Here are some slideshows from the past year, detailing projects and photoshoots! (I’ll be adding more soon, don’t worry.)

Pierce Innovation LLC

Rapier style sword

Pardon some pretty rough images in my old garage. I am currently building a new shop that will look much nicer. Subsequent photos of work will appear more professional. But for anyone who’s just beginning, a word of wisdom: tools don’t make the craftsman. If you can pull off a good looking (sword) with limited tools and a bad camera, you can achieve anything in life!

The following slideshow details in no particular order the creation of a sword inspired by the Princess Bride movie. You’ll see me using a plasma cutter at a friend’s shop to cut out my blade, using his lathe to turn my handle and pommel(s) and then using my own equipment to shape, polish, fit, bend, engrave, etc.

In each of these slideshows there are meager captions provided.

Video blog and timelapse videos will be a later addition to my website!

SWIPE >> or tap arrows to view slideshows >>

  • Holding the pommel on
  • Prototype for rough dimensions
  • Plasma cutter for mild steel blade
  • Angle Grinding for bevel
  • More intricate prototype for guard
  • Morse taper on a jenky lathe
  • A random cool part I didn’t end up using…
  • Ground and polished
  • Assembled
  • Die grinder work on the guard (look closely)
  • Brass pin
  • Rough draft bolted together

  • Forms for a short retaining wall
  • Concrete mixed in a wheelbarrow takes a long time
  • Stacking blocks

  • Creating a pleasant outdoor space
  • Concrete poured!
  • Blocks stacked (masonry hired out)
  • Gravel formed, flattened and compacted
  • Posts for lights
  • Finished outdoor area

  • Trex decking replaced
  • Wooden deck refinished