Artisans: Barefoot Welder

Artisans: The Barefoot Welder.

This is Mark, aka The Barefoot Welder. Again I have been privileged to meet a dedicated craftsman, and although welding is obviously not a traditional craft as such, I can't help but think that if I could travel back in time any metal worker would leap at the chance to use an electric welder!

After meeting his dachsunds Frank and Ernie (they were too fast for me to photograph), Mark got down to work making one of his stunning chimineas from 3mm steel plate. First he cut the panels out using a plasma cutter (I want one!) and a wooden template, and then started to position the pieces on a metal floor plate. He then meticulously used small spot welds to hold each piece in place, and then used straps and clamps to form it's final shape. This was very tricky but once done the shape is fabulous and unique in the market. When finished the chimineas are either painted matt black or left to oxodise.

Once the chiminea structure was solid and ready for the seams to be completely welded later, Mark moved on to making a mirror frame where he cut a pattern from the metal, heated it and then peeled parts of it back. I'd like to thank Mark for his time - please take a look at his web site.

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