What better way to get introduced to the trade of blacksmithing than to craft your very own quintessential blacksmiths tool- the hammer!

In this class we start the morning by punching and drifting (enlarging) the hole for the handle on the 25 tonne forging press. We then move on to shaping and styling your hammer ensuring that each will be an individual, hand crafted tool

Following this we need to heat treat the hammer. Our instructor will introduce you to concepts like hardening, tempering and simple carbon steel metallurgy. This ensures your job is both beautiful and functional as a tool.

We finish the day by grinding and polishing the working faces of the tool and fitting a spotted gum handle.

Students will learn

• Introduction to blacksmithing tools and machines
  
• Introduction to the furnace and its safe use
• Emphasis on the traditional fashion of forging with a striker
• Heat treatment
• Handle fitment 

What’s included

• All materials will be provided for the completion of the tools including handles. 
• All safety gear including eye, ear and hand protection (but feel free to bring your own if you prefer)

Appropriate for

This class is designed for a wide range of abilities, from those just getting introduced to the craft to those wishing to expand their tool collection and know how.

What to bring

• Lunch, snacks and water bottle
• Clothing appropriate for a workshop – long pants and sleeves (preferably natural fibre), solid shoes/boots.