A lobster I did for a good friend of mine in Maine. Sits proudly in front of his house with his buoy. He has been a lobsterman for over 40 years so I was not sure how he would react. Lucky for me he loved it.

I have been studying (for too long) handmade bicycle frame building but am now ready to start the real deal. Tubing is here, lugs are in, and frame jig is ready! Now it is a matter of time, patience and many mistakes before the first "Lincoln Smithy" Frame is made.

Practice Fillet Welds - just plain 4130 tubing from Aircraft Spruce (it's cheaper that way) for practice. Learned all about notching and fillet brazing using this stuff.

Tubing - Thanks to Joe Bringheli. While I have only dealt with him for my first tubing purchase he as more than helpful and delivered real fast. I will be learning about tubing for the rest of my life from the looks of it.

Lugs - Joe was out of lugs when I called so I got these from Nova Cycle Supplies. Long Shin make them and as far as I can tell seem pretty nice. Like tubing, I will be learning all about lugs for a long while as well.

Finally for this post I got my Henry James jig up in the stand and will start getting acquainted with it soon. Great jig I was able to find used! Can't wait to put it to use.

Lincoln Smithy LLC - Unique Metal Sculpture - Artist: John Raymond

A bit larger "Retired Tool" than the rest I have done so far. Looks a lot like a dancer (that has been the reaction from a few folks anyway). Still working on the finish and balance as this size is a bit trickier to keep stable on it's base.

Lincoln Smithy LLC - Unique Metal Sculpture - Artist: John Raymond

I am still having lots of fun with the "Retired Tools" series. Here is one of the latest. Just got back from Maine with a bundle of tools and found objects. Still working on the finish but pretty much done.

Lincoln Smithy LLC - Unique Metal Sculpture - Artist: John Raymond

Got another chance to visit the Liberty Tool Company as I vacation up in Maine. The Liberty Tool Company offers a never ending supply of used tools, tooling and agricultural items.

Liberty Tool

Long story short - had a chance meeting with "Son of the Sculptor" David Hayes while traveling down rt 81 south of Wilkes-Barre PA.

I noticed (what at first I thought was some scrap - only because I was too far away) a pickup truck carrying a sizable sculpture. After tailing and otherwise harassing the person driving I convinced him to pull into a rest stop so that I could have a closer look. It was then I was introduced to "Son of the Sculptor" David Hayes.

We had a great conversation about his dad and his work and the efforts being taken to share this incredible collection with others. I was overwhelmed by the generosity of David and the book he shared with me. I have been telling this story to all of my friends and I am extremely grateful for the meeting.

I have included a link to his site that contains tons of information about him and his work. I hope you all take the time to have a look. www.davidhayes.com

John Raymond

Lincoln Smithy LLC - Unique Metal Sculpture - Artist: John Raymond

Thanks to all the folks that took time out to come see me and the shop in this years Western Loudoun Artist Studio Tour. It was great fun for me to share my shop, sculpture and experiences with you all.

Lincoln Smithy LLC - Unique Metal Sculpture - Artist: John Raymond

Another Totem out of Harrow Discs. I keep thinking that they will start being repetitive but so far the variations in disc sizes and patinas have kept them unique.

Lincoln Smithy LLC - Unique Metal Sculpture - Artist: John Raymond

Fun abstract piece out of a couple of 2x3.5 foot steel arcs. Placed on a minimal stand for a very "floaty" look.

Lincoln Smithy LLC - Unique Metal Sculpture - Artist: John Raymond

"Rosey" was back in the shop this weekend for a hair extension. (Owner whacked her with a lawn mower so I welded it back on). She is one of the first faces I ever made...she still looks great and it was good to get a pic of her before she returns to Bluemont..

Lincoln Smithy LLC - Unique Metal Sculpture - Artist: John Raymond