https://www.hurstbourneforge.co.uk/news/ Guides and notes from the Hurstbourne Forge workshop in Andover — finishes, materials, custom fabrication and steel. en-GB Wed, 02 Sep 2026 18:50:34 +0100 Fri, 26 Jun 2026 09:00:00 +0100 https://www.hurstbourneforge.co.uk/news/bare-steel-vs-powder-coated/ How raw and powder-coated steel age, how long they last, and how to look after both — for fire pits, wall art, planters and bespoke metalwork. Fri, 26 Jun 2026 09:00:00 +0100 https://www.hurstbourneforge.co.uk/news/bare-steel-vs-powder-coated/ https://www.hurstbourneforge.co.uk/news/bespoke-vs-off-the-shelf-metalwork/ When a standard product does the job and when it's worth having metalwork made to measure — cost, lead time, fit and quality compared. Mon, 22 Jun 2026 09:00:00 +0100 https://www.hurstbourneforge.co.uk/news/bespoke-vs-off-the-shelf-metalwork/ https://www.hurstbourneforge.co.uk/news/designing-gates-and-railings/ What makes a steel gate or railing last for decades — material and gauge, posts and hinges, galvanising and powder coating, ground clearance and compliance. Thu, 18 Jun 2026 09:00:00 +0100 https://www.hurstbourneforge.co.uk/news/designing-gates-and-railings/ https://www.hurstbourneforge.co.uk/news/laser-cut-steel-signage/ What a fibre laser can and can't do for steel signs and lettering — minimum detail, fonts, fixings, standoff and illuminated options, plus how to supply artwork. Sun, 14 Jun 2026 09:00:00 +0100 https://www.hurstbourneforge.co.uk/news/laser-cut-steel-signage/ https://www.hurstbourneforge.co.uk/news/choosing-a-powder-coat-finish/ A plain-English guide to powder coating: RAL colours, matt vs satin vs gloss, textured finishes and how to pick the right coat for indoor or outdoor metalwork. Fri, 12 Jun 2026 09:00:00 +0100 https://www.hurstbourneforge.co.uk/news/choosing-a-powder-coat-finish/ https://www.hurstbourneforge.co.uk/news/sheet-steel-thickness-guide/ How to choose sheet steel thickness for brackets, panels, signs and bespoke parts — what each gauge feels like, when it bends, and how thickness affects cost and folding. Mon, 08 Jun 2026 09:00:00 +0100 https://www.hurstbourneforge.co.uk/news/sheet-steel-thickness-guide/ https://www.hurstbourneforge.co.uk/news/steel-for-outdoor-garden/ Mild steel, weathering steel and stainless compared for garden and outdoor metalwork — how each behaves in the British weather and how we protect them. Wed, 20 May 2026 09:00:00 +0100 https://www.hurstbourneforge.co.uk/news/steel-for-outdoor-garden/ https://www.hurstbourneforge.co.uk/news/how-custom-fabrication-works/ From a sketch or CAD file to a finished part — the journey through laser cutting, folding, welding and powder coating at our Andover workshop. Tue, 28 Apr 2026 09:00:00 +0100 https://www.hurstbourneforge.co.uk/news/how-custom-fabrication-works/