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BLACKSMITHING CLASSES
Introductory blacksmithing classes teach the basic techniques of heating metal until it becomes pliable enough to shape with hand tools, such as a hammer, anvil and chisel. You'll learn five basic smithing operations: drawing, shrinking, bending, upsetting and punching, and you'll make several small pieces of your own. Advanced classes introduce specialized skills in bladesmithing, forge welding and ornamental ironwork, and there's a special workshop taught by women for women.
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CLASSES |
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Blacksmithing 3-Hour Taster
Entry-level
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Our three-hour Taster classes are an easy way to begin exploring the industrial arts. In this blacksmithing Taster you'll learn the fundamental skills needed to forge steel and gain a basic understanding of blacksmithing tools. Taster classes make great gifts for a do-it-yourselfer, or take a class together with family and friends for a unique holiday bonding experience. Sign up for one morning and one afternoon Taster on the same day in separate disciplines and you'll receive a $15 discount. You'll finish your Taster with a small finished project.
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| Blacksmithing I 
Entry-level
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This basic blacksmithing class teaches fundamental skills needed to forge steel and understand blacksmithing tools. You'll be introduced to tapering, upsetting, flattening, dishing and bending hot steel, and you'll make several small projects, such as spoons, knives, forks and hooks.
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Women's Blacksmithing I
Offered twice a year. Entry-level
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This special workshop—taught by women for women—gives you the fundamental blacksmithing skills needed to forge steel. You will have a chance to make a small project while practicing such basic forging techniques as tapering, upsetting, flattening and twisting. You'll learn the same skills and master the same projects as the regular Introduction to Blacksmithing class, but with epic girl power!
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Blacksmithing II
Prerequisite: Introduction to Blacksmithing
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This class, a sequel to Introduction to Blacksmithing, develops your basic blacksmithing skills. You will learn scroll making, collaring, basic tool-making and heat treating. This class provides the skills you'll need for such advanced classes as Bladesmithing and Techniques in Ornamental Ironwork. |
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Techniques in Ornamental Iron Work
Prerequisite: Introduction to Blacksmithing; Continuing Techniques in Blacksmithing
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Improve your blacksmithing skills and produce quality work that sells. This class covers traditional decorative ironwork methods as well as an introducing you to the power hammer. You will learn and explore techniques including scrollwork, hot chisel work, twisting, floral design and other form-shaping procedures.
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Bladesmithing
Offered twice a year. Prerequisite: Introduction to Blacksmithing; Continuing Techniques in Blacksmithing
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This highly specialized course focuses on the forging techniques you need to produce sharp-edged tools of high-carbon steel. You will learn blade design, forging techniques for blade steels and controlling steel's grain structure, as well as hardening and tempering methods, steel finishes and handle construction. We emphasize the fundamental skills you need to forge a good knife.
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Forgewelding
Offered twice a year. Prerequisite: Introduction to Blacksmithing; Continuing Techniques in Blacksmithing
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This advanced blacksmithing skill has long been the highest mark of metalworking expertise. For centuries, it was the only way to weld steel and iron, and was commonly used to pattern weld blades and knives. Now, The Crucible makes this skill available to you in an intensive two-day class that covers all the fundamentals of this ancient method. You will learn the process of repeatedly drawing out a billet of steel, then folding it back and welding it upon itself, the importance of flux and proper use of the power hammer.
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Forging Fire Eating Torches
Entry-level
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In this class, you will learn how to make your own personal fire eating performance tools. You will have a chance to make two fire eating torches while practicing such basic forging techniques as tapering, flattening, and twisting. Students will also learn finishing techniques. You will learn how to remove mill scale and add patinas to your pieces as well as use of sealants to protect torches from rusting. Construction of kevlar heads will also be covered in class. At the end of the class, you will have made two fire eating torches from beginning to end. |
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Forge Your Own Blacksmithing Tools
Prerequisite: Introduction to Blacksmithing; Continuing Techniques in Blacksmithing
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In this five-session class, you will learn how to make your own personal blacksmithing tools. You will make a punch and learn how to use it to punch the eye on a hammerhead. You will also learn techniques in double striking and heat treating, and be introduced to the power hammer. At the end of the class, you will have made two essential tools of the trade for your personal use.
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Build Your Own Propane Forge
Offered yearly. Entry-level
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Need creative fire? Build your own forge. Guided by a professional blacksmith, you'll build a basic forge from an efficient design using three types of refractory materials, and keep it to use for your own blacksmithing projects. The materials fee includes all parts and equipment costs except the propane tank. Welding experience is helpful, but not necessary.
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Power Hammer I
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This workshop will focus on theory, safety, control and basic free-form and tooling techniques using the power hammer, a pneumatic or mechanical hammer used in forging metal. Each student will learn and practice techniques in forging and heat treating a set of basic hammer tools which include: side sets, round-back flatter and a pair of tongs bringing students mastery skill level on the power hammer by the end of the class. Emphasis will be put on the effective and safe operation and maintenance of the hammer. This course is the first prerequisite for the Power Hammer in our CREATE program which gives students independent access to the tools and equipment in the smithy for developing skills and creating individual projects.
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