Vancouver Blacksmith Fabricator
Antique Restoration • Metal Fabrication • Lessons
"Let's get rid of our throwaway society."
-Donald Dawson
If you have items of sentimental value that are broken, damaged, worn or no longer functioning, there may be a way to repair and restore them. Our small Vancouver metal shop and studio may be precisely what you need. We'll assess the situation and discuss the most straightforward and cost-effective way of solving the issue. The item you value may still have some life left in it.
"Let's get rid of our throwaway society."
-Donald Dawson
If you have items of sentimental value that are broken, damaged, worn or no longer functioning, there may be a way to repair and restore them. Our small Vancouver metal shop and studio may be precisely what you need. We'll assess the situation and discuss the most straightforward and cost-effective way of solving the issue. The item you value may still have some life left in it.
What We Do
Donald repairs family heirlooms, heritage items and collectibles, including sculptures, dolls, candlestick holders, toys, small chairs, stools, tables, lamps, quality machines and mechanical devices.
For model builders and hobbyists, he restores model ships, planes, and cars. We do not repair vehicles, vehicle parts, bicycle frames, or bicycle parts.
We work with aluminum, brass, bronze, ceramic, copper, lead, pewter, plaster, porcelain, steel, and tin. But not stainless steel, galvanized or zinc-plated steel.
Who We Are
Donald Dawson is a Vancouver blacksmith fabricator, restorer, instructor, metal artist and electrical engineering technician with 22 years of experience at UBC's Department of Computer and Electrical Engineering. He has been fabricating and welding for 44 years.
Lessons
Donald teaches blacksmithing, welding and fabrication to people as young as 6, and adults of all ages.
Our Services
What Clients Say
If you are looking for a great workshop for lessons and an excellent and patient teacher for your daily welding jobs, Donald is the perfect fit - very knowledgeable and responsive to your needs! I took a 2-hour one-on-one MIG and flex core welding lesson, and it really added another skill set to my motorcycle repair knowledge. Your money is well spent. Also worth looking at the restoration work Donald does. There is so much attention to detail in his work!
Harry St
Absolutely fantastic metalworking, attention to detail, and customer service. Donald restored a family heirloom meat slicer for us. Pricing was very fair, and communication was very consistent as Donald worked on our project. He also took great pride in giving our entire family a tour of his workshop, which is full of treasures and stories. Not many people like this around--this is as great as it gets!
Thad Hughes
I needed some custom-made Z-shaped brackets to support a freestanding bookcase, and during my first conversation, Donald gave me a reasonable price and asked for a sketch, which I provided late the same night. I got a text from him at 7 a.m. the following morning to come pick them up, which I did, and the brackets fitted exactly as I needed them to. Donald has a rare 'can do' attitude, which is so refreshing! Based on this experience, I have no hesitation in recommending him!
Paddy O'Reilly
Contact Us
Donald's Innovations & Repairs