2019 Handled Struck Tools Workshop

Instructors: Jesse and Dave Gavin, Herb Fick, and others
Class size: max 8 students; minimum 6 students

Handled Struck Tools

The tools made will be punches with a wire handle and chisels with a wire handle. We will offer the option to use treadle hammers supplied by the teaching staff. (Find out if you really need one of these by trying them.) Tools for the treadle hammers will be supplied. Steel used will be 5/8 and 3/4 inch round 4140 AN for the punches and chisels. Handles will be fabricated from ¼ and or 5/16 round CRS.
The goal of the workshop is to produce students comfortable with the process of forging and heat treating tools from tool steel. The secondary goal is to have the students comfortable with the use of treadle hammers. We forge in the morning, heat treat and install handles after lunch.
We’ve accepted that most of the time is spent focusing 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 to offer for the next “iron in the hat”.
Power grinders are supplied. Bring your favorite hammers and tongs suitable for the stock if you have them.
Last year we used three different treadle hammers for the eight students. For reference, probable students are invited to question former students including: Gene Thoma, Bryan Carlson, Kathleen Cantner, Derrick Phillips, Wayne Olson, Jim Moenck, or Bob Brown. This class has been going annually for quite a while and has always filled. Credit for that goes to the Jesse and Dave.
Tools and Equipment or other items to bring to the class: Bring favorite hammers and tongs or use ours.
Safety Equipment: Cotton clothing, gloves, hearing protection, safety glasses.
Lunch Arrangements: at local fast foods or bring your own
To register, put your name, phone number, email and residential address on piece of paper, fold it up with a check written to The Guild of Metalsmiths for $85 and send to Herb Fick, who will manage the class.
Herb Fick
519 East Eighth Street
Northfield MN 55057-2508
Contact Herb with questions: 507 663 0569 or 507 649 1611 (cell)
herb@phyque.com
Acceptance priority for this class will be determined by postmark.