Smokehouse Pad Lock
with
Thomas Boucher
Class runs: August 16-20
Tuition: $600
Material fee: $50
Skill level: Well Seasoned beginner and up, minimum of a Beginners course
Many smiths are interested in making locks, but do not know where to start. This basic padlock, based on common construction techniques, will familiarize the student with a simple single bolt lock mechanism allowing them to produce and locate the parts to make a functioning padlock. This project involves cold chiseling, forge welding, punching, lots of filing and fitting parts together at the bench. Cast steel keys will be provided.
Thomas grew up in his father’s blacksmith shop, but did not find himself working at an anvil until 2012 when he took it up as a hobby. After forging for a few years, his attention was focussed on studying and making handmade locks. In 2018, Thomas was awarded a Traditional Artist Apprenticeship Grant from the NH State Council on the Arts. The grant afforded him the opportunity to study English handmade locks under the direction of Kevin Moreau of Plumb Farm Workshops. Since then, Thomas has spent his time continuing to study locks and sharing that knowledge; most notably through writing his first book, Basic Handmade Padlock.
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