Blacksmithing course - spend a day in the forge
Description
A day’s experience working as a Blacksmith in the forge. As a blacksmith for a day, you will experience working in a modern blacksmithing workshop, alongside an award winning Master Blacksmith. Suitable for the absolute beginner and those wishing to extend their skills. Be prepared to be amazed at your own abilities! Our working blacksmith's forge has two charcoal fires, three gas furnaces, anvils, hammers and tongs and working space for five students. This blacksmithing course is taught by Richard Bent FWCB, a Silver medal holder from the Worshipful Company of Blacksmiths. Richard offers Experience Days in the Basic Skills of Blacksmithing from his well equipped workshop/forge in Halwell, near Totnes, Devon. Richard offers tuition to the absolute beginner and those who may wish to build on previous experience. You will leave the course having produced several different projects ... as well as an overwhelming sense of achievement! An outline of this exciting blacksmithing day! All courses start with coffee/tea and biscuits on arrival. Richard will then outline the format for the day, talking through health and safety and an introduction to the facilities. Richard will give a short demonstration of making a fairly simple Item for you to copy, explaining the function of the variety of tools and techniques used in the making of the item. Now it's your turn! Working within a small group of up to five people, but at your own pace. Richard will be on hand, at your side to give tips and encouragement, just when they are needed. You will not be left to struggle with any of the processes. It may well be hard at first, but through the day the new skills you are learning will become easier. You will work at your own pace using traditional blacksmithing tools such as hammers and tongs, heating the metal to an orange colour in a charcoal fire or gas furnace. Then you'll have a go at hammering the hot, relatively soft metal, into various shapes, forms and sizes, working with the various hand hammers on an anvil. You will have the opportunity to work on the powerful blacksmithing machines, for which you will have full instruction As Richard will tell you, you are in his working environment, to ‘be him’ for a day! Your individually forged pieces and projects made during the course are yours to keep and take home to ‘wow’ family and friends.
What's included in the price?
The course fee includes: 1. All tuition 2. PPE - safety glasses, gloves 3. Use of equipment 4. Tea/Coffee and biscuits on arrival, mid-morning break and afternoon break 5. Bottled water Please note that you will need to bring your own packed lunch. YOU should come prepared for an exciting day: Wear clothes that cover your legs (no shorts please), jeans are ideal as they are thick cotton and aren’t usually made of fabric (ie polyester or acrylic)which will melt or burn easily. A cotton shirt, sweatshirt or tee shirt with long sleeves to protect against any odd spark. A jacket is also advisable so you don’t get cold when we stop for refreshments and lunch. Suitable footwear for comfort and to protect your feet, work-boots or walking boots are ideal. Trainers are not appropriate and definitely not flip flops or sandals.
Duration
6 hours
Cancellation policy
Medium - Cancellation and a full refund can be obtained up to 4 weeks before the course starts
Maker
STOP PRESS: CHAMPION BLACKSMITH 2024. I was honoured to receive the Champion Blacksmith Award by the Worshipful Company of Blacksmiths at their Awards Luncheon in London on 24.10.2024. I am Richard Bent FWCB, a Silver medal holder from the Worshipful Company of Blacksmiths. I offer Experience Days in the Basic Skills of Blacksmithing from my well equipped workshop/forge in Halwell, Nr. Totnes, Devon. I offer tuition to the absolute beginner and those who may wish to build on previous experience. The student will leave the course having produced several different projects and an overwhelming sense of achievement. My first interest in blacksmithing was watching Blacksmiths working at County Agricultural Shows. I was Hooked! I had to learn more! How? Where? No You Tube! Only books from which to learn. No Craft Courses in those days! I read and practised all I could, then started in business as a self taught blacksmith. I watched other blacksmiths and ‘stole’ with my eyes! So here I am, with over 45 years experience, running my own courses; I offer all students over the age of 17 years the opportunity to be me for a day! You will create some beautiful pieces to “Wow” your family and friends.
Suitable for
- Adults
- Seniors
- Intermediate level
- Mother's Day
- Parking provided
- Corporate days out & team building
- Christmas
- Suitable for beginners
- Father's Day
FAQs
Yes, there is parking outside the workshop/forge.
PLEASE NOTE this is a working farm. The track in front of the workshop is used by farm vehicles and at times can be unlevel and muddy!
For wheelchair users there is parking on the concrete forecourt of the workshop/forge.
We provide SAFETY GLASSES (these must be worn at all times). We provide SAFETY GLOVES. If you have your own safety equipment please feel free to use these.
A PACKED LUNCH
WE PROVIDE water and other beverages. It’s important to keep hydrated throughout the day. Hydration is essential for proper muscle function and helps to avoid cramps.
A LONG SLEEVED SHIRT or T-SHIRT made of natural fibre not manmade fibre. This will protect you from any stray spark or hot coal
LONG TROUSERS/JEANS made of natural fibre NOT manmade fibre. These will protect you from any stray spark or hot coal. DO NOT WEAR SHORTS
STURDY FOOTWEAR such as hiking boots, trainers. These will protect you from any stray spark or hot coal. It’s important to wear comfortable footwear as you will be on your feet most of the day. DO NOT WEAR SANDALS OR FLIP FLOPS
Yes, please! We can then discuss how we make your day as comfortable as possible.
I’m afraid we can only accommodate students who are booked on to our course. For Health and Safety reasons and in fairness to other students, we are unable to accommodate friends, relatives etc .