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After years working with chainlink fence as part of the family business, Stephen Lyman opened Fence World in East Sacramento in 1978. The shop handles everything from simple cut-and-weld projects to custom black- and metalsmithing. While his staff works the larger, more structural elements, Lyman uses his artistry and attention to detail to craft the stylized features. The forge — an oven used to heat the iron — can reach up to 3,000 degrees.

After years working with chainlink fence as part of the family business, Stephen Lyman opened Fence World in East Sacramento in 1978. The shop handles everything from simple cut-and-weld projects to custom black- and metalsmithing. While his staff works the larger, more structural elements, Lyman uses his artistry and attention to detail to craft the stylized features. The forge — an oven used to heat the iron — can reach up to 3,000 degrees.

Fence World foreman Miguel Fernandez forges a fishtail scroll for a custom-made iron gate in East Sacramento.

Fence World foreman Miguel Fernandez forges a fishtail scroll for a custom-made iron gate in East Sacramento.

Afterward, he will quench the piece in water to cool.

Afterward, he will quench the piece in water to cool.

Lyman has been in the family fencing business since he was a boy (on payroll since the age of 10, he says). “This is one of the decorative arts that is just limitless — the things you can’t do in wood, you can do in iron,” Lyman says with pride. “You can’t build a bridge like the Golden Gate out of wood. It has to be steel.”

Lyman has been in the family fencing business since he was a boy (on payroll since the age of 10, he says). “This is one of the decorative arts that is just limitless — the things you can’t do in wood, you can do in iron,” Lyman says with pride. “You can’t build a bridge like the Golden Gate out of wood. It has to be steel.”

He is an artist at heart, and his Fe Gallery, also on the premises, showcases artistic metalwork and often holds demonstrations on Second Saturday. “I come to work because it’s fun,” Lyman says. “I’m project-minded, so if I get an art project in mind, some other things suffer until I’m finished with that piece.” Here, he uses a blacksmithing power hammer to forge a decorative element for a gate.

He is an artist at heart, and his Fe Gallery, also on the premises, showcases artistic metalwork and often holds demonstrations on Second Saturday. “I come to work because it’s fun,” Lyman says. “I’m project-minded, so if I get an art project in mind, some other things suffer until I’m finished with that piece.” Here, he uses a blacksmithing power hammer to forge a decorative element for a gate.

Steel Power

Hot and heavy with the blacksmiths of East Sac's Fence World

Back SNAP Mar 27, 2015 By Allison Joy

 

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