2012-2013 Beginners Blacksmithing Classes

When: Classes are held on four Saturdays from 9 am – 4 pm. Three sets of classes are held this Fall, Winter and Spring. All 3 sets of classes teach the same information. You can choose either the A, B or C set of classes.

A Class: Oct. 13, Oct. 20, Oct. 27, Nov. 3

B Class: Jan. 5, Jan. 12, Jan. 19, Jan. 26

C Class: Feb. 9, Feb. 23, March 6, March 23 

Cost:  Total cost for the class is $120. First, you must be a member. If you are not, you can join for $30 per year. The workbook/study guide is $15 and the 4 classes are $105. This covers everything you need, the facility, coal, and metal.

Where: The classes are held at the Minnesota School of Horseshoeing, 6250 Riverdale Dr NW, just off Hwy 10 in Anoka near the Anoka Vocational College. See Google map.

Why take the beginners basic classes?  The beginners basic classes are designed to give everyone the same understanding of the basics, techniques and terminology. The basic classes are 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.

What you need to bring? Eye, ear and skin protection. This includes safety glasses, ear muff or plugs an 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: Bring your favorite hammer. 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. We have all the punches, chisels and tools you will be using but feel free to bring your own tools if you have them.

What you will learn: The first 3 Saturdays you will learn the basic techniques including:
Safety, Forging Dynamics, Hammer Techniques, Fire Building, Drawing out, Upsetting, Punching, Bending, Twisting, Heat Treating, Scrolling, Splitting. The fourth Saturday will be self paced to build a few items that will include each of the techniques you learned earlier. Instructors will help guide you thru any number of possible projects. This is a good opportunity to try out all your new skills.  

Who are the teachers? The instructors are all volunteers with a wide range of experience, talent, and stories. They range from just finishing the basic beginners class to 30 years experience. There is usually at least one instructor for every two students and many times we have had as many instructors as students.

Who are the students:  The students come in all ages and experience. We have had 10 year olds and 70 year olds. There are always a few women in each class. Some students have never held a hammer before. Some students are skilled in other crafts, woodworking, glass, welding, pottery and want to learn more about metal work to work it into their craft. Some students are nearing retirement and want to learn a hobby. All share an interest in learning more about blacksmithing.

Typical day: Classes start at 9 but people usually show up much earlier to get the coffee brewing, have a donut, swap stories or show off recent projects. Feel free to bring projects you are working on to show. We break for lunch. You can either bring a brown bag or go out to a local fast food restaurant. 

How can I learn more about the Guild or classes? Call or email Gordon Barr 952-894-4821 – agbarr@aol.com – www.metalsmith.org　

How do I join the Guild of Metalsmiths? Send $30 for a one year family membership to: (make checks payable to “Guild of Metalsmiths)

The Guild of Metalsmiths
PO Box 11423
St. Paul, MN 55111

How do I sign up for the beginning blacksmith classes? We start collecting names as soon as the classes are advertised in the August Forum newsletter. The newsletter is sent out the first week of the month. Send a check made out to “Guild of Metalsmiths” for $120 or $105 (book or no book) to:
Gordon Barr
11021 27th Ave
Burnsville, MN 55337