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Introduction to Basic Blacksmithing

The ancient skill of blacksmithing is experiencing a major renaissance, and BARN is pleased to help perpetuate the art. By using a forge, steel or other metal is heated and then shaped with hammer, tongs and anvil to produce tools or artful objects.

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Introduction to Basic Blacksmithing

Introduction to Basic Blacksmithing

The ancient skill of blacksmithing is experiencing a major renaissance, and BARN is pleased to help perpetuate the art. By using a forge, steel or other metal is heated and then shaped with hammer, tongs and anvil to produce tools or artful objects.

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Registrations 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.
Be guided through the creation of a simple project as you learn the basic principles of forge work, heat treatment, and metal forming, and develop an understanding of traditional tools used in the blacksmithing trade including a forge, hammers, anvil, etc. You'll build the skills needed to bend, shape, drift, and draw steel through traditional methods.

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 bracelet, spoons, forks, and various other items (time limits may result in a single project rather than multiple)
  • Individual student projects 

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.
  • If you have questions, contact Metal Fab Studio Led David Hays at metal.lead@bainbridgebarn.org
  • BARN will provide personal protection equipment.
 

Details

A $10 material fee, included in the class cost, covers all the basic materials needed.

Class Policies

  • Ages 14 and up are welcome.
  • You must wear long-sleeve shirts and pants in natural fiber and closed-toe shoes, preferably leather. Athletic shoes and clothing of synthetic materials or stretch fabrics are prohibited.
Instructor
Jim DeRoy

Jim has been forging custom horseshoes as a professional farrier for more than 35 years, as well as creating architectural iron work, sculpture, and furniture for himself and clients.

Related Events

Check out other events you might be interested in!

Forge: Wall Hook with Decorative Heart
Forge: Wall Hook with Decorative Heart

Learn basic Blacksmithing skills while making a twisted wall hook or other smithing project. And, you'll leave with something useful.

August 12, 2026

Forge: Hand-Forged Towel Ring
Forge: Hand-Forged Towel Ring

Learn basic Blacksmithing skills while making a twisted wall hook or other smithing project. And, you'll leave with something useful.

July 08, 2026

Forge: Open Studio for the Forge
Forge: Open Studio for the Forge

This is maker time for forge enthusiasts of varying skill levels to work independently with a trained monitor present.

June 20, 2026

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