Lincoln Smithy - Unique Metal Sculpture

Trying out Wordpress!

2008-11-03T18:31:00.000-08:00

lincolnsmithy.wordpress .com
I am using wordpress a lot more now

3 Olives

2008-09-02T17:54:00.001-07:00

Ode to the 3 Olive Martini
Still working on the base and the stem. Should be standing a bit higher.

ALAN - Mid 80s

2008-09-01T18:14:00.000-07:00

ALAN - anodized aluminum with some pretty wild lugs and drop outs.

Shimano 600 Front and Rear Derailleurs, SR Crankset, Campy Shift Levers

Farm Hand - Another Farmer

2008-09-01T18:01:00.000-07:00

In Progress

Complete Handmade Bicycle!

2008-05-27T17:35:00.000-07:00

Took it on it's first test ride on the W+OD trail! It rode surprisingly well for my first frame. Also took it into DC today and rode around the city without any problems.

Next on the list is to build another one without lugs. Plan on just doing some fillet brazing. Also want to tackle a fork (sorry for the Tange in the picture;).

Thanks to all my friends and family that supported my efforts!

Special thanks to Plum Grove Cyclery for their expert help, Campy frame tools and necessary build out parts. Could not have done it without them.

Special thanks to Rich Adams and Around Town Bicycles in Wilkes Barre PA. The have been very supportive and Rich was always willing to answer my emails.

I plan on doing a more verbose post about the whole experience soon.... stay tuned.

Not Sure - Abstract Steel Sculpture

2008-05-11T17:08:00.000-07:00

Latest work in progress. Primarily 1/2 inch steel plate and square tubing make up the sculpture which stand about 6 feet tall. Should be ready for the WLAST show.

Practice Bicycle Lugs

2008-05-11T17:03:00.000-07:00

Can probably never get enough practice on brazing lugs. Special thanks to AntBikeMike for sending me some practice lugs.

Bicycle Frame Complete!

2008-05-11T16:57:00.000-07:00

First bicycle frame complete! I started working on the lug cleanup and will get ready for paint. I may clear coat it so I can remind myself later about the quality of the initial lugs/brazing.

All and all I am pleased with the way it came out. Clean up and test ride remains!. Will write up a longer post later about lessons learned and thanks to all that supported this effort.

Bicycle Frame - Seat Stay Bridge Installed

2008-05-11T16:49:00.001-07:00

Last braze to be done before frame is finished (well finished all but the cleanup/eye candy). Cut left over seat stay to fit as bridge. Fixie so I don't need a hole for the brakes.

Brazing Done! Also cut the seat tube binder! Frame Complete!

Ode to David Smith - Spays over Tools

2008-04-20T17:07:00.000-07:00

I was intrigued by David Smith when he did similar spays over found objects. These are simple studies of black spray paint on paper towels. I used a variety of wrenches and plan to add more found objects to the process.

I will get in touch with some of my paint friends and get a better paper source. These images are 11" x 5.5"

Getting Ready for WLAST!

2008-04-20T17:03:00.001-07:00

Couple of sculptures in progress. Interesting shapes I have been playing with for some time. Added the pipe to the cut out one and I am liking it a lot! More fabrication to come.

Fish Bones! Bent up a couple of fish worth of bones. Will get to fabricating soon.

Bicycle Chain Stays

2008-04-14T17:58:00.000-07:00

Chain Stays have been notched and the track style dropout has been brazed on.

Having a bit of a problem with the far chain stay as it hits the frame jig before it is seated properly against the dummy axle.

In the process of figuring out why the chain stay won't fit the jig. Good chance I did something wrong... more later.

Bicycle Frame Front Triangle - Chain Stays

2008-04-14T17:52:00.000-07:00

Front Triangle is complete. Head tube and seat tube have been reamed thanks to my friends at Plum Grove Cyclery. Working on the chain stays now. Have a bit of a problem with alignment in the jig....

Bicycle Seat Stays and Chain Stays

2008-02-24T16:50:00.000-08:00

Next step in the frame building process is to figure out the rear triangle (I know, don't have the main triangle quite done yet). This will be a track bike as you can see and will use a vintage style seat stay attachment flute.

Makeshift Bicycle Alignment Table

2008-02-24T16:42:00.001-08:00

I had a piece of 1 inch plate hanging around and jury rigged a bottom bracket holder. It worked pretty well. Need to work on the bottom bracket holder some more to get rid of the washers as they are not strong enough. But like I said it seemed to work well enough for now.

