Blacksmithing Date Night: Session A – Forging Steel Hearts
Forge lasting memories with your special someone! This unique date night experience lets you learn the basics of blacksmithing together while creating a one-of-a-kind keepsake to cherish. Share the fun of hammering, shaping, and finishing metal in a hands-on, memorable activity that’s perfect for couples looking for something different.
Please note: For safety, all participants must wear long pants and closed-toe shoes. Protective gear and materials are provided.
ABANA Open Forge: Session A
Open forge time for students who have completed one or more of GAC's ABANA Certification workshops to practice and continue projects.
Introduction To Blacksmithing: Session A
Come learn the basics of forging steel in the GAC blacksmith forge. 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
Teen Blacksmithing: Session B
This class will teach teen students basic forging techniques. Students will learn how to build and maintain a coal fire, and use the new skills to make several small projects such as hooks, fire pokers, and hand forged jewelry. Students will need safety glasses, 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.
Forging Tongs Workshop
In this workshop, students will learn the basic techniques of forging blacksmiths’ tongs. Every smith needs and being able to make and adjust tongs to fit the needs of the work is important. We will go through the basic process and explore different jaw styles that will enable you to hold multiple projects and stock configurations: flat, round, square and irregular pieces. This class will teach students the skills to make this crucial smith’s tool. This workshop is intended for students who have some forging experience and good hammer control but beginners are also welcome. We will concentrate on the forging of smaller tongs and students can expect to bring home 2 or 3 pairs.
Intro To The Hand Forged Blade Workshop: Session A
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.
Teen Blacksmithing: Session A
This class will teach teen students basic forging techniques. Students will learn how to build and maintain a coal fire, and use the new skills to make several small projects such as hooks, fire pokers, and hand forged jewelry. Students will need safety glasses, 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.
