Community Highlights: Meet Frank Leasure of Tuckertown forge inc

Today we’d like to introduce you to Frank Leasure

Hi Frank, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started working with metal in 1975. With a few small projects in our barn. Took many tool and die classes for several years then bought my father-in-law’s machine shop which serviced many people throughout the Lowell area.with machining metal to welding. Became interested in the blacksmithing aspect of forming metal into shapes. Spent a few years at Charlton park working in the blacksmith shop and several other festivals and celebrations like the Village of Fallasburg north of Lowell .Then used my artistically talent from high school to design many sculptures from small animals to large . There are a lot of wildlife scenes that are built as well. I enjoy the time spent in my shop doing welding repairs or building projects for the different shows. We travel throughout the state doing shows with our pieces of repurposed metal . I put pieces on the welding table to gain inspiration to form new items. We have many repeat clients looking for what is new . With using metal as a medium, it can take on a great look thru oxidation. Clients have the opportunity to change the patina as they see fit. It is very rewarding to work with clients from the design stage to completion of the projects. The time and effort that I put into the different pieces doesn’t seem like a job at all. We pride ourselves in making the item as though we were going to be putting it in our house.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Obtaining the equipment and tools to do the blacksmithing can take some time. I have built many different tools and fixtures to make the job more efficient with my knowledge of tool and die schooling. Gaining the knowledge of blacksmithing continues to be a challenge . Never too old to learn new things. There is more to the metal than just heating it up and pounding on it.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
We have a variety of machines ,welders and blacksmithing equipment to provide a complete repair or able to build projects to the clients specifications.
Having sent product to all 50 states is a great satisfaction
For us to build things that will stand the test of time and giving the client what they were expecting and enjoying it is a very fulfilling experience.
A proud moment would be getting someone’s father’s or grandfather’s pile of tools from the garden or wrenches and have free rein to build a sculpture to honor them.

Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Asking around to find people in the area that they want to know more about. We teach several classes in welding and blacksmithing in our area. Several home school students have reached out to get in a class or two.
Networking is important as we don’t always know everything. In order to grow in the trade there is a need to communicate with others about the trade.