We offer beginner blacksmithing classes throughout the year. There is also a second level beginner class that’s available as well.
Beginner Blacksmithing Class Level 1
The goal of this beginner blacksmithing class is familiarize the student with the tools and techniques that are employed by the blacksmith. We will start with a tour of the shop and discuss the tools and their uses, including coal and gas forges and there operation.
We will also be focusing in on the proper use of the hammer and anvil and developing good habits that will aid in productivity. Emphasis on all exercises will strengthen the seven primary forging processes and work learning to forge tapers, upsets, shoulders, bending, spreading, top tool work such as cutting and punching, and forge welding. Each of these skills will be applied to specific projects.
In the beginner blacksmithing class \wWe will be focusing on the process, not the project, we will take time to diagnose our mistakes and understand how to overcome them as they arise. Come ready to learn and leave with an understanding of the skills you will need to do the work of the blacksmith.
Classes
- January 7-10
- February 18-21
- March 25-28
- June 10-13
- August 5-8
- September 30 – October 3
- December 17-19
Beginner Blacksmithing Class Level 2
This course is designed for someone who has completed a beginner level course and ready to continue in the blacksmith’s craft.
The class will be structured around several sound fundamentals of practicing the blacksmith’s craft; forging steel.
We will dive into the process of transforming steel, this wonderful and renewable material into the stock needed to work through the rest of the course. Working with various sections of mild steel and 4140. Bending, forge welding, stock size and shaping will be our primary goals; with that material in hand we will move into various exercises to promote hammer control, hammer swing technique and forging efficiently.
Items such as simple dividers, punches and drifts will be made as tools to help with other projects. We will also provide instruction in the safe use and operation of an Oxy-Acetylene torch as well as basic Power Hammer use and operation.
In addition to several standard exercises we will delve into the world of traditional joinery and tool making with some simple explorations of forging tongs and simple joinery tools.
There maybe time for personal exploration as well. You will leave this course with a sore arm, tired hands and an enlightened perspective on what it means to be a blacksmith and how the mentality of forging steel is the foundation of the craft. If you want a new perspective to this craft, this course will expose you to it. This class is recommended for all even if you have had a past beginners class.
Classes
Beginner Blacksmithing Class Level 3
This beginner blacksmithing class is designed for someone who has completed both a beginner level course as well as the Blacksmithing Level 2 and can’t get enough of the blacksmith’s craft. If you have the equivalent of those courses you are also eligible.
The course will be structured around several sound fundamentals of practicing the blacksmith’s craft and “Controlled Hand Forging” of steel.
We will dive into the process of transforming steel, this wonderful and renewable material into the size stock needed to work through our exercises. Working with various sections of mild steel and 4140. Bending, forge welding, stock size, lots of shoulders and shaping will be our primary goals; with that material in hand we will move into various exercises to promote hammer control, hammer swing technique, sustainable ergonomics and forging efficiently.
Items such as Three Leaf Dividers, Hot Cut Chisel, V-Bit Bow Tongs, a simple Bench Hammer and a Traditionally Joined Boot Scrape and drifts will be made as tools to help with other projects. We will also provide instruction in the safe use and operation of an Oxy-Acetylene torch as well as basic Power Hammer use and operation.
This beginner blacksmithing class will keep you moving, you will leave this course with a sore arm, tired hands and an enlightened perspective on what it means to be a blacksmith and how the mentality of forging steel is the foundation of the craft. If you want a new perspective to this craft, this course will expose you to it.