacksmithing for my personal household or project needs now-a-days. I would gladly be using a propane forge (which would afford me peace of mind and relieve my concerns about environmental degradation) the additional expense is a heavy consideration at this time.
Now before anyone jumps on me about 'environmental degradation', let me say this: I am and have been for all practical purposes, a Pagan, in my basic belief system. I am an ordained minister, but I left Christianity due to my coming to understand what the Universe had in mind for me... Some folks walk their daily life with no concern except the weekend trip or whatever to their place of worship. The Universe saw fit to put me and my mate of 21 years (the wonderful woman who used to sign her pages here as 'Spiderwoman') on 40 acres of the most beautiful land I could ever hope to be the caretaker of... And now it is coming clearer every day what we have always suspected, the effects of human action on the face of this planet is taking a great toll of the nature that supports us. And I am face to face with this every day. This is not just a matter of climate change it is a matter of how human beings in their daily lives walk upon the face of this planet. For those that haven't stopped and thought about the impact of it, this is the ONLY home known to us, as a species and as a whole. We are not only having an effect upon ourselves we are effecting a change for all living beings, whether they crawl, walk, fly or swim... or just exist. I have recently undertaken the building of an electric vehicle, not just because of gas prices, or economy,.. but because I want to walk gentler upon the Mother Planet we inhabit.
You who may be considering blacksmithing, think on this... if you can use Natural gas or propane, please do so! Consider charcoal as an alternative to coal... (it is healthier besides! I can attest to that.) And consider that the materials you are making though sometimes for decor or just to know that your hands can wright a piece of art of mechanical form, came from a very special place! Just because iron is one of the most plentiful substances in the known universe, doesn't mean you should WASTE IT. Recycle your scrap. Reuse it! Burned iron can be re-worked... it is after all still iron! And if coal is your choice consider CHANGING YOUR CHOICE. And it isn't that I am arguing with anyone. These are the feelings of this persons heart. I happen to think this is a pretty nice planet, and it can be restored to a VERY nice planet. I cannot in all good conscience continue smithing commercially in a world that is screaming out for help to save the planet from US. Respectfully yours, Manuel Colunga-Hernandez Silver Spider Forge