Blacksmithing 101: 4-Week Fundamentals April

Blacksmithing 101 programs at The Forge at Art Center West serve as introductions to forging arts and are focused on project-based learning.

Your program will be an instructional journey through tools and equipment, material selection, body mechanics, design considerations, forging techniques, basic heat treating principles and finishing methods. You will experience a very active class with an emphasis on hands on learning with hammer, heat and iron. Our programs serve as introductions to forging arts and are focused on project-based learning including ornamental and functional iron works. Safe work habits will be emphasized, and instruction will include projects that encompass basics blacksmithing techniques including: bending, tapering, twisting, slitting, drifting, and riveting. Students can expect to make several smalls objects as they become more confident at the anvil and will use the foundational skills acquired create unique personal projects as they become more acclimated in the forge. Over the 4-week period, students will become familiar with the processes of tapering, bending, twisting, forming and cutting steel. Projects range from j and s-hooks, stylized leaves, a two-tined fork, or a fireplace poker. These projects are designed to take students with no prior experience and give them a workable knowledge of the fundamentals of blacksmithing as well as to set a solid foundation for further pursuit of the craft.