Hours for retail / walk-in: 12:00N-6:00pm Monday - Friday, CLOSED on Saturday and Sunday

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Tapers (Skill Builder)

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)

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Forging in a Coal Forge (Skill Builder)

Learn the fundamentals of forging in a coal forge. We'll show you how start a good fire and keep it going as you work. This course will address some of the common problems smiths face when working with the ever changing environment of solid fuel fire. This is one of the fundamental skills of a blacksmith and a bladesmith. Don't be left frustrated any longer by not being able to control the heat you need to do the work you love. (Open to all levels.)

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Tongs (Skill Builder)

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.)

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Leaves (Skill Builder)

This session will focus on various leaf forms and how they are created with just a hammer and anvil. Well, maybe some decorative tooling as well. (Open to all levels.)

  

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Chisels and Heat Treatment (Skill Builder)

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.)

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Centerpiece (Skill Builder)

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.)

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Mortise & Tenons: Wine Bottle Holder (Skill Builder)

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.)

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Scrollwork: Shelf (Skill Builder)

Learn the various ways one can add flow to a project by adding visual elegance to your designs with curves. Students will create a small shelf with decorative scrolls utilizing rivets. (Open to all levels, but some forging experience is recommended.)

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