Handled Struck Tools 2014

The tools made will be punches with a wire handle and chisels with a wire handle.  We will use treadle hammers. (Find out if you really need one of these by trying them.) Tools for the treadle hammers will be supplied. Steel will be 5/8 and 3/4 inch round 4140 for the punches and chisels. Handles will be fabricated from ¼ and or 5/16 round CRS.

Instructors: Jesse Gavin, Dave Gavin, Herb Fick, and others

The exercise will include forging and basic heat treatment of the tools.  Forge in the morning, heat treat and install handles after lunch.
A note on change:  In the past we’ve offered the preparation of a small hammer.  We’ve accepted that the time is better spent focusing on the punches and chisels so that more time is spent on understanding the heat treat process.  There will be enough stock so we can encourage you to make a couple of serious mistakes and still go home with real tools to use or offer for the next “iron in the hat”.
Power grinders are supplied by Duggan, Gavin and Fick.  (We still have a couple of belts supplied by our abrasive friends at 3M.)
Bring your favorite hammers, tongs suitable for the stock if you have them, and eye and ear protection.  Bring your basic safety gear (leather, cotton, gloves, and safety shoes).

The building will be open by 8 am, introductions and coffee will start at 8:30, in the shop by 9 AM.  We usually finish just before 5 pm.
History:
Last year we used three different treadle hammers for the eight students.
Herb’s records only go back to 2006, but this class has been going annually for quite a while and has always filled.  Credit for that goes to the Jesse and Dave.
For reference, probable students are invited to question former students including:
Hix Marty
Auel George
Olson Wayne
Moenck James
Hilton Larry
McClean Robert
Brown Bob
Fidelman Nathan

To register for this class, send your contact information and a check made out to The Guild of Metalsmiths for $65 to:
Herb Fick
519 East Eighth Street
Northfield MN 55057-2508