Blacksmithing 1.5-Day 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.
- July 2023 Session: Damascus Billet: Friday, Jul. 7th(6pm-9pm) and Saturday, Jul 8th (9am-5pm)
Details:
- 3-hour class period: Fri. 6:00pm - 9:00pm and 8-hour class period: Sat. 9:00am - 5:00pm
- Breakfast snacks and lunch included on full day
- Enrollment: 3 to 10 students
- All materials and safety equipment included
- Vending machines available
Project Descriptions:
- Damascus Billet: This class will cover the basic process of forging pattern welded Damascus steel. Students will weld up a small billet and explore the basics of pattern development.
Students can expect to learn the process of choosing steels that will give good pattern and function well together in the final billet. The class will cover how to lay out and prepare the steel for forge welding both in the starting stack and in subsequent re-stacks. Special attention will be given to hand work and the making of patterns well suited to limited machinery. The main areas of pattern development will be explored as well as touching on some more advanced patterning techniques.
Once the billets are forged and patterned, the class will grind and polish a window or sample tile to etch and reveal the pattern. The class will cover several techniques to etch the sample for higher contrast. The techniques taught in this class should offer students the building blocks to begin an exploration of Damascus patterns on their own. (This class has a pre-requisite of a welding class: MIG Welding, TIG Welding, or Forge Welding.) - Blacksmith Knife: Learn the fundamentals of forging a blacksmith style knife out of carbon steel. The level of finish, grind and heat treat will depend on student skill level and time management. (Open to all levels)
(Above are examples of various topics offered, however each class focuses on only one. Each available class date will specify the corresponding project.)
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!
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.