It was one of those perfect sunny days in Euclid, Ohio, when I hopped on I-90 West toward Cleveland. My destination? A hidden gem tucked inside the city’s industrial heart: The Urban Forge at 5401 Hamilton Avenue.
Outside, a hand-lettered chalkboard greeted me with the name “The Urban Forge.” I stepped through a steel door into something much more than just a workshop. I had entered Soulcraft Makerspace, a creative haven where hobbyists, small business owners, and curious minds come to shape wood, metal, and ideas.
Upstairs, I met Tim Cunningham, the man behind The Urban Forge. We shook hands, and I unpacked my gear to film a live blacksmithing demo. Sparks would fly—literally.
Tim fired up the forge with a satisfying whoosh, and the heat rolled in. As we waited for the metal to glow red-hot, Tim explained his journey as a blacksmith and how it all came together thanks to tools, grit, and a few key purchases from HGR24, Cleveland’s go-to destination for used industrial machinery and surplus equipment.
When launching The Urban Forge, Tim needed storage solutions and durable containers to organize raw materials, including steel stock, bars, and forging metals. Finding the right gear for a blacksmithing operation isn’t easy—or cheap. But at HGR24, he scored heavy-duty bins, steel racks, and worktables at a fraction of retail cost.
“Seven years later, and I still check HGR regularly. You never know what you’ll find.”
As the forge roared, Tim began shaping a glowing rod into a hook, hammering it with rhythmic precision on an anvil more than 100 years old. He explained the difference between modern and vintage anvil casting, revealing why many blacksmiths still prefer the older designs. Watching the steel bend to his will was like watching craftsmanship in motion—equal parts skill, tradition, and passion.
After filming wrapped, Tim gave me a behind-the-scenes peek at the upcoming IngenuityFest, which takes place right in the Soulcraft building. In the past, HGR24 has been proud to support this one-of-a-kind event that fuses industry, art, and imagination. Walking through the space, I saw how the team was transforming the warehouse into a surreal art landscape. It’s precisely the kind of grassroots creativity that reminds us why we do what we do.
As I headed back to Euclid, the sun still shining, I had a new appreciation for the powerful role used machinery can play in bringing dreams to life. Tim’s story is just one of many, and we’re proud that HGR24 could be a part of it.
If you’re in the Cleveland area and want to try your hand at blacksmithing, check out theurbanforge.com for upcoming classes—whether you’re a total beginner or looking to refine your craft.
And if you’re looking for affordable, high-quality industrial tools and equipment, make HGR24 your first stop. You never know where your next project will take you.