Introduction to Basic Blacksmithing

Blacksmithing, the skillful art of heating metal in a forge until it's glowing yellow-orange and becomes soft enough to shape with a hammer, tongs, anvil, and other tools, is experiencing a major renaissance. BARN is pleased to help perpetuate this ancient art with forge and blacksmithing classes.
Be guided through the creation of a simple project as you learn the basic principles of forge work, heat treatment, and metal forming, and develop an understanding of traditional tools used in the blacksmithing trade including a forge, hammers, anvil, etc. You'll build the skills needed to bend, shape, drift, and draw steel through traditional methods.

In addition to safety and best practices, we will cover:

• Discussion of “smithing” and the main types: forging (sometimes called "sculpting"), welding, heat-treating, and finishing
• Practice drawing by using forge, anvil, and hammers to create a traditional bracelet, spoons, forks, and various other items (time limits may result in a single project rather than multiple)
• Individual student projects 

Details 

• We'll meet outside on the concrete apron adjacent to the welding shop double doors. The class will be postponed in the case of severe cold, heavy rain, or high winds.
• Enrollment is currently limited to three students due to space limitations.
• If you have questions, contact Metal Fab Studio Led David Hays at metal.lead@bainbridgebarn.org
• BARN will provide personal protection equipment.

Materials

Class Policies

Instructors or Guides