Name: Sam Laturi
Home: Mequon, Wisconsin
Day Job: Blacksmith
Website | Instagram | Facebook | Etsy
How did you get started making?
I have always had a love for anything mechanical, whether itโs a spinning wheel from the 1800โs or a modern jet engine. As a kid, I loved taking things apart to see how they worked. I wasnโt the greatest at putting them back together though, because I was rather destructive. As I got older, I learned to take things apart and copy them, so I could not only put them back together, but restore them to what they once were. Thatโs what I do now as a blacksmith.
What type of maker would you classify yourself as?
Focused. Sure, I dabble in laser cutters and electronics and clay and robotics, but I always come back to metalworking.
Whatโs your favorite thing youโve made?
A couple of Lobos, zombie killing tools as described in the book World War Z. Those were so much work, but so much fun!
Whatโs something youโd like to make next?
Canister Damascus bracelets. All those little bits and pieces of recycled steel fusing together to make beautiful jewelry, now thatโs just neat!
Any advice for people reading this?
Never stop learning; read, watch, explore.ย Itโs an amazing world we live in!
What will you be sharing at Maker Faire Milwaukee?
I will be doing blacksmithing demonstrations while giving historical and technical information, answering questions, and telling some amusing stories Iโve gathered over the years.
Sam will be showing off his blacksmithing skills at Maker Faire Milwaukee, which is happening September 23 & 24, 2017 at the Expo Center at Wisconsin State Fair Park in West Allis.
We highlight different makers from our broad community to show you the faces and stories behind the projects. Meetย all the amazing people featured in Maker Spotlight. Want to nominate someone, maybe even yourself? Send a note with your responses to the bolded prompts above toย makerspotlight@makermedia.com.
ADVERTISEMENT
