Blacksmithing

Hephaestus was the blacksmith of the gods in Greek and Roman mythology. A supremely skilled artisan whose forge was a volcano, he constructed most of the weapons of the gods, and was himself the god of fire and metalworking.

Here at The Crucible we may not forge from a volcano, but our Blacksmithing program can teach you Hephaestus’s basic skills that allowed him to forge metal and build on those skills with specialized classes in bladesmithing, medieval helmet construction, and more. We even offer a special women’s blacksmithing workshop just for women that are taught by women.

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Blacksmithing Taster
Saturday Dec. 6th  or  Sunday Dec. 7th
10AM - 1PM  or  2 - 5PM

If you’ve ever thought about working with fire, metal or glass but don’t want to spend a lot of time finding out if it’s for you, try our series of Holiday Taster Workshops. Structured for beginners twelve years and older, anyone can get a taste of creating with fire and light. These three-hour classes make great early holiday gifts for a do-it-yourselfer, or take a class together with family and friends to create hand-crafted gifts to give. Items you might learn to make in our different tasters are ornaments, bottle openers, trivets, sun catchers, bracelets, or candle holders.

Try two skills on the same day and get a deal! When you register for one morning and one afternoon Taster on the same day in separate disciplines, you’ll receive a $15 discount.

Other Skill Areas Available:
Jewelry, Glass Flameworking, Glass Fusing, MIG Welding, Resin Casting, and Sand Casting

Non-Members $80 - Members Pay $72.50

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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, bottle openers, and candleholders.

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.

Continuing Techniques in Blacksmithing
Previous experience required.
Prequisite: 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.

Medieval Helmet Making
Previous experience required.
Prequisite: Introduction to Blacksmithing; Continuing Techniques in Blacksmithing
Create a medieval-style helmet with your own unique flair using riveted construction process! This class teaches cold metal forming, using the techniques of dishing or sinking, raising, and planishing.

Techniques in Ornamental Iron Work
Previous experience required.
Prequisite: Introduction to Blacksmithing; Continuing Techniques in Blacksmithing
Improve your blacksmithing skills and produce quality work that sells. This class will include orthographic drawing (an essential design skill) and traditional methods of making decorative ironwork. Techniques taught and explored will include scrollwork, hot chisel work, twisting, floral design, and other form-shaping procedures.

Bladesmithing
Previous experience required.
Prequisite: 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. Don’t pass up the opportunity to take this rarely offered class!

Build Your Own Propane Forge
Entry-level class
Need creative fire?  Learn to build a forge of your own in this 10-session 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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Sheet Metal Forming with Evan Wilcox (Hot Wheels)
Previous experience suggested.
Prequisite:  Metalworking experience
This class is a hands-on introduction to skills that are invaluable for fabricating parts for motorcycles, cars, airplanes, and sculptures. Learn from an experienced professional motorcycle builder 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 Kuem-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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