Close up view of the bottom bracket holder. Had some old machined tractor parts hanging around that worked out quite well. Drilled out the plate and attached the fixture and was able to cold set my first seat tube / bottom bracket assembly.

Bicycle Frame - Front Triangle Ready to Braze!

2008-02-24T16:37:00.001-08:00

Main triangle is all setup and triple checked for proper length. Next steps will be to get jig all set in place, remove pieces and add all the flux and reassemble in jig. Tack all the joints (maybe complete in jig, not sure yet) and check for alignment before finishing all the joints.

Bicycle Pedals - 1899

2008-01-30T18:16:00.000-08:00

Some great early pedal ads circa 1899. The Ramsey pedal is really cool with it's offset spindle. The Bridgeport No1 and No2 are killer rat trap styles as well. I think that we may be Bridgeport as in Bridgeport Milling Machine from CT but I have to investigate that some more. Enjoy!

Abstract Steel Sculpture - In Progress

2008-01-27T16:05:00.001-08:00

A larger outdoor steel sculpture I started working on today. So far so good. The "balance" is right and scale seems pretty good. Just tacked up for now so I can continue to modify. To do: figure out topping it off and a few additions to the base. Stands about 6.5 ft. high and about 8 ft. wide so far.

Hossfeld No1 Bender - Great Metal Bending Tool

2008-01-27T15:59:00.001-08:00

This is a Hossfeld No1 Bender. I already have it's bigger brother the No2 but I found this one at auction and could not pass it by. I may try to see if I can use it for bending bicycle frame tubing and bicycle forks. It being smaller than the No2 I think it might be easier/cheaper to make dies for it.

Close up - all necessary parts are with it including the bending yoke and eyelet bender for the top. See http://www.hossfeldbender.com/ for details.

Sculpture Supply - Latest Drop Off

2008-01-27T15:55:00.000-08:00

Here are a few items recently dropped off by a friend of mine. Love the tapered cylinder! It is actually a log splitter if you can believe that. Will make a nice piece of sculpture I am sure. More shovel heads too!

Early Bicycle Rim Drill - 1899

2008-01-15T19:05:00.000-08:00

Another great pic from an early 1899 Catalog. Sent the image to Wheel Fanatyk to see what he thinks. Wheel Fanatyk is a cool blog about wheel building with an emphasis on wooden wheels.

Slow Frame Building Progress

2008-01-15T19:02:00.000-08:00

Not a lot going on in the frame building front. Working on getting an alignment table figured out before I can go much further. Will probably not get the frame complete by the time I go to the Handmade Bicycle Show in Feb.

First Lugged Joint - Bottom of Head Tube / Down Tube

2007-12-10T17:47:00.000-08:00

My first brazed lug! I bit more brass than I probably needed so the cleanup was a bit much. I do think that the penetration of the joint was good though. I did some cold setting on it and it did not flinch. Overall I am pleased with the newbie attempt.

Going to find a source for "blemished" lugs so that I can practice a whole lot without breaking the bank.

Getting Down Tube Length - Frame Layout

2007-12-09T08:19:00.000-08:00

With the bottom bracket / seat tube down I can pull the down tube length from the drawing. Carefully aligning the frame over the drawing with the help of a machinist square and v-blocks I can now scribe the lines where the down tube intersects the bottom bracket. Also note, only the lug is only attached to the head tube at this point.

With the frame aligned about the drawing I can scribe the lines where the bottom bracket and down tube intersect. Notch out the lines and the down tube length is done.

Frame Building -ST/ BB Weld Done!

2007-12-09T08:09:00.000-08:00

The seat tube is brazed in the bottom bracket shell. I can start pulling off the rest of the dimensions from the drawing. I am using a reasonably flat surface from and old cast iron table saw.

The brazing is not cleaned up yet. Will work on that soon. Also, it is a pretty messy joint but seems to be solid which is what I am most worried about for now.

Bottle Tree

2007-11-26T17:43:00.000-08:00

I friend has been bugging me for a bottle tree now for over a year. I am not crazy about them although they are growing on me (pardon the pun). It will look great outside and complete with assorted bottle shapes and colors.

A few more vintage bicycles.....

2007-11-26T17:39:00.001-08:00

Pictured here are a couple of womens Schwinns. One Hollywood and the other a three speed. In the middle is a boys Columbia Newsboy Special. J.C. Higgins

Frame Drawing - Using the Paterek Method

2007-11-22T10:48:00.000-08:00

Drawing out the first frame. Pretty much completed the drawing so I can get my final tube lengths and cut the final miters.

