Blacksmithing 101

( * Please note: the Blacksmithing Safety Class is a prerequisite to this class. The 101 Class is a Prerequisite to the Knife Making 101 Class, which uses forging techniques, but is NOT a prerequisite to the Stock Removal Knife Making Class, which does NOT requires forging techniques. These classes are offered alternately. Please contact Kamber Sokulsky if you have any questions)

We are excited to offer Beginning Blacksmithing classes with the goal of you becoming an independent blacksmith with "journeyman" blacksmithing skills. This class, the 101 Class, is the first of a series of classes designed to teach you all the skills of becoming a Journeyman Blacksmith. This class is a crucial step in learning more advanced techniques such as knife making, sword making, tool making and more advanced projects, many of these classes which will soon be offered through Tinkermill in 2017. This class will cover drawing and tapering, scrolling, riveting, hot splitting, all using traditional blacksmithing techniques. Our project will be a hand forged, wall mounted coat rack that uses all these elements.

This class will be taught by Kamber Sokulsky of eleMetal designs, a professional blacksmith with over twenty years of experience. This class will be project based so that you make something to take home while learning a particular skill set. The idea is that, upon completion, the project you finish is worth the cost of the class itself (plus, now the knowledge you have on hand!) The cost of the steel is included in the price of the class.

(***Please note: The "Blacksmithing Safety Class/ Intro to Blacksmithing" is a requirement and needs to be taken first. See the calender for these scheduled classes or speak directly with the Instructor. The Blacksmithing Safety Class is taught separately. While the Safety Class does allow you to use the Blacksmithing Studio and the equipment, it does not give you the skills you need to succeed at this craft.)

(***Please note: Children under age 13 may not participate. Anyone between 13 and 18 may attend and learn but your parent must be present for the entire class and anytime the teen is using the blacksmith shop.)

This class is $150 for members and $180 for non-members. Paying in advance holds your position in the class. If slots are still available you may pay the day of class, however, you may risk losing your slot to prepaid members. Classes are limited to only four students and do fill quickly. Paying before the class is strongly encouraged.

Note: If there is poor weather conditions (freezing, ice, snow) this class may need to be rescheduled. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Host/ Shop Captain, Kamber Sokulsky.

While some members do finish their projects in class, many find it is better for them to take their time and finish in the studio beyond the class. To support this, if you do not finish your project in class, I arrange additional opportunities to meet with either myself or my apprentice to coach you through the completion of your project as well as participation in Open Studio. These opportunities are at no additional charge (beyond a small donation for fuel costs).

This class is a lot of work, but also a lot of serious fun! You do NOT need a lot of upper body strength like you always see with the blacksmiths in the movies~! I will teach you the skills to show you how to work efficiently and creatively at the anvil. So please don't let those Hollywood blacksmiths discourage you! Come down and see what all the fuss is about if you are not sure. We hope to see you in class! Happy hammering!