Intro to Blacksmithing

Students interested in blacksmithing will gain a working knowledge of the fundamentals in this intense yet enjoyable hands-on workshop. Whether you're an absolute novice or a more experienced enthusiast, you will be challenged by this 2 day course encompassing all of the basic principles of moving hot steel with a hammer. There will be 3 workstations (1 forge, 1 anvil, and assorted hand tools) and 2 students per station.

While moving through a series of progressively more technical exercises, students will be introduced to an array of techniques such as hammering, bending, tapering, twisting, riveting, and scrolling. Special emphasis will be placed on gaining a solid understanding of hammer technique. Using a multitude of tools, (chisels, punches, bending forks, and of course hammer and anvil) students will produce a variety of decorative elements including finials, twists, leaves, and scrolls. On Sunday each student will also create a fireplace poker utilizing their new found skills. Discussions will include design and function as well as the tools of the blacksmith shop. We will also explore basic metallurgy.

You will sweat and you will get dirty. Please dress appropriately. Long pants are recommended. Closed toe shoes are required. Safety glasses, gloves, and earplugs will be provided.  Class sessions are 8 hours with a lunch break.  We recommend packing a meal.

Instructor
Jon Ledford has been a professional architectural blacksmith for over 20 years. His work encompasses both high-end residential commissions as well as large scale commercial projects and can be found across the country. He has taught blacksmithing and welding for 15 years including serving as an instructor at the Center for the Metal Arts in upstate New York for the past 8 years.

Basic/Custom Member Price: $400 + $25 Material Fee Nonmember Price: $500 + $25 Material Fee Our Members Save $$ - Limited Time Offer! Add a 12 Month Basic Membership to your enrollment. Only $99 for the whole year. Receive class discounts, members only access, & more! Choose: Become a Member & Enroll

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