Youth blacksmithing introduction

In this beginner class your child will

learn tapering with basic tools, and simple techniques of drawing out, forging square to round and vice-versa, points, bends and twists. Students will make a few decorative S hooks and a coat hook you can finish and use at home.

The youth and beginners classes are designed to give students the basic techniques.

PLEASE CONSIDER THIS BEFORE SIGNING UP:

You know your kids...I do not.

1. Does your child have the stamina for a three hour class that includes hammering, handling tongs, hammers and HOT materials all at the same time?

2. Does your child follow instructions well?

3. Does your child understand there will be strict safety rules?

What to Wear:

Suitable clothing: hard leather shoes, cotton, canvas pants and shirt.

(Synthetic and polyester clothing will burn and melt)

There will be hot metal flakes, sparks and brushes against hot metal.

PLEASE BE AWARE:

Kids WILL NOT BE PERMITTED TO PARTICIPATE if not wearing proper clothing.

***Eye and ear protection, safety glasses, ear plugs or muffs, and gloves are available/provided if you don't have your own***

Strict safety rules will be given and expected to be followed.

***Parents may stay to observe but are asked to REFRAIN from any instruction to their kids. Unless something TRULY requires your assistance.

Parents please understand I am teaching and prefer you quietly observe.

I've experienced, many times, in my 12 years teaching youth Blacksmiting that parental interference can be distracting and confusing for students. You're paying me.

***I reserve the right to remove anyone from class who poses a safety threat to themselves, Myself or others***

Please sign Waiver

Blacksmith

The word  "smith" is said to come from the word "smite" or "to strike" as with a hammer. In modern terms this has been stretched to "make". Black refers to the color of iron and steel after it has been heated and cooled. The surface has a covering of black oxide called scale. Thus the blacksmith is one who strikes the black metal or the maker of things from the black metal.

Today we have the "Artist Blacksmith" and the "Hobby Smith". These are taken from the German where they distinguish between the type of smiths.

For home study:

A couple of My favorite books

' Blacksmithing' hot techniques and striking projects by Jose Antonio

'Blacksmithing projects' Percy W. Blandford are great reference.

See you in the shop!