Blacksmith Classes

Beginners Blacksmithing 3-day CLASS IS FULL - Winter 2025 

Dates: The classes are held on the following Saturdays of 2025:  January 4, 11, and 18.

Location: Minnesota School of Horseshoeing, 6250 Riverdale Dr NW, Ramsey MN 55303, just off Hwy 10 near the Anoka Vocational College (see new map below).

Class Description: This 3 day class covers the basics of: Safety, Tools, Fire Control, Forging Dynamics, Tapers (ribbon, fishtail, point), Twisting, Riveting, Shouldering, Upset, Cutting, Splitting, Punching, Heat Treat, Scrolling, Bending, Forge weld.
The beginners basic classes are designed to give everyone the same understanding of the basics, techniques and terminology.

The basic classes or proficiency is REQUIRED before taking any of the many other classes the Guild offers. This enables those classes to concentrate on advanced techniques without having to spend time on basic concepts.

Class Size: 8

Cost: $190 for NON members, $180 for Guild members (covers everything you need: the facility, coal, metal tools and workbook)
Minors (under 18) must have a parent present. There will be no sharing of forges.

Class Champion:  Kim Maas at tgom.volunteer@gmail.com or call 651-328-7219

What you need to bring: Eye, ear and skin protection. This includes safety glasses, ear muff or plugs and suitable clothing which includes hard shoes, cotton or leather. Synthetic and polyester clothing will burn and melt. There will be sparks and brushes against hot metal.

Tools: Tools are provided but if you have a favorite hammer, punches, chisels and tools, bring them along. A small 1 to 2 pound ball peen hammer would work. We have various hammers for you to try and get a feel for what is comfortable.

Typical day: Classes start at 9 but people usually show up earlier to swap stories or show off recent projects. Feel free to bring projects you are working on to show. We break for lunch.

Lunch: You can either bring a brown bag or go out to a local fast food restaurant. Classes end between 3 and 5.

CLASS IS FULL - ANY FURTHER REGISTRANTS WILL BE WAIT LISTED.

To register:  For non-members,  Click [HERE] to register.

For Guild members,  Click [HERE] to register in Neon under 'Events'.

 

Alternatively, you can register manually by sending a check written to 'The Guild of Metalsmiths'.

Contact Kim for the mailing address.

 

****Acceptance will be in the order submitted, based on the transaction date, and each person will be notified individually.

 

Questions? Email Kim at tgom.volunteer@gmail.com

Map to class location