Directions to Persimmon Forge

Usually, I welcome visitors to the studio to take the tour or discuss work. It is best to call and make sure I'm not away running errands or working somewhere else. Most of the coal forge hot work occurs between 2 and 4 in the afternoon. That time is noisy and busy and doesn't accommodate conversation well. Still, that is the best time to see how forging is done. Other quieter times are better for just looking around or discussing a project. Currently, I often work weekends and I can open up in the evening if an appointment is made.

From 335 Turnpike Toll Booth, Exit 127:

Proceed toward Kansas City and Industrial road. Exit at 128, Industrial (stoplight). Turn left, north, and continue past the commercial area to 24th street (stop sign). Turn right, east, and continue to Prairie Street (stop sign). Turn left and go one block then turn right onto Coronado. In one block turn left onto Monterey and proceed north and east about four blocks to the second street on the left which is Hacienda Court.

From West Highway 50

Go east on Highway 50 to the roundabout and take the second exit toward Kansas City and Industrial road. Exit at 128, Industrial (stoplight). Turn left, north, and continue past the commercial area to 24th street (stop sign). Turn right, east, and continue to Prairie Street (stop sign). Turn left and go one block and turn right onto Coronado. In one block turn left onto Monterey. Wind north and east about four blocks to the second street on the left which is Hacienda Court.

From I-35 Merchant Street, Exit 130:

Go south on Merchant and right onto 18th Street. Go west to the stop sign at Rural St. Continue west about 10 blocks to the dead end at Maplewood Cemetery. Turn right, north, onto Lincoln St. and go about 3/4th mile through an underpass at I-35. One block beyond it turn left onto Coronado. Take the first right onto Rio Vista which proceeds north and west about five blocks. Turn right at your second opportunity which is Hacienda Court.

Our home is situated on Hacienda Court and the studio is a separate structure closer to the cul de sac on Derecho Court to the east.

http://www.persimmonforge.com/

The Daily Routine

Developing a daily routine has really helped my productivity.

I’m usually up early, around 0400 - naturally I went to bed early too. I eat breakfast, then do computer work; check the e-mail, record on my computer any hand written notes made the previous day, write client correspondence, do design and bidding work, and prepare orders until around 0730 when I shower and dress for work.

My Regular Pocket Tools:
The day schedule - a single page outline style computer printout updated daily.
3” x 5” spiral pocket notebook
Presto Pen correction fluid marker
Silver pencil
Ink pen and graphite pencil
12’ tape measure
Soapstone
9" slip-joint pliers

Occasional Pocket Tools:
Aluminum folding pocket ruler - 72”
Small file
Scribe marker
Steel inside/outside pocket caliper

In the studio I first unload the tumbler and sort the cleaned items. Work pieces nearly ready for assembly get a rag wipe and a light spray of Minwax satin polyurethane to prevent rust unless I plan to apply some chemical treatment in a patina process.

The rest of most mornings I use to prepare pieces for forging, and work on design and assembly. I also run errands and obtain supplies.

In the afternoon an assistant arrives about 1400. We do forging until around 1600. Those items go into the tumbler for a timer-controlled 15-20 minute run. I turn it on as I leave the studio for the evening. With this schedule the studio functions quietly during the hours my neighbors are at home.

On weekends I often work in the studio if there are no other activities are planned. I use this uninterrupted time to experiment with designs and techniques and do quiet work.

Having a clear vision of what I need to accomplish each day and a overall plan of how to schedule the production process gives the work direction and momentum. Even with the best planning it seems as if a nearly unlimited number of possibilities for interruptions are ever present and must be accommodated. So the schedule is actually rather flexible in practice.

http://www.persimmonforge.com/