These classes are run through the auspices of the California Blacksmith's Assoc.
Participants will need to join the association to be covered by the insurance.
You can join at the class.
Beginners I : October 8, 2011
Class to cover basic techniques of forge work, with projects to practice those techniques.
We will discuss:
Equipment and fuels.
The proper way to use a coal fire.
Basic operations of getting a proper heat, tapering, twisting, punching, bending, and welding.
The project will incorporate tapering, twisting, and forming a shoulder.
Cost: $50.00
Beginners II : October 22, 2011
Class to cover the considerations of shop layout and anvil tooling.
We will be making a set of fire tools for the forge. Pieces to include a fire rake, a poker, and a shovel.
Cost: $50.00
Toolmaking : November 12, 2011
Class to cover basic techniques of hardening and tempering in a coal forge, with projects to practice those techniques.
We will discuss:
Basic Metallurgy of iron and its alloys
Heat Treating
Tool Steel Classifications
Tool Design
Cost: $50.00
Tongs : December 3, 2011
Class will cover basic styles of tongs and methods to make them.
We will discuss:
Shapes of tongs
Materials to use for tongs
Methods of forging tongs
Demonstration of forging basic styles of tongs, with the project to be a set of flat jaw tongs for 1/4" material.
Cost: $50.00
Forge Welding: January 14, 2012
Class will cover how to join metal with the use of heat and pressure.
We will discuss:
The fire
Weld preparation
Fluxes
Different weld configurations
Demonstration of different types forging welding with the project to be to weld some rings, and make a chain. Other types of welds can be tried also as time permits..
Cost: $50.00
Anvil Tooling: February 4 & 5, 2012
Class will cover how to create top and bottom tooling for your anvil. Tools such as hardies, hot cuts, fullers and swages will be covered.
We will discuss:
Tool design
Forging techniques
Types of steel to use
Heat treating
Demonstration of forging a tool to fit in the hardy hole. Punching and forming a handled top tool. How to create the shapes in swages. Class will cover bottom tools on Sat. And top tools on Sunday.
Cost: $50.00 / day
Classes Require:
Safety glasses or sun glasses.
Gloves can be useful, but not necessary.
Cross Peen hammer, about 2½ lbs.
Sometimes called a blacksmiths hammer. Sears makes a very good one. Also Harbor Freight has them...much less money...but you get what you pay for.
Ball Peen hammer, about 1 lb. (16 oz. As they are marked usually)
Sears has very good ones....Harbor Freight...usable and much cheaper.
Vise Grips or large pliers can be handy...you can get by without for now.
Some matches or a lighter doesn’t hurt....seems no one has a light when you need one.
And if you’re sensitive to dust...a dust mask doesn’t hurt.
Send your reservation to my email:
Or:
Dennis Dusek with CBA Education:
Or you can mail it to:
McLellan Blacksmithing
6961 Horseshoe Bar Road
Loomis, CA 95650
Include your name, address, phone number and email address...and a check is appreciated.