Blacksmithing Workshop
NOTE: Students under the age of 16 MUST contact Arc + Flame Blacksmithing Director (Candace Martens) for an evaluation prior to enrolling in a smithing class. Candace can be reached at blacksmithing@rocafc.com or 585-617-9644. Interested Students MUST COMPLETE this underage student APPLICATION prior to meeting with Blacksmithing Director.
If you have a question about the facility or registering for a class, please call Arc + Flame directly at 585-349-7110.
Arc + Flame Blacksmithing Workshops are an excellent way to learn and explore blacksmithing. Our experienced instructors will use a combination of lecture, demonstration and hands-on instruction at the forge to enhance your learning experience.
Skill Builder Workshops focus on the fundamental techniques in blacksmithing. These could include tapering, bending & straightening, upsetting, twisting, punching, cutting, joinery and hammer control. Student practice samples will vary each class but students will be able to take all of them home. Returning students can email project ideas to the instructor for pre-approval.
- Saturday, June 24th: Chisels & Heat Treatment (9am-5pm) (Instructor: Zach Tarbell)
- Sunday, July 9th: Tapers (9am-5pm) (Instructor: Jon Kelley)
- Sunday, July 16th: Household Hardware: Utensils (9am-5pm) (Instructor: Jon Kelley)
- Sunday, July 23rd: Specialty Tools: Pre-Drifted Hammer Head (9am-5pm) (Instructor: Jon Kelley) **SEASONED BEGINNER OR INTERMEDIATE LEVEL**
- Sunday, August 13th: Tongs (9am-5pm) (Instructor: Jon Kelley)
- Sunday, August 20th: Chisels & Heat Treatment (9am-5pm) (Instructor: Jon Kelley)
Details:
- 8-hour class period: 9:00am - 5:00pm (*Unless otherwise noted)
- Enrollment: 3 to 10 students
- All materials and safety equipment included
- Breakfast snacks and lunch included
- Vending machines available
NOTE: Blacksmithing Classes are very interactive and involve significant physical activity. Please make sure to wear boots, sneakers, or other shoes that cover your entire foot, jeans or other pants that cover your entire leg, and a cotton t-shirt. Do NOT wear flip-flops, open toed shoes, yoga/sweatpants, leggings or highly flammable clothing. If you any have concerns with your vision, hearing, hand dexterity or mental health please contact Arc + Flame Center at 585-349-7110 before signing up for this class. We want to ensure the best possible class experience for all of our students!
Click below to view details on specific projects: (The list below contains examples of various topics offered, however each class focuses on only one. Each available class date will specify the corresponding project.)
Learn the fundamentals of hammer control and drawing out stock. Tapering is simply a gradual reduction in cross section toward a set point in the material. It is the primary skill of a blacksmith and a bladesmith. Since blades are composed of complex tapers this class is a prerequisite for anyone interested in taking knife classes at the Rochester Arc + Flame Center. (Open to all levels. If you already have forging experience and would like to attend a bladesmithing class, contact the Blacksmithing Director at blacksmithing@rocafc.com to discuss dismissal of this requirement)
Tongs are critical tools for the blacksmith. They must securely hold blistering hot steel while the iron is worked under the hammer, yet be light and agile. A set of tongs will run $30 to $60 each and one needs dozens to fit a variety of stock sizes and tasks. Being able to make your own is an invaluable skill for any budding smith. (Open to all levels.)
Learn the fundamentals of tool making. This session will focus on how to make some of the basic tools in every smithy's tool box and how to heat treat them appropriately for their intended uses. Students will start with a simple center punch and move on to chisels and punches as time permits. (Open to all levels.)
Household hardware is equipment that can be touched by the hand such as keys, latches, hinges, handles and utensils. Utensils are tools that can typically be used to lift, hold or skewer food items. Learn the fundamentals of forging some of this functional hardware for your own use. Students will learn various ways to create these simple forged elements. This session will focus on the how to of forging some simple utensils and practice necessary to make them consistently. Students will leave with the items they make and any prototypes or samples they tried for inspiration. (Open to all levels.)
Learn to make specialty tools. As we develop skills one of the best ways to show them off is through our tools. This portion of our skill builder series will help you do that. This session is focused on making a forging hammer for form and function and to just show off! (**SEASONED BEGINNER OR INTERMEDIATE LEVEL**)
This session will focus on creating a table center piece with a candle holder, flowers and leaf forms. We will focus on how they are created with just a hammer and anvil while using some decorative tooling as well. (Open to all levels.)
Learn the fundamentals of creating mortise and tenon joinery while making a table top wine bottle holder. Mortise and tenon joints are mechanical connections that join two or more pieces together. This is a traditional blacksmith joinery method that is not only structurally sound but it also a unique design element that can be added to the overall aesthetic of the piece. (Open to all levels, but some forging experience is recommended.)
PLEASE READ: Student Health / Refund Policy / Age / Dress Code
NOTE: Our programs are designed to be as inclusive as possible. However, if you have any concerns with your vision, hearing, hand dexterity or mental health please contact Arc + Flame Center at 585-349-7110 before signing up for this class. We want to ensure the best possible class experience for all our students.
Please read our class refund policy. If you have any questions, contact our administrative team at 585-349-7110 or email: info@rocafc.com.
Students must be AT LEAST 16-years of age to attend class unless otherwise noted (ie: Fusing Tike, Teen and Creative Kids Classes) OR approval from Department Director.
Please make sure to wear close-toed sneakers or boots, jeans and a cotton t-shirt. Do NOT wear flip-flops, open toed shoes, shorts, skirts, or highly flammable clothing.