Head tube - small frame so lugs are pretty close to one another.

Bottom bracket shell will dictate the angle of the down tube. I am struggling with final alignment of lugs/tubing but I think a lot of cold setting and lug prep will do the trick.

Drafting Table up and Running

2007-11-19T11:33:00.000-08:00

Went old school and picked up a drafting table to hand draw my bicycle frames on!

Details and pics coming soon...

1896 Bicycle Tubing

2007-11-01T17:58:00.000-07:00

For all you tubing aficionados out there - steel is real!
Check out that seam!

From Bicycle News - 1896

1899 Frame and Shop Tools

2007-11-01T17:48:00.001-07:00

Some more images from an 1899 Bicycle Supply Catalog

Tubing Straigtener - 1899

Scale - Weight has been Important for a long time:)
Wheel Assembly Tool

1899 - Frame Alignment Tool

2007-10-21T18:18:00.001-07:00

Scanned from an original bicycle catalog. I will have other post from this and other turn of the century catalogs. Stay tuned for some killer brazing furnaces!

Finished BB / Seat Tube Notch

2007-10-14T17:47:00.000-07:00

Good notch will allow BB to fit without a problem.

Finish the Notch

2007-10-14T17:44:00.000-07:00

File the finishing touches on the tube. This is the most tedious part of all but the snugger the fit the less chance of frame distortion.

Grind Rough Notch on Grinding Wheel

2007-10-14T17:43:00.000-07:00

Carefully grind as close as you can to the scribe line.

Rough Scribed Lug

2007-10-14T17:41:00.000-07:00

Hard to see the scribe line in the picture but it is there. Grinding/Filing to the line is the next step.

Rough Marking for Notch Cuts using Lugs as a Guide

2007-10-14T17:39:00.001-07:00

Blue the tubing and scribe the notch via the lug. Pictured here is the top tube and top head tube lug.

Henry James Jig - BB Drop and Chainstay Length

2007-10-14T17:37:00.001-07:00

Setting up Henry James Jig for chain stay length and BB drop.

Henry James Jig - Seatpost Angle Setup

2007-10-14T17:34:00.000-07:00

Setting the seat post angle on the Henry James Jig using the supplied HJ Protractor.

Doris gets some friends...

2007-10-07T09:59:00.001-07:00

Doris looked lonely by herself so I made her some friends.

Jump Through Hoops

2007-10-07T06:33:00.000-07:00

Minimal "found object" piece. Remnants of scallop dragging apparatus and piece of an old hay knife.

Euro Trash Girl

2007-10-07T06:28:00.000-07:00

For my good friend Nicole.
1/2 steel square stock with small galvanized trash can.
43"x43"

Lobster

2007-09-04T03:25:00.001-07:00

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.

Bicycle Frame Building - Finally!

2007-09-03T17:17:00.001-07:00

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.

Retired Tool #9

2007-09-03T17:14:00.001-07:00

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.

Retired Tool #8

2007-09-03T17:11:00.000-07:00

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.

Gotta Love Liberty Tool Company

2007-08-03T04:37:00.000-07:00

Got to travel around Maine this holiday and shop all three of the Jonesport Wood Company stores! Liberty Tool Company, Hulls Cove Tool Barn and Captain Tinkham's Emporium. These are three amazing stores that any tool nut would love. Inventory is updated weekly each place is fully stocked.
Also very cool, albeit very rustic, is the Sculpture Garden at the Hulls Cove location. This is an extension of sorts to the Davistown Museum and has some great installations.

I got all sorts of smalls this trip and will be producing more "retired tools" series and continue on some more whimsical faces.

John Raymond

Route 81 PA

2007-06-19T14:40:00.000-07:00

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

Western Loudoun Artist Studio Tour

2007-06-06T15:09:00.000-07:00

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.

Totem 3

2007-06-06T15:07:00.001-07:00

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.

Eye to I

2007-06-06T14:47:00.001-07:00

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

Rosey - Hair Style

2007-05-06T19:09:00.000-07:00

"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..

Doris?

2007-05-06T18:53:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite faces so far. I have done many faces but few in the size of this one. The base also adds significant height to the piece. She is still being worked on but pretty much finished. She needs to rust a bit more and some additional welding to tighten her up.

Retirement Community

2007-02-12T18:47:00.000-08:00

"Retirement Community"
Set of "Retired Tools" displayed together.
I am having a lot of fun with these. I plan on making more to add to the collection.

