Sunday September 12, 2021 – 10am – 4pm – $220.00 Max 6 Students.

Forging Blacksmith Tools from Scrap Steel

*This class is for folks who have either taken a hands-on beginner blacksmith class or have a decent amount of experience and proficiency with forging hot steel. *  

We will start the day by forging a punch and chisel from automotive coil spring, which will involve basic forging and traditional heat-treating techniques.  We will then use these tools to assist in making a pair of flat-jaw tongs from scrap rebar, that are designed for grasping round, square, and flat ¼” bar. 

In this class you will primarily learn how to punch, chisel, and shoulder hot steel.  You will also be developing a better understanding of the characteristics of steel, the qualities of a good blacksmith tool, and increase your ability to forge more precisely. If you finish early, you will have the opportunity to try your new tools on a small project of your choosing.

Note about what to wear – Avoid wearing synthetic fabrics – they tend to be flammable.  Make sure your pants fit over the tops of your boots so nothing hot can fall in them.  Safety glasses and ear plugs are available or bring your own.  Bringing your own leather gloves can be a good idea.  Bring a water bottle to stay hydrated.

This class is taught by Joe Vachon who has made a living as a blacksmith and bladesmith for 14 years and is a Forged in Fire Champion (Season 6, Episode 27) 

Two Sessions: Saturday August 14, 2021 – 10am – 4pm or Saturday September 11,2021.

$220.00 Max 6 Students.

Learn some blacksmithing fundamentals from Joe Vachon, the Season 6, Episode 27, Forged In Fire Champion, in this 1 day, hands on coarse. Safety, body mechanics, tools, and the working properties of hot steel will be addressed, as well as various techniques, such as: tapering, scrolling, twisting, bending, drilling, punching, hot cutting, flat peening, upsetting and shouldering.  Students will start out practicing the basics with the forging of a few decorative hooks for the first half of the class.  After lunch, folks are welcome to create something of their choosing with their new found skill-set, such as (but not limited to) a fire poker, meat turner, bottle opener, letter opener, necklace pendent, or an experimental piece. One hour lunch break.

Note about what to wear – Wear cotton pants and shirt (synthetics are flammable!).  Make sure your pants fit over the tops of your boots so nothing hot can fall in.  Safety glasses and ear plugs are available, or bring your own.  Bringing your own leather gloves can be a good idea.  Bring a water bottle to stay hydrated. 

The Date For This Class Has Been Updated

Saturday October 3, 2020 – 10am – 4pm $175.00 Max 6 Students.

Learn some blacksmithing fundamentals from Joe Vachon, the Season 6, Episode 27, Forged In Fire Champion, in this 1 day, hands on coarse. Safety, body mechanics, tools, and the working properties of hot steel will be addressed, as well as various techniques, such as: tapering, scrolling, twisting, bending, drilling, punching, hot cutting, flat peening, upsetting and shouldering.  Students will start out practicing the basics with the forging of a few decorative hooks for the first half of the class.  After lunch, folks are welcome to create something of their choosing with their new found skill-set, such as (but not limited to) a fire poker, meat turner, bottle opener, letter opener, necklace pendent, or an experimental piece. One hour lunch break.

Note about what to wear – Wear cotton pants and shirt (synthetics are flammable!).  Make sure your pants fit over the tops of your boots so nothing hot can fall in.  Safety glasses and ear plugs are available, or bring your own.  Bringing your own leather gloves can be a good idea.  Bring a water bottle to stay hydrated. 

Due to a resurgence in COVID-19 cases, this class is being rescheduled.

Level 2 Class

Dates: August 8,9 & 10, 2020

Times: 9am – 5pm with lunch break (instructor may change work hours during class)

 Class description: This 3 day tool making workshop will expand your skill sets and tool collection. Expect hands-on learning as you forge and use a variety of hand tools under the expert direction of Mark Aspery. From drifts to chisels, you’ll make the fundamental tooling that every blacksmith needs.

 Cost – $475.00

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