Today, we highlight metalworker Shelby Barnhart and her journey in the metalworking trade. She tells us about her time as an apprentice, when she learned modern blacksmithing techniques, and how she runs her business today.
Shelby’s Start in Metalworking
Shelby Barnhart’s metalworking career started in her high school auto shop class. Then, she volunteered at the Mystic Seaport as a junior volunteer, working under an experienced traditional metalworker. He pushed her to build 100 hooks to his standard before she was allowed to start another project—a truly traditional apprenticeship experience.
Post High School: Modern Blacksmithing
After high school, Shelby spent about a year working with a metal artist. It was here that she learned a lot of the modern blacksmithing techniques, including the building only artistic metal projects and the use of propane forges—the latter of which Shelby uses in her own shop instead of coal, as propane is more efficient, easier, and cleaner.
Going Off On Her Own
After about a year of artistic metal work, Shelby went off on her own, starting Arc and Hammer. She did a lot of local repair jobs and railings at first, but then she started a website where she sold intricate hooks and wine racks. Eventually, her father convinced her to develop a handrail that she could ship to her customers, and it was this idea that led to Shelby’s partnership with some of the biggest retailers in the space.
Family Balance and Challenges
Shelby bought her childhood home, including her father’s barn, which she now uses as her metalworking shop. During COVID, Shelby found she could only work in short spurts as it was difficult to keep her children occupied while she worked.
As a solution, Shelby learned about Lean manufacturing processes. This allowed her to minimize wasted materials and time, helping to accomplish exactly what she needed to in the most efficient way possible.
Shelby’s Workflow
Thanks to her manufacturing process research, Shelby was able to develop her own perfect workflow. After getting the kids off to school, she walks her dog, heads to the shop, and puts on an audiobook. That’s when the process starts.
First, Shelby cuts all of the material she’ll need for the manufacturing process at once. Next, she deburs the material. After that, she’ll scroll all of the handrail pieces at once before spending the next few days welding. Then, she processes orders before the next steel load comes in and she repeats the process.
Her Dad’s Influence
From the drill press in her shop to the building itself, Shelby’s dad was a huge influence. The barn used to be her father’s classic car workshop. She’s very sentimental over not only his tools, but also the ability to create such a wonderful business in such a meaningful space.
One Piece of Advice
If Shelby could offer anyone one piece of advice, she’d say find a mentor, or several, to help guide you through. She believes the stories and experiences they have to offer are incredibly valuable and can help you navigate challenges you wouldn’t otherwise think of.
To this end, Shelby carries on her mentors’ torches as a certified tech teacher in the State of Connecticut. She loves sharing what she does and helping others learn the trade.
Resources
Shelby Barnhart’s company: Arc and Hammer
