About

Blacksmithing is heating pieces of wrought iron or steel until the metal becomes soft enough for shaping with hand tools, such as a hammer, anvil and chisel. Heating generally takes place in a forge fueled by propane, natural gas, coal, charcoal, or oil.

This hands-on class allows you to learn basic techniques such as drawing, bending, and twisting and then advance to splitting, scrolling, and punching. You will be able to design, complete and take home simple projects such as bracelets, triangles, hooks, spoons, tools and more. The class will include an introduction to heat treating if appropriate for the projects undertaken. 

Location:  This is an off-site class.        
Alchemy Industrial Arts
9392 Wardwell Ave NE
Bainbridge Island, WA 

Class will cover:

• Safety and good practice
• Discussion of “smithing” and the 5 main types: forging (sometimes called "sculpting"), welding, heat-treating, and finishing
• Introduction to the propane forge and hand tools
• Hands on drawing, bending, practical applications and beginning projects
• Personal project design for next session
• Practicing drawing by using forge, anvil, and hammers to create a traditional Viking bracelet, spoons, forks, and various other items
• Combining processes through forge work.
• Individual student projects
• Short demonstration of Oxy/Acetylene torch and use of the “rosebud” in metal forming

Class Goals:

• Learn the basic principles of metallurgy, heat treatment and metal forming
• Learn to bend, shape, drift and draw steel through traditional methods
• Develop an understanding of traditional tools used in the blacksmithing trade including a forge, hammers, anvil, etc.

Details:

• Participants must wear long sleeve shirts and pants in natural fiber clothing and closed toe shoes of either leather or cotton.  Athletic or synthetic shoes and stretch fabrics are prohibited.
  
• Alchemy Industrial Arts will provide Personal Protection Equipment (PPE).
  
• Ages 14 and up.
  
• Class size is limited to 4 students to provide good mentoring.
• Please click here for BARN's current COVID-19 health & safety protocols. 
• BARN is committed to accessibility. Tuition Assistance is available - click here to fill out the simple application before registering for a class. For those who might need physical assistance, please learn about BARN's Companion Program here.

Instructor: 

Jeremy Loerch is a successful small business owner of Monkey Wrench Fabrication studio, focused on original pieces made from all types of metal. Expertise includes teaching and curriculum development for youth, as well as adult programming. Contact:  jeremy_loerch@hotmail.com or (206) 992-8509

Further Contact:

David Hays, Metal Fab Studio, metal.lead@bainbridgebarn.org