Rock Basket
My woven basket range has proved quite popular but we have been working on a variation on the theme keeping a basket shape while using a different medium other than woven cable.
It has taken awhile to develop this basket but I have it ready just in time for the upcoming Millthorpe Markets to be held on the 1st December.
My original intention was to sell the basket with rocks and all but despite many different attempts to keep the weight to a minimum the rock filled basket was not practical to transport to markets as it is massively heavy and the rocks could move out of place in transit.
My lovely wife Jane spent days making the shiny version pictured by using very thin rocks cemented together with polystyrene mixed into concrete to make it as light as possible. It is still a solid two person lift but it is manageable as a demonstration piece.
I will be making empty copies of this shape in the hope that people can buy it to place it in their garden and create an beautiful pattern of their own creation within.
I have also had a suggestion that a climbing plant could be grown and shaped around the metal conforming to the shape.
Cost for the empty baskets will be $350 each.
I will include handmade pegs and peg down tabs on the base of the basket as an anti theft device and to prevent the basket from toppling over if children climb on it.
I would suggest a landscape supplier or hardware store for your rock supply.
Feel free to contact me if you are interested to place an order.
Cheers everyone
Shane
Firepits
Idea
It's funny the way a business takes you sometimes. It was originally my intention to design and build custom gates but I found there wasn't a market for high end gates in my part of the World.
Although blacksmithing is my passion, I have found that fire-pits have become a major component of my business.
I live in a semi-rural area and there are a lot of small acre blocks surrounding my town. A lot of people are after large fire-pits to compliment their entertainment areas. I have found that a lot of store bought fire-pits look great but are very flimsy and only last a few seasons with regular use. I have found that there is a market for medium to large high quality fire-pits that last many years.
I like to use a lot of repurposed steel in my products and I have found old steel tractor wheels make a great fire-pit. The steel used in these old wheels is of high quality and very solid. I have sold many fire-pits of this style and I always receive excellent feedback on their performance.
Fire-pits of this style typically have a diameter of approx 1 meter up to 1.3m.
The fire-pit in the picture has a fire resistant coating applied to give it a formal black look. This coating needs re-applying annually to maintain the formal look. The coating turns a slaty grey after the first burn and it is only when you apply a fresh coat that you bring it back to a deep black colour. I also sell fire-pits with just the bare metal with no coating. This option doesn't require any coatings but the fire-pit will acquire a rusty appearance over time.
I weld a solid 5mm steel base into my firepits and I drill drainage holes to allow water to drain through after rain. I would advise regular cleaning of the ash out of the fire-pit when it is cooled down before rain as rainfall can react with the ash and slowly corrode the bottom of your fire-pit.
Firepit Selection
Firepit selection depends on the sized area you have, and the style of firepit you are after. Other factors include the number of people you plan to seat around the fire-pit, the type of surface you are planning to sit the firepit on ( ie, grass, sand, pavement). Proximity to flammable items (such as wood heaps, fuel, vehicles, dry leaves). Safety is of the utmost concern with children and pets to be supervised at all times around any operating fire-pit.
Prevailing wind direction should also be taken into account when positioning a fire-pit as smoke and embers are produced (although wind direction can change from day to day). Consideration should also be taken into account if you live close to neighbors before using your fire-pit.
Do not light your fire-pit during periods of high fire risk and always consult your local fire authority as to rules pertaining to fire-pits in your local area. I would recommend using dry (not green) non toxic firewood in your fire-pit and do not use any treated wood ( including certain treated wood pallets) in your fire pit as this wood can give off toxic fumes. Do not burn any plastic, rubber or any other material not meant to be burnt in your fire-pit.
Always have a source of water close by that you can extinguish the fire if necessary in an emergency situation.
Wire cable fire-pits
I have been manufacturing heavy wire cable fire-pits for a few years now, they have proved to be a very popular with customers. They draw air very well and are a good low smoke option. A lovely visual effect while burning during the night. This style can be a bit messy with fine white ash falling through near the base.
To cook or not to cook
I also make a smaller fire-pit with a removable barbecue grill plate option. The fire-pit is built with three legs, I found that a three legged fire-pit sits better on uneven ground. A very solid fire-pit made from re-purposed truck rims I have added decorative rings to give a medieval style look.
This fire-pit can be used with wood and also runs well on charcoal. It also comes with handles to remove the grill plate when you have finished cooking.
Novelty fire-pits
Depending on what materials I come across in my travels I sometimes have a desire to make something a bit different. This fire-pit is made from bulldozer plates from an old 1950's bulldozer.
Very, Very heavy, it now has a home in Tasmania.
Prices and more information
If you would like more information on my fire-pits including prices, sizes and whats available please feel free to contact me.
