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The Crucible

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photo by Richard Kadry

BLACKSMITHING

Throughout history skilled blacksmiths have worked metal to create weapons and armor, horseshoes, tools, decorative railings, furniture and sculpture of all types. Our introductory classes teach the basic techniques of heating metal until it becomes soft enough to shape with hand tools, such as a hammer, anvil and chisel. You’ll learn five basic operations employed in forging: drawing, shrinking, bending, upsetting and punching, and you’ll make several small pieces of your own. Advanced classes introduce specialized skills in bladesmithing, forgewelding and ornamental ironwork, and there is even a special workshop taught by women just for women.

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CLASSES

Introduction to Blacksmithing
Entry-level class
This basic blacksmithing class teaches fundamental skills needed to forge steel and understand blacksmithing tools. We’ll introduce tapering, upsetting, flattening, dishing, and bending of hot steel. Students will make small projects, such as spoons, knives, forks and hooks.

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Women’s Blacksmithing
Entry-level class
This special workshop—taught by women just for women—is designed to give students the fundamental blacksmithing skills needed to forge steel. You will have a chance to make a small project while practicing basic forging techniques, such as tapering, upsetting, flattening, and twisting. You learn all the same skills and do the same projects as the regular Introduction to Blacksmithing class, just with more girl power!

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Continuing Techniques in Blacksmithing
Previous experience required.
Prerequisite: Introduction to Blacksmithing
This class, designed as a sequel to Introduction to Blacksmithing, develops your basic blacksmithing skills. Techniques covered will include scroll making, collaring, basic tool making, and heat treating. This class provides the skills you need for advanced classes, such as Bladesmithing and Techniques in Ornamental Ironwork.

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Forgewelding (Biannually)
Previous experience required.
Prerequisite: Introduction to Blacksmithing; Continuing Techniques in Blacksmithing

This advanced blacksmithing skill has long been the mark of “expert status” in metal working. For centuries it was the only way to weld steel and iron, most commonly being used for pattern welding blades and knives. Now the Crucible makes this skill available to you, with an intensive 2-day class that covers all the fundamentals of this ancient method. You will learn the process of repeatedly drawing out a billet of steel, then folding it back and welding it upon itself, the importance of flux and introduction to the power hammer.

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Techniques in Ornamental Iron Work
Previous experience required.
Prerequisite: Introduction to Blacksmithing; Continuing Techniques in Blacksmithing
Improve your blacksmithing skills and produce quality work that sells. This class teaches traditional methods of making decorative ironwork, as well as an introduction to the power hammer. Techniques taught and explored will include scrollwork, hot chisel work, twisting, floral design, and other form-shaping procedures.

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Forge Your Own Blacksmithing Tools
Previous experience required.
Prerequisite: Introduction to Blacksmithing; Continuing Techniques in Blacksmithing
Learn how to make your own personal blacksmith tools in this brand new 5-session class. You will make a punch and learn how to use it to punch the eye on a hammerhead. You will also learn techniques in double striking, heat treating, and be introduced to the power hammer. At the end of the class you will have made two essential tools of the trade for your personal use.

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Bladesmithing (Biannually)
Previous experience required.
Prerequisite: Introduction to Blacksmithing; Continuing Techniques in Blacksmithing
This highly specialized course focuses on the forging techniques needed to produce sharp-edged tools of high-carbon steel. Instruction will cover blade design, forging techniques for blade steels, and control of steel’s grain structure, as well as hardening and tempering methods, steel finishes, and handle construction. Emphasis will be on learning the fundamental skills needed to forge a good knife.

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Build Your Own Propane Forge (Yearly)
Entry-level class
Need creative fire? Learn to build a forge of your own in this class that teaches the basics of forge building. Guided by a professional blacksmith, you’ll build your forge from an efficient design using three types of refractory materials, and use it for your own blacksmithing project. The materials fee includes all parts and equipment costs except the propane tank. Welding experience is helpful, but not necessary.

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Lab: Blacksmithing
Taking a lab is a great way to practice and perfect the skills you learn in class. In labs, you can work on class assignments or your own projects. Lab time is supervised but does not include instruction or materials.

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OTHER CLASSES YOU MAY ENJOY . . .

Sheet Metal Forming with Evan Wilcox (Hot Wheels)
Previous experience suggested.
Prerequisite: Metalworking experience
This hands-on class introduces invaluable skills for fabricating parts for motorcycles, cars, airplanes, and sculptures. Learn how to form sheet metal into tanks, fenders, and fairings, using gas-aluminum welding, planishing hammer, English wheel, and hand forming tools. Everyone will have a chance to make his or her own project. Evan Wilcox will provide instruction during some classes; others will be lab time, when students can use The Crucible’s equipment to work on their own projects.

Introduction to Keum-Boo: Korean Metalsmithing (Jewelry)
Previous experience required
Prerequisite: Jewelry-making experience

Keum Boo is an ancient Korean metalsmithing technique used to apply 24-karat-gold foil to surfaces of silver and other precious metals.  This simple decorative technique allows you to easily and inexpensively add rich gold color to your work.  You will learn this technique step by step as you apply gold to a pillow pendant.

Youth Blacksmithing (Youth)
Entry-level class
Ages 12 - 18

Learn to bend and shape steel in The Crucible’s smithy as you practice traditional blacksmithing techniques using the forge and anvil. You will complete a project such as a hook, knife, fork or spoon.

 

 

 





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