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Pipe Tomahawk Class 2023
October 22, 2023 @ 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
$125
Pipe Tomahawk
Instructor: Martin Pansch, 612-599-4762 blacksmithingyeti@gmail.com
Class size: Max 8, Min 5
Class Description: A pipe tomahawk was a ceremonial item for Native American people from the late 17th to late 19th century. Often given as a gift at treaty signings, it was often a highly decorative item containing symbols of both violence and peace. In this class we will be forging one using mostly traditional techniques.
Students will start with a piece of thick walled pipe that is split. We will open the two halves, shape it around a drift, and forge weld the halves together. We’ll forge weld a tool steel bit into the cutting end then forge and cut the blade to shape before turning our attention to the pipe end. If time allows we will dive into heat treating and decoration.
A firm grasp of blacksmithing basics is essential for the best chance of success in this class. Experience with forge welding is helpful as well.
Tools and Equipment or other items participants are to bring to the class.
A good cross peen hammer (the peen can’t be too sharp), rrounding hammer, hacksaw, wire brush, flux, hot rasp, hot set/cut, tongs for holding 1/8” to 3/16” flat, tongs for holding 1” round might be useful but not necessary. A good half round file and ½” diameter round file if you have them, in case we get into decoration. If you have a ½” round spring fuller or guillotine tool you can bring that too otherwise we will have several to share.
Safety Equipment – safety glasses, ear protections, work gloves, long pants, no open toe shoes, and no synthetic fiber clothing. A shop apron is suggested as forge welding will be occurring.
Lunch Arrangements: Either bring a bag lunch with you or money to dine at some of the fine dining establishments in the area.
To register, send a check written to The Guild of Metalsmiths, for $125, along with your contact info to:
Marty Masters
395 Bucher Avenue
Shoreview, MN 55126
(651) 285-8731
Acceptance priority for this class will be determined by postmark and each person will be notified individually.