2013 Courses in Metalsmithing

This follows from the Event Schedule mentioned yesterday...

Note that there are a number of new programs, and modification on dates from past years.

Start your 2013 forging experience on the right path with weekend programs which will introduce you to the correct working methods, the tools needed - and teach you a good selection of basic techniques.

For the  starting portal go to :  Information on Courses



Basic Blacksmithing April 20 / 21 / 22
June 14 / 15 / 16
July 13 / 14 / 15
September 13 / 14 / 15
Friday evening, all day Saturday & Sunday
This is an 18 hour program that stresses a hands on approach, with a Friday evening lecture and two full working days in the forge. Only 4 students per session, each with their own work station, means close personal attention. Projects include poker, tongs, punches and one small decorative item. Course fee of $325 (+HST) includes coffee and materials. For further details go to Basic Blacksmithing

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Intermediate Level Courses

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Basic Bladesmithing
June 1 & 2

All day Saturday & Sunday
This two day, 16 hour session will introduce the student to the basic techniques required to produce simple hand forged knives. Covers: historic patterns, alloys, heat treating, forging shapes, basic finishing & hilting. Each student will forge and work to finish a small belt knife, plus rough forge a number of basic blade shapes. Requires 'basic' level experience, please ask for details. Course fee of $325 (+HST) includes coffee and materials. Session limited to four students.


For more details on this special program - go to Bladesmithing Course.

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Intermediate Blacksmithing
November 9 & 10
All day Saturday & Sunday.
This two day, 16 hour session will cover forge welding, punch work (flat and sculptural), tool making, and design for the Smith. Requires basic level experience, please ask for details. Course of fee of $325 (+ HST) includes coffee and materials. Session limited to four students.


For more details on this special program - go to Intermediate Course.

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Working Structual Steels
September 28 & 29
All day Saturday & Sunday This two day, 16 hour session will cover the basics of working with structural steels : PIPE / ANGLE / CHANNEL and more. The program will cover specialized tools, basic work with the air hammer, as well as design considerations. Requires a minimum of basic level experience, ideally intermediate level, please ask for details. Course of fee of $350 (+ HST) includes coffee and materials. Session limited to four students.


For more details on this special program - go to Structural Course.

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Introduction to Layered Steels
July 27 & 28
All day Saturday & Sunday
This two day, 16 hour session will introduce the student to the basic techniques required in the creation of layered steels. Covers: alloy mixes, basic pattern generation and history. Each student will create a layered billet, plus will forge a small knife from a prepared block (provided). Requires intermediate level experience (ability to forge weld), ideally with basic bladesmithing, please ask for details. Course fee of $375 (+HST) includes coffee and materials. Session limited to four students.


For more details on this special program - go to Layered Steel Course.

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Special Interest Courses

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 Introduction to Smelting Iron May 24 - 26, 2013
(Friday evening, all day Saturday & Sunday)
This course dependent on registrations (requires full class of 4 students due to materials cost)
This two day, 18 (+) hour session will involve the student in the construction and operation of the 'Econo Norse' small scale iron smelter. A Friday evening lecture will cover the theoretical and historical background of smelting iron: ores, furnaces, process, equipment. Saturday will start with the construction of the furnace, plus preparation of charcoal and ore, ending with pre-heating the furnace. The actual process of the smelt on Sunday takes roughly 8 hours. After this, the resulting iron bloom will be extracted from the furnace, and given a primary consolidation. The iron produced will be cut to sections and shared between the participants. This program does not require any previous metalworking experience, and is of interest to students of history as well as blacksmiths. Course fee of $400 (+HST) includes coffee and materials.
For more details on this special program - go to Smelting Course.

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Basics of Metal Casting

February 9 & 10
November 16 & 17
All day Saturday & Sunday This intensive hands on session will introduce the student to two methods of creating small objects using the casting process:
SAND CASTING IN BRONZE : First a master pattern will be caved in wax, then each student will learn how make molds using the green sand process. Several pours will be made.
PEWTER CASTING IN STONE : Each student will carve out a re-usable soapstone mold, then make a number of pours.
The two day, 16 hour course will include a look at historic cast metal objects, plus an overview of the tools and equipment required to set up a small scale workshop for cast metals. No skills requirements. Course fee of $325 (+ HST) includes coffee and all materials.


For more details on this special program - go to Casting Course.