This course offers introductory instruction to the forging, forming, cutting, and joining skills of blacksmithing. Students will learn basic blacksmith safety, how to start and manage a solid fuel forge, the heat treatment of tool steel, and how to forge weld. Projects range from hooks, stylized leafs, a two-tined fork, cold cut chisel, tong jaws, and a seasonally themed capstone project. Materials will be discussed in the first class; fuel for the student’s forge as well as the mild and tool steel for planned projects are provided by the studio. Students will need to wear 100% natural non-flammable fibers (cotton or wool). No synthetic fibers or blends. Long sleeve shirts and pants that cover tops of footwear. Footwear must be leather or cotton canvas shoes that fully enclose feet. Additional materials for repeat or custom projects can be purchased from the instructor at cost. About the Instructor: Garrett lives in Decatur and is a member of ABANA and the Alex Bealer Blacksmith Association of Georgia. He enjoys blacksmithing, dry stone masonry, and building log cabins.
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