Classes

  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), Metro Community College as well as my own studio.

 
  Available Classes
   


Courses through NAIT:

Blacksmithing 101

Blacksmithing 201



Courses through my studio:

Introduction to Forge Work

Connections

 


Courses through Metro Community College:

Blacksmithing I

Sculptural Blacksmithing

Wrought Iron

Blacksmithing II


Summer course through Red Deer College:

Fire and Hammers - Blacksmithing

 

 

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


 
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


Blacksmithing I
  Learn the fundamental hand skills common to all the varied blacksmithing trades - knife making, artwork and specialized tools. You will create and object or tool that is yours to keep. Heat treatment (hardening and tempering) is discussed and demonstrated.
Offered through: Metro Community College
Dates:   Several times a year, registered ONLY through Metro Community College

Sculptural Blacksmithing
  Hand forging of iron and steel offers an almost infinite variety of shapes and textures to the metal sculptor. Use blacksmithing techniques to work sheet, bar, and plate into three-dimensional sculpture. Surface treatments and patinas will be discussed and demonstrated.
Offered through: Metro Community College
Dates:   Several times a year, registered ONLY through Metro Community College

Wrought Iron
  Try your hand at forging steel to create a door hinge, fire poker or shop tool. The manipulation of metal by heat and hammer is one aspect of blacksmithing that has many modern applications. You've seen artistic candleholders and wine racks as well as functional railings and grills. With this introductory course, you could be 'forging' a new hobby! Both men and women are welcome.
Offered through: Metro Community College
Dates:   Several times a year, registered ONLY through Metro Community College

Blacksmithing II
pre-requisite: Blacksmithing I or Wrought Iron
  This workshop covers advanced heat treatment and tool development. Those skills are practiced in order to create decorative work with emphasis on traditional connection techniques. (You don't need a welder.) Learn the old fashioned methods and make a contemporary object d'art. 
Offered through: Metro Community College
Dates:   Several times a year, registered ONLY through Metro Community College


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 21 - 25, 2008, registered ONLY through Red Deer College



Contact Front Step Forge