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 leaves, a two-tined fork, cold cut chisel, tong jaws, and a seasonally themed capstone project. Returning students will have the option of forging a selection of heads and figures. The selection of projects includes but is not limited to: skeletons, horses, cats, owls, rats, wizards, dogs, rams, and dragons. Intermediate students may also work with the instructor on other independent projects of their own choosing. 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 fiber flame retardant fibers like 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. About the Instructor: Garrett lives in Decatur and is a member of the ABANA and Alex Bealer Blacksmith Association of Georgia. He enjoys blacksmithing, dry stone masonry, and building log cabins.
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