Beginning Blacksmithing Class Winter 2024, Day 1 of 3

Beginners Blacksmithing 3-day Class January 2024

Registration is now open for this series of 3 classes.

Dates: The classes are held on the following Saturdays of January 6, 13, 20, 2024

Location: Minnesota School of Horseshoeing, 6250 Riverdale Dr NW, Ramsey MN 55303, just off Hwy 10 near the Anoka Vocational College (see 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: George Auel at George.Auel@gmail.com

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.

To sign up for the three-day Beginners classes:
Send a check made out to The Guild of Metalsmiths with contact info and email address to:
George Auel
1865 Wellesley Ave
St. Paul, MN 55105
George.Auel@gmail.com

($180 for members, $190 non-members)

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