Introduction To Blacksmithing/Open Forge: Session B
Come learn the basics of forging steel in the GAC blacksmith forge, or continue previous projects. Geared towards the absolute beginner, this workshop is designed to be educational and enjoyable for everyone. Learn techniques to build confidence in the forge under the guidance of experienced instructors. Students will shape and forge hot steel using a hammer and an anvil to complete a variety of projects.
Students will need safety glasses, dust mask or respirator, leather work gloves, (welding gauntlets not needed) and should wear jeans, a non-flammable cotton shirt and/or jacket, and closed-toed boots or leather shoes. Our forge is an outdoor building that is only semi-enclosed; please dress accordingly.
For full-day workshops, please bring a lunch to be on the safe side, as there may or may not be time to get food during a lunch break.
Knife Sharpening Workshop: Session A
Learn the essentials of knife sharpening using stones and honing tools to achieve a clean, precise edge. Perfect for beginners or anyone who wants to maintain their kitchen or workshop knives with confidence.
Students will need safety glasses, dust mask or respirator, leather work gloves, (welding gauntlets not needed) and should wear jeans, a non-flammable cotton shirt and/or jacket, and closed-toed boots or leather shoes. Our forge is an outdoor building that is only semi-enclosed; please dress accordingly.
For full-day workshops, please bring a lunch to be on the safe side, as there may or may not be time to get food during a lunch break.
Forging Spears
Students will make a 9-12 inch socketed spearhead using the rolled socket method. The blade and socket will be entirely one piece, which can be fitted to a haft.
The class uses all basic blacksmithing as well as bladesmithing skills, including drawing, beveling, and will also make use of the forge's grinding equipment.
Each student can expect to have one spear completed by the end of the course.
Students will need safety glasses, dust mask or respirator, leather work gloves, (welding gauntlets not needed) and should wear jeans, a non-flammable cotton shirt and/or jacket, and closed-toed boots or leather shoes. Our forge is an outdoor building that is only semi-enclosed; please dress accordingly.
For full-day workshops, please bring a lunch to be on the safe side, as there may or may not be time to get food during a lunch break.
Making Cooking Pans Workshop
Learn essential forging techniques to create a durable, functional pan perfect for everyday use or display.Students will need safety glasses, dust mask or respirator, leather work gloves, (welding gauntlets not needed) and should wear jeans, a non-flammable cotton shirt and/or jacket, and closed-toed boots or leather shoes. Our forge is an outdoor building that is only semi-enclosed; please dress accordingly.For full-day workshops, please bring a lunch to be on the safe side, as there may or may not be time to get food during a lunch break.
Introduction To Blacksmithing/Open Forge: Session A
Come learn the basics of forging steel in the GAC blacksmith forge, or continue previous projects. Geared towards the absolute beginner, this workshop is designed to be educational and enjoyable for everyone. Learn techniques to build confidence in the forge under the guidance of experienced instructors. Students will shape and forge hot steel using a hammer and an anvil to complete a variety of projects. Please note: NO class 7/15
Students will need safety glasses, dust mask or respirator, leather work gloves, (welding gauntlets not needed) and should wear jeans, a non-flammable cotton shirt and/or jacket, and closed-toed boots or leather shoes. Our forge is an outdoor building that is only semi-enclosed; please dress accordingly.
For full-day workshops, please bring a lunch to be on the safe side, as there may or may not be time to get food during a lunch break.
Summer Snails & Whales Workshop
In this course, students will complete several pieces and variations of forged whales and/or snails starting from basic rectangular bar and round stock. Each piece is meant to function as decoration or as paperweights and bookends. Demos will cover basics of material management, hammer control, and serve many of the same techniques as basic blacksmithing, while being beginner friendly. Students are required to provide basic safety glasses [Regular eyeglasses are not adequate protection.]
Slingshots! Forging A Slingshot Workshop
Students will learn splitting, twisting and riveting while making a slingshot from a single piece of metal. The class ends with an old fashioned target shootout! Students will need safety glasses, dust mask or respirator, leather work gloves, (welding gauntlets not needed) and should wear jeans, a non-flammable cotton shirt and/or jacket, and closed-toed boots or leather shoes. Our forge is an outdoor building that is only semi-enclosed; please dress accordingly.
For full-day workshops, please bring a lunch to be on the safe side, as there may or may not be time to get food during a lunch break.
Intro to Bladesmithing
This workshop will cover the basics of forging, grinding, heat treating, and sharpening of a small utility knife. The instructor will discuss fit and finish, overall knife design, how to sharpen and care for knives, and how to begin making knives on your own. Students should expect to forge several blades over the weekend, and get at least one to the point of a usable knife.Students will need safety glasses, dust
mask or respirator, leather work gloves,
(welding gauntlets not needed) and should
wear jeans, a non-flammable cotton shirt
and/or jacket, and closed-toed boots or
leather shoes. Our forge is an outdoor
building that is only semi-enclosed; please
dress accordingly.
For full-day workshops, please bring a
lunch to be on the safe side, as there may
or may not be time to get food during a
lunch break.
Forging a Tomahawk Workshop: Session A
Chop chop! Students will forge a tomahawk from start to finish, using the traditional slit and drift method to form the head and create the eye. The instructor will also demonstrate the wrap and weld technique and explain how and when the different approaches are used. Hands on blacksmithing topics include shaping the head, drifting and sizing the eye, fitting and finishing a handle, grinding and polishing the bit, heat treating for strength, and final sharpening—so you’ll learn both technique and the why behind each step.Students will need safety glasses, dust mask or respirator, leather work gloves, (welding gauntlets not needed) and should wear jeans, a non-flammable cotton shirt and/or jacket, and closed-toed boots or leather shoes. Our forge is an outdoor building that is only semi-enclosed; please dress accordingly. For full-day workshops, please bring a lunch to be on the safe side, as there may or may not be time to get food during a lunch break.
Jewelry From The Forge Workshop
Learn to make unique jewelry from forged steel. This class will teach you hand forging techniques to transform steel into rings, necklaces,cuffs that can be as delicate or “statement” as you want.