Blacksmithing classes with Shawn Cunningham Artist Blacksmith in Edmonton Alberta

I have been teaching blacksmithing since 1993, classes range from novice (no metal working experience needed) to advanced levels. I have had over 250 students and class sizes range from 4 to 6 people allowing for lots of individual attention. I have previously taught at SAIT (Southern Alberta Institute of Technology) and the Lacombe Blacksmith shop Museum through Red Deer College.

Currently I teach through NAIT (Northern Alberta Institute of Technology), Red Deer College (in their Summer Arts Series) as well as my own studio.

Available Classes

Courses through NAIT:

Blacksmithing 101 - Beginner

Blacksmithing 201 - Intermediate

Blacksmithing 301 - 5 day summer Bootcamp

5 day summer course through Red Deer College:

Fire and Hammers - Blacksmithing

Courses through my studio:

Introduction to Forge Work

Connections

Blacksmithing 101

In this course you will have the opportunity to learn blacksmithing through hands on forging of primary tools of the trade in forging a punch, hammer and tongs. We will cover the broad base of all the allied blacksmith trades. These techniques are the same as those used to produce Damascus steel, forge artwork, wrought iron and tools as well as recreate historic hardware. Steel selection, tool design and heat treatment are discussed and practiced in the development of each tool. Forge welding and riveting as well as other traditional jointery methods will be integral to the finished work.
Offered through: NAIT
Dates: Several times a year, registered ONLY through NAIT

Blacksmithing 201 - Intermediate Blackmithing
pre-requisite: Blacksmithing 101 or Introduction to Forge Work

This course is a hands-on continuation of the techniques learned in the Introduction course – BLS101. Through lecture, demonstration, and hands-on work students will be able to produce a piece of wrought iron grill work encompassing basic and intermediate connection techniques. This grill will serve as a textbook of techniques you can use to solve problems and design your own work.
Techniques covered:
• Stock calculation
• Upsetting right angle corners
• Riveting
• Mortise and tenon jointery
• Collaring
• Forge welding
• Botanical forms (flowers, leaves etc.)
• Heat treating tools

The tools used will be developed along the way, with strong emphasis on what makes effective robust tool design. A discussion on what new and recycled steel products make good tool choices will be ongoing during the course.
The creation of the following tools will be demonstrated:
• Rivet sets
• Set hammer
• Fuller for tenons
• Slot punches
Offered through: NAIT
Dates: Several times a year, registered ONLY through NAIT

Blacksmithing 301 - Blackmithing Bootcamp

This five day course is an intensive introduction to the broad spectrum of what artistic blacksmiths do today and will challenge the most ardent beginner. Students will work in a progressive manner that will allow each newly acquired skill to be used and built upon. The development of tools will form a significant portion of the finished projects as individuals will make the tools needed to work with. Wrought iron design skills will be demonstrated and practiced, and students will produce finished tools, functional iron work and purely sculptural items. There will be discussion, demonstration and practice of elements of wrought iron, both antique and modern. Some elements of style from each design era will be discussed and practiced if time permits.
Course content includes:

• basic forging and laminating
• heat treatment of tools and tool steel
• wrought iron work • mortise & tenon joinery
• up setting
• riveting
• chain making
• flora forms
• tool fit & ergonomics
• fuels and force designs
• shop set up
Offered through: NAIT
Dates: June 22 - 26, 2009, registered ONLY through NAIT

Fire and Hammers - Blacksmithing

In this hands-on Workshop, you will be introduced to the art of blacksmithing! After a thorough introduction to the "tools of the trade", participants will have an opportunity to combine their imaginations and their new found metal-working skills to forge a unique sculptural form! Be on the look-out for interesting metal artifacts to bring along to incorporate into your blacksmithing project!
Offered through: Red Deer College
Dates: July 20 - 24, 2009, registered ONLY through Red Deer College

Introduction to Forge Work

Offered through: Front Step Forge
Dates: Several times a year, call for schedule 780-468-1812

Connections
pre-requisite: Introduction to Forge Work or permission of instructor

Offered through: Front Step Forge
Dates: Several times a year, call for schedule 780-468-1812

Contact Front Step Forge