Handled Struck Tool Class 2013

Update – 10/31/13 The class registration is now closed. The class is full.

Learn some basics of heat treating tools. We will forge 5/8 and ¾ inch round 4140 steel to make a punch and a chisel. Steel will be available to make a small hammer if your skill level allows you the time. The tools have 1/4 inch round wire handles and are shorter than a hand held tool. Treadle hammers will be used for forging. Find out if you need a treadle hammer by using them.

The process starts by getting comfortable with punching and sizing holes in the stock. Then we shape the punch and then the chisel.  After near final grinding we refine the grain of the metal before hardening and tempering the tool blank. Finally we artistically fashion the wire handle much like the illustration supplied. As time and skill level allow the student can fashion a small hammer from blanks and wooden handles supplied.

The product of the day is the comfort gained in practicing punching and gaining the heat treating knowledge and skill needed to build, repair and maintain working tools. You will also probably make tools that you will use and understand.

Prerequisite: Students should have completed the basics class of the Guild, or have an equivalent background.

Instructors: Jesse Gavin, Dave Gavin

Tools and Equipment or other items participants are to bring to the class: Your favorite blacksmithing hammer, tongs for handling 5/8 round, ¾ round and 1 inch square. Some tongs and punches are available.

Safety Equipment: Safety glasses & ear plugs are mandatory. Other safety equipment may include: gloves, leather apron, cotton clothing, and leather shoes.

Other Equipment: Grinding equipment will be supplied and shared. Some tongs and punches are available. You will prefer your own if you have them. Work blanks are supplied.

Special Instructions: Be on time. We need to get the work pieces done so we can spend most of the afternoon practicing heat treat.
Potential attendees may wish to talk to any of last year’s participants for references:
Marty Hicks, Craig Snyder, Jim Moenck, Roland Sigurdson, Bob Brown, and Wayne Olson

To register for this class, send your check for $65 payable to “Guild of Metalsmiths” to Herb Fick
519 Eighth Street East
Northfield, MN 55057-2508
Contact Herb with questions at 507-663-0569 or herb@phyque.com