Handled Struck Tools 2023

Instructors: Jesse and Dave Gavin and others

Class size: Max 8, min 6
Class champion: Herb Fick, herb@phyque.com

Class Description: 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 supplied will be 5/8 and 3/4 inch round 4140 AN for the punches and chisels. Handles will be fabricated from 1/4 and or 5/16 inch round mild steel.

The instructor’s goal for the workshop is to produce students comfortable with the process of forging and heat treating tools from nominal tool steel. A secondary goal is to have the students comfortable with the use of treadle hammers. We expect to have three treadle hammers of different styles available. The workshop gives one the ability and confidence to modify and/or repair legacy and or neighbor’s tools. We forge in the morning, heat treat and install handles after lunch. Much 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.

Much 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”.  The photo represents the work product.

Power grinders are supplied.  Bring your favorite hammers and tongs suitable for the stock if you have them.  So far we have never run out of Guild tools to share.   Bring your basic safety gear (leather, cotton, gloves, eye and ear protection and safety shoes). The building will be open by 8 am, introductions and coffee will start at 8:30, in the shop by 9 AM.  We usually finish just before 5 pm.

History:

The lead instructor is Jesse Gavin. He is supported by Dave Gavin, Wayne Olson, and others. For reference probable students are invited to question former students including:
Gene Thoma, Bryan Carlson, 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.

To register: send a check made out to The Guild of Metalsmiths for $85, along with your contact info, to:

Herb Fick
519 East Eighth Street
Northfield MN 55057-2508

Acceptance priority for this class will be determined by postmark, and each person will be notified individually.