You might find it odd that BT, a woodworking and building company, would venture into the world of metal and metalworking. The truth is that we’ve had a welding shop for our own use for years, but a couple of things have happened that helped us see the potential of this new venture:
BT has faced the fact that our reclaimed wood supply isn’t going to last forever, therefore we have to use it more judiciously. Steel helps us do just that and is a wonderful compliment to our timberwork, woodwork, and building projects.
The slenderness of steel provides a pleasing visual contrast to the bulkier elements of timbers, logs, and wooden materials. Steel has many structural benefits that allow us to do things that we can’t do with wood alone.
BT couldn’t venture into this market unless we had someone with the experience, knowledge, and skill to head this enterprise. As it happened, BT had Hunter White working as a carpenter and he was anxious to resume his 22-year career in metalworking. Hunter picked up welding when he was young and his career included instructing welding at Lewis and Clark State College for 10 years, underground nuclear welding for the Nevada Test Site, architectural metalwork in Las Vegas, and running his own shop called “Vintage Metal Works” in Lewiston, ID. Hunter is not only certified in all positions of MIG, SMAW, and TIG welding, he is also fluent in forging, metal sculpting, and the patination of metals. Currently, Hunter is also sharing his knowledge and expertise via his position as an Instructor for the Adult Education READI Work Force welding program at the Belgrade school.
BT’s metal shop is focused on the following products and services:
*stairways, full baluster systems, grip rails
*Structural timber connections and structural steel systems
*forged metal hardware
*fireplace screens, caps, and hardware
*kitchen apparatus - pot/dish/wine racks, hoods, steel countertops
*light fixtures
*gates and trellises
*bronze, aluminum, and stainless welding
*metal furniture
|
