In this episode, I interview Canadian Blacksmith, Lynndon Novak. Lynndon lives and works out of Winnipeg, Manitoba. He’s a welder, and an artistic blacksmith. We discuss what it takes to be a blacksmith, how to create a cheap forge, how artisans are doing in Canada, and why permanence in art is a beautiful thing. (0:01:05)  Canadian Blacksmiths and Bladesmiths group  (0:01:46)  Growing up in Manitoba (0:02:30)  The World of Trades  (0:03:25)  The School for Welding (0:04:05)  Leaving Tech and entering welding (0:05:47)  The many facets of welding and metalworking (0:06:35)  Working at New Flyer bus manufacturer (0:08:15)  Learning about welding  (0:09:00)  Winnipeg South Tech Welding Program and  choosing the right school and program for you (0:10:35)  The Abstract Blacksmith  (0:11:48)  You don't need to be a big dude to be a blacksmith - Kv Artist Blacksmith (0:13:43)  GS Tongs (0:14:35)  Building your own tools - Lynndon's tools and workshop (0:17:30)  Lynndon’s journey in blacksmithing (0:18:45)  Cloverdale Forge and Matt Jenkins (0:20:00)  Making a starter forge without breaking the bank (0:23:30)  Stepping up your game - Building a more professional forge  (0:25:58)  Fire hazards and safety awareness of building and running your own forge (0:27:40)  Building my brick propane forge (0:28:30)  Firebricks! (0:29:55)  Being a master of heat - the blacksmith wizard and metal magic (0:30:40)  What metals do you work with? Different metals and their properties (0:35:35)  Working with reclaimed steel (0:36:00)  Wootz Bloomery - the origins and history of damascus steel vs todays patterned damascus steel  (0:38:50)  Acid washing and the creation of patterns  (0:40:35)  Swords and knives  (0:42:58)  The dream of permanence in art (0:44:52)  The appreciation of artistic metalwork in Canada (0:48:30)  Building a better marketplace (0:49:30)  Manitoba Blacksmiths Guild and upcoming events (0:52:38)  Lego! Lego! Lego! (0:56:49)  Smithlist  Visit The Abstract Blacksmith on FB: https://www.facebook.com/abstractblacksmith/ Follow The Abstract Blacksmith on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abstract_blacksmith/ Visit Smithlist: https://smithlist.ca/ Visit Planet B612 on the web: http://planetb612.fm/ Follow Planet B612 on Twitter: https://twitter.com/PlanetB612fm Support Planet B612 on Patreon: https://patreon.com/juliesworld