Handled Struck Tools Class 2012

Instructors: Jesse Gavin, Dave Gavin, Bob Brown, Herb Fick
Tools & Equipment: Bring your favorite blacksmithing hammer, tongs for handling 5/8″ round, 3/4″ round, and 1 ” square. Some tongs and punches are available. You will prefer your own if you have them.
Other Equipment: Grinding equipment will be supplied and shared.
Safety Equipment: Safety glasses & ear protection are mandatory. Other safety equipment may include: gloves, leather apron, cotton clothing, and leather shoes.
Class Description: Learn some basics of heat treating tools. We will forge 5/8 and ¾ inch round 4140 steel to make a punch and a chisel. Steel will be available to make a small hammer if your skill level allows. The tools have 5/16 inch wire handles and are shorter than a hand held tool. Treadle hammers will be used for forging. Find out if you need a treadle hammer by using them. The process starts by getting comfortable with punching and sizing holes in the stock. Then we shape the punch and then the chisel. After near final grinding we refine the grain of the metal before hardening and tempering the tool blank. Finally we artistically fashion the wire handle much like the illustration supplied. As time and skill level allow, students can fashion a small hammer from blanks and wooden handles supplied. The product of the day is the comfort gained in practicing punching and gaining the heat treating knowledge and skill needed to build, repair, and maintain working tools. You will also probably make tools that you will use and understand. Students should have completed the basics class of the Guild, or have an equivalent background.

To register for this class, send check payable to Guild of Metalsmiths for $50 to:
Herb Fick
519 8th Street East
Northfield MN  55057-2508
herb@phyque.com