Vancouver Custom Metal Work Services
As a small custom metal work shop in East Vancouver, I bring over 35 years of expertise to serve you.
I work on medium-size and small projects. Clients include a museum curator, furniture makers, interior designers, architects, commercial building owners, home owners, woodworkers, contractors, restoration specialists, business owners, artists, model builders and collectors.
I fabricate, restore, repurpose, modify and repair a variety of items. Whether it’s for your home design or to restore a machine or object that is no longer functioning, let’s talk.
I restored a museum’s model sea plane, damaged sculptures, restored a woodworker’s planer, fabricated a chocolate gang saw and shelves, shortened tables, lengthened beds. You can find many examples in the portfolio.
You can always count on a considered, straight-forward and cost-effective solution.
In addition, if you or your business need fabrication and blacksmith training and upgrading, I can design a great workshop for you. With over 22 years teaching at UBC in Electric and Computer Engineering, I can easily support personal or industry requests. In addition, I trained employees in industry and individuals – including beginners – one-on-one. See training offerings here.
Getting Rid of Our Throwaway Society
We are a society that throws valuable things away without considering restoring them. Just because something looks worn doesn’t mean it can’t look good again. If you have objects that you care about or that you know are valuable, let’s talk before you get rid of them.
If jewelry can be redesigned and repurposed, why not your family heirlooms and other sentimental items?
Conservation is important, and I can help you repair, restore, repurpose or modify your valuable items. And, more often than we think, we can use items we already own in new ways.
You can even refurbish rather than replace solid mechanical items and industrial parts. I did that recently for a woodworker who had a great old heavy-duty planer. Replacing it would have cost him 10 times it cost for me to fabricate a part.
I repurposed a high school saxophone for a client whose daughter loved steam punk art. She had a special birthday coming up, and I created a functioning water fountain for her deck with it.
Creativity is infinite!
Services
Processes
- Bending
- Blacksmithing
- Cutting
- Drilling
- Forming
- Lathe work
- Passivating
- Shearing
- Soldering
- Welding (MIG or TIG)
Materials
- Aluminum
- Brass
- Bronze
- Copper
- Lead
- Pewter
- Steel
- Tin
- NO STAINLESS STEEL
Rates
- $120.00 per hour for restoration, modifications,
- $140.00 per hour for complex projects
Complimentary Assessments & Consultations
Each customer receives a free consultation and assessment. Whatever the project or challenge, we’ll discuss and evaluate the best solution for you. When you send me pictures or designs of projects with measurements and other pertinent information, we’ll be able to assess the best options for you.
Excellent Client Care
Clients and their projects are truly of first importance. A small metal shop like this one is friendly and approachable, and my considered attention and expertise make it a creative and collaborative experience.
I work with you to figure out the best way to get your design just right. Slowing down to understand client needs is at the heart of my work, and personal connection is something I care about.
I want to make working with me simple.
Please call 604-910-6427 before coming to see me 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’ experience in machining, fabricating, designing, innovating, educating and research. He provides customized services and workshops and is insured and licensed.