People have long been entranced by the process of using fire and force to make hard steel soft and malleable. By using heat and pressure a blacksmith turns the raw materials they have at their disposal into beautiful and useful objects.
Blacksmithing Introduction I will introduce students to the fundamental techniques of blacksmithing. Using hammer, anvil and heat to transform steel into decorative works of art. Over the course of one weekend, our teachers will introduce you to fundamental forging techniques. Students learn how to use an anvil to forge, taper, bend and scroll your way toward a decorative plant stand come sidetable.
Students work within the 130 year old blacksmithing bays of the great "Eveleigh Locomotive Workshops". Surrounded by large scale heritage machinery once used to manufacture trains you'll employ the craft that has put food on the table at Eveleigh for generations. Our work stations are equipped with gas forges, anvil, tongs, hammers and other specialty blacksmithing tools. All safety equipment is included, however feel free to bring your own.
Blacksmithing Introduction I is a unique experience immersing students in industrial heritage, the physicality of making and the excitement of working with hot steel. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of making something with your own hands and sweat.
Students will learn
- How to heat steel using a gas furnace
- How to use an anvil
- Hand forging techniques including: tapering, bending, riveting, fullering and finishing
- How to work safely in a group environment with other blacksmiths
- Striking and cooperative blacksmithing
- The properties of steels and alloys
What’s included
Appropriate for beginners
This course is open to students of all skill levels and does not require any prior experience. Ages 15 and up.
What to bring
- Lunch, snacks and bottle of water
- Clothing appropriate for a workshop – long pants and sleeves (preferably natural fibre), solid shoes/boots.
