Blacksmithing Classes

Our Classes

Blacksmithing & Metalwork

Basic Blacksmithing

Four hour intro to blacksmithing, you will learn a series of key blacksmithing techniques and the foundations of practical skills for making decorative ironwork.

Learning points:

drawing out,
upsetting,
forming,
punching,
twisting and
splitting.

Desired purpose and outcome:

This will be the prerequisite for any other classes. These teaching point will be to lead them into the other basic classes such as , making a fire poker, making a camping beer can holder, making a marshmallow or hot dog roaster. Small decorative hooks for gardens and pots.

Basic Garden Hooks Crafting

Time: 1-day, 4-hour class

Prerequisite: Basic Blacksmithing Class

Class Outline:

Introduction (30 minutes):
- Recap of basic blacksmithing techniques
- Discussion on the importance of design approval
- Instructor provides guidance on creating basic garden hook designs
Design and Approval (30 minutes):
- Students draw out their designs for basic garden hooks
- Design approval and feedback from the instructor
Skills Application (2 hours):
- Drawing Out:
  - Using the design, students draw out the basic shape of the garden hooks
  - Instructor provides guidance and assistance as needed
- Upsetting, Forming, Punching, Twisting, Splitting:
  - - Applying the previously learned techniques, students work on shaping the garden hooks
    - Instructor provides demonstrations and individual guidance
- Bending Methods:
  - - Introduction to various bending methods for garden hook customization
    - Demonstrations of different bending techniques
      - Hands-on practice to create desired shapes and forms

Work Completion (1 hour):

Continuing work from the previous session (if required)
Finalizing the design details and desired finishes
Cleaning and refining the garden hooks
Optional surface treatments (e.g., oiling, painting, patina)
Evaluation and feedback from the instructor

Desired Purpose and Outcome:

The purpose of this class is to build upon the foundational blacksmithing skills learned in the prerequisite basic blacksmithing class. By applying the techniques of drawing out, upsetting, forming, punching, twisting, splitting, and using various bending methods, students will create their own custom basic garden hooks. Due to the complexity and customization involved, the completion of the project may require more than one session. The class aims to provide hands-on experience and guidance to ensure the successful creation of functional and personalized garden hooks.

Fire Poker Crafting

Time: 1-day, 4-hour class

Prerequisite: Basic Blacksmithing Class

Class Outline:

Introduction (30 minutes):
- Recap of basic blacksmithing techniques
- Overview of forge welding over a coal forge
- Discussion on the importance of design approval
Design and Approval (30 minutes):
- Instructor provides guidance on creating fire poker designs
- Students draw out their designs
- Design approval and feedback from the instructor
Skills Application (2 hours):
- Drawing Out:
  - Using the design, students draw out the basic shape of the fire poker
  - Instructor provides guidance and assistance as needed
- Upsetting, Forming, Punching, Twisting, Splitting:
  - Applying the previously learned techniques, students work on shaping the fire poker
  - Instructor provides demonstrations and individual guidance
- Forge Welding:
  - Introduction to forge welding techniques specific to fire poker construction
  - Demonstrations of forge welding for a secure and durable fire poker
    - Hands-on practice under instructor’s guidance
Finishing Touches and Completion (1 hour):
- Finalizing the design details
- Cleaning and refining the fire poker
- Optional surface treatments (e.g., oiling, painting, patina)
- Evaluation and feedback from the instructor

Desired Purpose and Outcome:

The purpose of this class is to build upon the foundational blacksmithing skills learned in the prerequisite basic blacksmithing class. By applying the techniques of drawing out, upsetting, forming, punching, twisting, splitting, and forge welding, students will create their own custom fire poker. The class aims to provide hands-on experience and guidance to ensure the successful completion of a personalized and functional fire poker.

Outdoor Drink Holder Crafting

Time: 1-day, 4-hour class

Prerequisite: Basic Blacksmithing Class

Class Outline:

Introduction (30 minutes):
- Recap of basic blacksmithing techniques
- Overview of forge welding over a coal forge
- Discussion on the importance of design approval
Design and Approval (30 minutes):
- Instructor provides guidance on creating outdoor drink holder designs
- Students draw out their designs
- Design approval and feedback from the instructor
Skills Application (2 hours):
- Drawing Out:
  - Using the design, students draw out the basic shape of the outdoor drink holder
  - Instructor provides guidance and assistance as needed
- Upsetting, Forming, Punching, Twisting, Splitting:
  - Applying the previously learned techniques, students work on shaping the drink holder
  - Instructor provides demonstrations and individual guidance
- Forge Welding:
  - Introduction to forge welding techniques specific to drink holder construction
  - Demonstrations of forge welding for a secure and durable drink holder
  - Hands-on practice under instructor’s guidance
Work Completion (1 hour):
- Continuing work from the previous session (if required)
- Finalizing the design details
- Cleaning and refining the drink holder
- Optional surface treatments (e.g., oiling, painting, patina)
- Evaluation and feedback from the instructor

Desired Purpose and Outcome:

The purpose of this class is to build upon the foundational blacksmithing skills learned in the prerequisite basic blacksmithing class. By applying the techniques of drawing out, upsetting, forming, punching, twisting, splitting, and forge welding, students will create their own custom outdoor drink holder. Due to the complexity and customization involved, the completion of the project may require more than one session. The class aims to provide hands-on experience and guidance to ensure the successful creation of a functional and personalized outdoor drink holder.

General class info:

Maximum Students: 4 (to ensure personalized instruction)

What to Bring:

Students will be supplied with:

Safety glasses
Hearing protection

Students must bring/wear:

Natural fiber clothing (cotton or wool)
Hat for additional protection
Leather shoes/boots
Gloves

Optional (but recommended) to bring:

Plenty of water/hydration
Snacks for breaks

Special Note:

No one will be allowed to work if they arrive in unsafe attire.
Aprons and communal leather gloves can be provided but usage is at the students’ risk and discretion.