Animal Heads—3-day class – 2025

Instructors: Larry Wasmund, Bob Brown, others    Class size: Max 8, Min 5

Description: This class will involve forging animal heads from the Guild’s workbook, Iron Menagerie, or other heads, for the annual forging contest at the Fall Conference in September. (See related article below, right.)We will assist any individuals interested in entering the Fall Madness contest on animal heads. This class will detail how to make the different heads shown in the workbook, along with the punches, chisels, fullers, and vice holding brackets listed as used in the creation of the animal heads of Iron Menagerie.
This class will require an intermediate level of experience or at minimum a high level of basic training with additional forging experience with practice. The class will include drawing out as many tools as required for your chosen head project. There are many different punches used to create all the projects. You will be forging all of those necessary for your chosen head. These tools require several hours of forging, grinding, and heat treating. Hopefully we can forge and shape the majority on Day One. On Day Two we will complete the tools and heat-treat them and do some practice punching in different modes. In the afternoon we will begin creating our heads. All materials will be provided for the punches, tools, and for one animal head of your choice. A home forging station is not required but is recommended for out-of-class work on the project. You can always come to the Nowthen Meeting in June to continue working or getting advice on the forging of your head.

Tools and Equipment or other items participants should bring to the class: Bring your favorite hammers, hot rasp, files measuring equipment, and a hand grinder if you have them. Also a leather apron may be a helpful item.
Other Equipment: We will need additional belt grinders if you have one. Please let the champion know ahead of time so we don’t all bring them.
Special Instructions: If you have your own copy of Iron Menagerie, bring it along. There will be copies available for purchase at the class.
Lunch: Lunch is on your own so bring a sack lunch or travel to one of the local food establishments close by.

To register online go to The Guild of Metalsmiths website, https://www.metalsmith.org/education
Or to mail in a check, contact the class manager via email address : Larry Wasmund,  poundedtreasures@gmail.com

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