Josiah Powell (@bifrost_forge)
Welcome to this week's #benchmarkspotlight (formerly the #weldershowcase) - we had the opportunity to sit down with Josiah from @bifrost_forge and talk a little shop.
If you would like to be featured in our weekly spotlight (100% FREE) and have a chance at winning one of our Grinder Hoods please send us an email to leo.benchmarkabrasives@gmail.com to get you scheduled in an upcoming week. And for those of you that take the time to share your story with us, we'd be happy to provide a free BA banner. These spotlights are intended to highlight your skill, your business, and your tips and tricks. Most of all it's to have a little fun!
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Name: Josiah Powell
Business Name: Bifrost Forge LLC
Location: Delaware OH
Specialties: Mostly household goods and sculpture
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Tell us about yourself - what inspired you to get into your trade? And how long? When I was a kid my mom took us to a lot of historical places the had blacksmiths and I was always fascinated by it. About 4 years ago I took a class and then everything took off from there.
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What keeps you motivated throughout the day? Learning and exploring new things. Sounds kinda cliche but that’s what I love most about the art. |
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What is your favorite shop tool and why? my favorite tool is probably my flypress. I had it imported from England and I just love the feeling of using it and knowing it’s a piece of history that I am using. |
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What's your favorite piece that you've worked on?
My floral sculpture |
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If you could have any job as it relates to question 1 what would it be and what would you do with that? I would love to be a full-time blacksmith. My goal is to get a large enough shop where I can work on large materials and make big sculptures. |
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What BA product is your favorite and why?
I really like the belts. I use them constantly for all types of grinding and polishing. They hold up well and work great.
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What BA product surprised you in terms of quality - what about it set it apart from the competition?
I think the belts, I also like the flap wheels a lot, they seem to last longer than other brands I have used.
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What tips and tricks do you have for us that might be different or eye opening for others to try with BA product?
Using the correct speed for the belt and material you are working on can help the belts last longer. This was a hammer polished using the buffing kit.
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If there was one person you could collaborate with - who would it be and why?
Probably Michael Hoops. He is a great blacksmith and has been a huge part of helping me learn the craft.
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Do you have any advice for the next generation that you wish you had when you first started?
Start sooner. I made excuses about not having the money but there’s always a way. Start small and work your way up.
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What are your future plans for your shop?
At this point I’m just working on upgrading and collecting tools. I would love to get a fab table but I’ve run out of room in my current shop so hopefully I can get a larger shop in the future.
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A Note From Leo
Thanks for sharing your story with us, Josiah! Your advice is pretty standard with everyone I interview and I'm in that boat of waiting.. waiting for the right time?