Vancouver Custom Metal Work Services

Vancouver custom metal shop owner Donald Dawson at welding table

From my small custom metal-work shop in East Vancouver, I restore, repair and modify treasured items. 

For 22 years at UBC, I worked as an Electric Engineering Technician, fabricating and teaching students and professors. I have over 35 years of experience with metallurgy, welding, and fabricating.

My clients have included a museum curator, furniture movers, lamp specialists, furniture makers, interior designers, architects, commercial building owners, homeowners, woodworkers, business owners, artists, model builders and collectors.

I have restored a wide range of items, from heritage pieces to machines. Included among them are a museum’s model seaplane, an Italian heirloom meat slicer, a 1930s doll, statues and lamps.

I have built a chocolate gang saw, a computer desk with an electronic lift, metal brackets for shelves, shortened tables, lengthened beds and even repurposed a saxophone into a fountain. (For a full range of items, see my restoration and fabrication pages.)

If people want lessons, I teach fabrication, blacksmithing and welding. With over 22 years of teaching at UBC in Electric and Computer Engineering, I can address your personal or business needs. I train employees and private clients one-on-one in my studio. (See training offerings here.)

Services

Check out processes, materials, exclusions and hourly rates below.
Start Here

THE FIRST STEP is to send me close-up pictures – from many angles – of the damaged area. Text them to 604-910-6427 or email to donald.dwsn@gmail.com

FOR AN ESTIMATE, you will need to bring the item to the studio so I can assess the state of the damage or discuss the design you want to bring to life.  Unfortunately, I cannot give you an estimate until I see the item. There are too many variables that I can only determine upon inspection.

IF YOU HAVE A DESIGN, please include the METAL and clear HEIGHT, WIDTH and DEPTH markings on your drawing.

Processes
  • Restoring
  • Repairing
  • Bending
  • Blacksmithing
  • Cutting
  • Drilling
  • Forming
  • Lathe work
  • Passivating
  • Shearing
  • Soldering
  • Welding (MIG or TIG)
Materials
  • Aluminum
  • Brass
  • Bronze
  • Copper
  • Lead
  • Steel
  • Tin
Exclusions
  • NO STAINLESS STEEL 
  • NO GALVANIZED or ZINC-PLATED STEEL
  • NO VEHICULAR PARTS 
  • NO BICYCLE FRAMES
Rates
  • $120.00 per hour

Excellent Client Care

Clients and their projects are of first importance. At the heart of it is slowing down, understanding client needs and making personal connections. You can always count on a considered, straightforward and cost-effective solution.

Together we’ll figure out the best way to get your design or restoration just right. If there is an alternative or simpler way to solve an issue, I will let you know.

Please call 604-910-6427 to make sure that I am on site.

Schedule a time to bring your designs, ideas and projects, and I will attend to you with utmost patience.

Donald Dawson is a Vancouver expert engineering technician, blacksmith, welder and machinist with over 35 years of experience in machining, fabricating, restoring, designing, educating and research. He provides customized services and workshops and is insured and licensed.