No frills basic podcasting is back! Blade show, shop talk and a quick note about being careful what you get good at.

Melton Forge Works Podcast - Video Edition. Episode 80 Lando Novak - Abstract Blacksmith

​Join me in this episode as I sit down with Lando Novak, the creative force behind Abstract Blacksmith. We delve into Lando's inspiring journey into blacksmithing, explore the vibrant blacksmithing community in Canada, and discuss his recent acquisition of the Anyang 88 power hammer. Beyond the forge, we also touch on life's broader strokes, sharing personal reflections and stories.​

Check out Lando's work:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abstract_blacksmith

CanIRON Blacksmithing Conference: https://www.caniron.ca/category/2025-caniron-xiv-austin-mb/

Listen to Lando's podcast Forge Side Chat on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4HTumF0wZU9W4tA6FKLb19

Enjoy the episode? Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share your thoughts in the comments below!​

#blacksmithing #metalwork #Anyang88 #canadianblacksmith #podcast

Melton Forge Works Podcast - Video Edition. Episode 79 FatBoy ForgeIn this episode, I sit down for a talk with Austin Richard, of FatBoy Forge in Massachusetts. Austin is a talented tool maker who has developed a unique and recognizable style in the world of hammer making. We discuss tooling, mutual friends and makers who have influenced us and more. To find out more about Austin:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fatboyforge/

In this episode, I have a great chat with Rob Hough, blacksmith out of Indiana. Rob and I met at one of the Clay Spencer Tire Hammer build classes at John Perriloux's shop in Robert, Louisiana and we've been able to hang out at several more hammer builds and blacksmith events since then. Rob is an accomplished smith and has demonstrated his skills swinging hammers alongside some of the best in the craft. He can swing a mean striking hammer and shred electric guitar equally as well. I am completely and totally NOT jealous of the fact that he now owns Clifton Ralphs' famous 250lb Murray power hammer. =P

The DVD set we mention in this video is available here. https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/871469827377857/

All sales go to fund Clifton's family.

To find out more about Rob:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robhough317/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@rch317

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/robhough

Podcast with Mike Ganotti: From Microsoft & AI to the Blacksmith’s Forge

In this episode, I sit down with Mike Ganotti—an IT professional at Microsoft who’s also carving out a path in blacksmithing and bladesmithing. We talk about how he got started in tech, his role with Microsoft in artificial intelligence, and the journey that led him to swing a hammer in his free time. Mike shares insights into the tools he’s currently using, what he’s saving up for next, his current projects on the workbench and how he balances a demanding career with a passion for metalworking.

Where to Find Mike:

Website: https://saintmichaelsforge.com/

Instagram: @mgannotti

I got together with my friends Michael Hoops and Joey Powell for an hour-long chat for a podcast. We cover a range of topics including induction forging, general business practices, what we're working on in the shop and how many reels we send to one another in a day (too many.) I will be doing many more video podcasts with guests in 2025, looking forward to it!

To see more work from these two great blacksmiths go follow them here:

Episode 73 - A highly unedited recap of my experience at Quad State 2024 as a demonstrator