Metal Fabrication
We're Celebrating Volunteer Appreciation Month! This Event is for BARN Volunteers Only.
Volunteer Appreciation: Intro to Blacksmithing
Create a bracelet, hook, spoon, or tool as you learn the basic principles of forge work, heat treatment, and metal forming.
Meeting Times
- Tue, 4/15/2025 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Tue, 4/15/2025
Closed
About
Blacksmithing, the skillful art of heating metal in a forge until it's glowing yellow-orange and becomes soft enough to shape with a hammer, tongs, anvil, and other tools, is experiencing a major renaissance. BARN is pleased to help perpetuate this ancient art with forge and blacksmithing classes.
In this class, you'll learn some of the basic skills needed to proceed in the art and science of blacksmithing. You'll begin with forging a simple hook that you can use on the wall for hanging a hat or coat. As you learn to coordinate hammer control on the anvil, you’ll build skills including flattening, drawing out, splitting, bending, twisting, and piercing iron that has been heated in the forge. These basic skills will lay the foundation for many of the projects that you can pursue in future classes and Open Studios.
In addition to safety and best practices, we will cover:
- Discussion of “smithing” and the main types: forging (sometimes called "sculpting"), welding, heat-treating, and finishing.
- Practice drawing by using forge, anvil, and hammers to create a traditional clothing hook.
Details
- We'll meet outside on the concrete apron adjacent to the welding shop double doors. The class will be postponed in the case of severe cold, heavy rain, or high winds.
- Enrollment is currently limited to three students due to space limitations.
- BARN will provide personal protection equipment.
- If you have questions, contact David Hays at metal.programming@bainbridgebarn.org
Materials
Class Policies
- Ages 14 and up are welcome.
- You must wear long-sleeve shirts and long pants made of natural fiber and closed-toe shoes, preferably leather. Athletic shoes and clothing of synthetic materials or stretch fabrics are prohibited.
BARN Policies
- View BARN's Cancellation and Refund Policy.
- Tuition Assistance is available. Fill out the application before registering.
- BARN is committed to accessibility. We try to make accommodations when requested; the earlier you contact us, the more likely we can help. Fill out the Accommodation Request Form before any class for which you require an accommodation. Email accessibility@bainbridgebarn.org if you have any questions.
- Sensory Statement: Makerspaces like BARN can be noisy and cluttered, smell strongly, and have bright or flickering lights. BARN is not an allergen-free facility. If you have concerns, please email info@bainbridgebarn.org.
Instructors or Guides
Jim DeRoy
Blacksmithing
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