Retired A-Frame

2007-02-12T18:44:00.000-08:00

"Retired A-Frame"
Chain Ring, Tongs and Axe Head Base

More Retired Tools

2007-02-12T18:35:00.000-08:00

Another whimsical retired tool piece.
"Solar system'esque"
Tongs, Axe Head and assorted Steel

Retired Tool - Part 1

2007-02-12T18:18:00.000-08:00

Part 1 of a series of "Retired Tools"
Blacksmith Tongs, Axe Head and misc Bolt

Candle Stick Holders

2006-10-06T13:55:00.000-07:00

In my search for junk (found objects)... I found these great industrial gear mechanisms and they make stunning candlestick holders.

Farmer

2006-10-06T13:50:00.000-07:00

"Farmer" stands just over 6 feet high. Made from leaf springs, cultivator parts, railroad spikes and of course a tractor seat.

2006-10-06T13:46:00.000-07:00

An abstract found object piece I did about 5 years ago.
5 feet high
Rusted Saw blade, Wagon Wheel Rim and various farm implements complete this piece

Wrench in the Works

2006-10-06T13:42:00.000-07:00

Work in Progress - Wrench Table Top (I hope)

Totem-2

2006-10-06T13:33:00.000-07:00

Totem 2
Another totem type structure from Harrow Discs. I was a bit skeptical about doing another Totem but it is such a strong structure and the size difference made it feel completely different than the first.
Just over 4 feet

Harrow

2006-10-06T13:26:00.000-07:00

Harrow-1
Simple harrow with interesting base
18inches High by 12Inches Wide

Farm Hand

2006-10-06T13:16:00.000-07:00

Harrow Disc and Steel Bar
About 4 feet high
Rusted Steel (weld still fresh but will rust shortly)

Sundial

2006-07-26T19:17:00.000-07:00

A great sundial inspired sculpture I did for the Harmony Middle School in Purcellville, VA.

Amazing Gates

2006-07-23T18:54:00.000-07:00

Custom equestrian farm gates created by a good friend of mine. Absolutely stunning! Gates are 11 ft each plus an additional 20 feet of panel work to fill in to the fence line.

Detailed View
Extreme Detail View

The entire project measures appox. 45 feet.

This is the intial installation. Gates will be taken down and powder coated. Opening mechanism and such also yet to be applied.

Post Studio Tour

2006-07-16T17:50:00.000-07:00

Another interior shot of the studio. Taken shortly after the Western Loudoun County Studio Tour. The Tour was a great success. Thanks to all those who came out to meet me and see the studio. Have a look at the Purcellville Gazette article about the tour!

Velocepede - Early Bicycle

2006-04-05T18:53:00.000-07:00

Previous Untitled - In Progress

Velocepede - A light road carriage propelled by the feet of the rider. Originally it was propelled by striking the tips of the toes on the roadway, but commonly now by the action of the feet on a pedal or pedals connected with the axle of one or more of the wheels, and causing their revolution. They are made in many forms, with two, three, or four wheels.

Giddy-Up

2006-04-05T18:48:00.000-07:00

Abstract work in progress.... Giddy-up for it's horse-like qualities

Untitled - In Progress

2006-02-25T15:10:00.000-08:00

A new abstract piece in the works. Stands about 6 feet tall with 24inch Circles.

More Fish

2006-02-25T15:00:00.000-08:00

Another fish variation. Shovel head and split blade for tail.

Fish

2005-12-02T05:34:00.000-08:00

Fish created from lawn mower blades and various cultivator parts.

Work In Progress

2005-12-02T05:27:00.000-08:00

The ever messy bench of junk... eh .. art supplies.

Totem

2005-11-13T16:39:00.000-08:00

Totem
Harrow Disk Sculpture - Simple but Powerful
7ft - Rusted Steel Harrows from Nearby Loudoun Farm

Open Mind Too

2005-11-13T15:37:00.000-08:00

"Open Mind Too"
Solid steel 5feet high, 20 inches wide

2005-10-07T10:57:00.000-07:00

"Centered" - Steel and quartzite come together in this balanced piece. Currently showing at the Millwood Fall Show. Steel and quartzite come together in this balanced piece. http://www.clarkehistory.org/art_at_the_mill.htm

2005-10-06T12:18:00.000-07:00

Great sunflowers made from shovels.

2005-10-06T11:48:00.000-07:00

I call this one "Gale". Made from a variety of used farm implements it is one of many whimsical faces I've created.