In-person course
in Scorton nr Garstang Maker & location details

(95)

Blacksmithing - one to one - Hammer Skills

Forge area 1.

Forge area 2

Small hooks.

Student John having a go.

Toasting fork.

Checking progress

Practical demo

Drawing out a handle

Critical eye !

Hanging basket/bird feeder bracket

Corner hanging basket bracket

Hanging basket bracket

Description

Hammer Skills courses are run by Bob Pickard RSS and work on one to one instruction teaching some of the basic skills required to produce a forged piece of ironwork. I will work with 2 people but they must be a friend or relative. (At a discounted cost for 2 people) The courses are tailored to suit all levels of skill. From people who just want to try their hand at forging a piece of metal to those who want to learn some technical skills or improve on their existing knowledge. The courses are run in a relaxed atmosphere with easy to follow instruction and techniques with the objective of instilling confidence in order to produce a piece of forge work to take away. Whether you are an absolute beginner or have some experience, people who have attended the course have had an enjoyable day, as shown in the reviews below, and left the workshop with a memento, or two, of their day working at the anvil.

What's included in the price?

All tools, materials, protective wear (safety glasses, apron) and insurance is provided. Stout footwear and work type clothes required, no nylon etc. – expect sparks! Free tea and coffee all day. Bring your own cold drinks.

Duration

1 day

Cancellation policy

Easy - Cancellation and a full refund can be obtained up to 2 weeks before the course starts

Maker

Hammerskills

with Craft Courses since 2021

Message the tutor

Suitable for

Adults
Seniors
Teenagers
Suitable for beginners

What does this mean?

Message the tutor

Venue

Hill Foot Farm, Station Lane, Scorton nr Garstang, Lancashire, PR3 1AP

Reviews

All maker's reviews

21 Sep 24'

Ron Marshall,Bob's oldest Apprentice he told me 😊 reviewed: Blacksmithing - one to one - Hammer Skills

"Had a great day with Bob Learned a lot in one day ,few years ago now but still banging away at my Smithing highly recommeded Course if you are interested in Blacksmithing "

16 Jun 24'

Richard Quarmby reviewed: Blacksmithing - one to one - Hammer Skills

"I had an absolutely fantastic day with Bob. Bob is a lovely man, he is extremely knowledgeable. He makes the whole day very informative whilst being enjoyable and highly productive. I enjoyed his company immensely, he has a great sense of humour and a way of getting the best out of you. Bob takes his health and safety very seriously so you are in safe hands with him as long as you listen to what he says. I would highly recommend him to anyone as I guarantee you will have a lovely day forging with Bob. "

21 May 24'

Barrie Kay reviewed: Blacksmithing - one to one - Hammer Skills

"My son booked this course on the 19th May for my 80th birthday, it was a privilege, and pleasure to meet our instructor Bob. It was back in 1959 when I was placed with a craftsman at the start of my apprenticeship as a fitter, and Bob was in every way as good a craftsman as I have ever had the pleasure of working with. On behalf of my son, and on my own behalf thank you for a most enjoyable, and informative day. Regards Barrie."

17 May 24'

Karl Murphy reviewed: Blacksmithing - one to one - Hammer Skills

"Myself and son did a day with Bob, it was a great day well worth it. I had a few delays booking a date but Bob was very helpful. The day was great, Bob explains things well, easy going and very knowledgeable. You are busy all day and it's well worth the experience. Bob shows you different methods in the morning and in the afternoon is where it all comes together and you make things you can take home. The best course myself and son have done and Bob makes a good brew."

15 May 24'

Sarah & Steven reviewed: Blacksmithing - one to one - Hammer Skills

"I booked the one-to-one course for my partner’s birthday and he loved every minute of it. Bob has the rare combination of decades of experience in his craft, whilst also being a good teacher. There was an excellent balance between demonstration and hands-on work. Bob is a lovely guy, very friendly and funny, and made the experience welcoming to a complete beginner. We’d love to come back again and learn more. "

9 Nov 23'

Karin Olsson reviewed: Blacksmithing - one to one - Hammer Skills

"My husband and I had the most wonderful day with Bob! He is an amazing tutor with a great sense of humour and wit, not to mention the knowledge of his profession. I cannot recommend this course enough. It is a day of so much focus and fun that everything else around you disappears. I thought I would come home with a small nail but I made a log poker and a beautiful hook. The day gave me a deeper understanding of the expression ‘strike whilst the iron is hot’. Five stars and more to Bob!"

30 Jul 23'

Yon smale reviewed: Blacksmithing - one to one - Hammer Skills

"What a day, Bob is an amazing teacher, It was a great day from start to finish starting with forge safety then moving onto basic hammer work. Once we hit the afternoon we moved onto more technical work, I was over the moon with the Viking knife and bottle opener. If you're looking for an introduction to smithing I highly recommend this course, Bob also makes a mean brew."

12 Feb 23'

Brian Shields reviewed: Blacksmithing - one to one - Hammer Skills

"Bob Pickard is a very skilled craftsman, but he can see it all from a novice's perspective as well - which is why he is also such a good teacher. Had an absolutely wonderful day, and came away with a bracket for a hanging basket! Can't recommend Bob too highly"

9 Jan 23'

Michael Thomas reviewed: Blacksmithing - one to one - Hammer Skills

"Birthday present from my wife, must say that I had a great time with Bob he really knows his stuff makes it look so effortless the morning spent learning the basic skills with the afternoon being used to make an item of your own choice, came away with a top-quality hanging basket holder that will last for ages. Brews on tap, Bob goes out of his way to make you feel welcome and makes sure you are safe in the environment. I cannot recommend this enough for any how what’s any excellent day."

27 Nov 22'

Edward reviewed: Blacksmithing - one to one - Hammer Skills

"I had a cracking day with Bob. Brews on tap. Bob is really good at what he does. The workshop day is good value for money. Great company. Bob was fantastic to watch and learn from, very patient and helpful. I came away with some really nice items. I can't recommend it enough. Itching to get back! "

18 Oct 22'

Matthew Birchall reviewed: Blacksmithing - one to one - Hammer Skills

"Had a great day with Bob and learnt some interesting things about forming steel. Bob is a very clear instructor and also allows just the right amount of freedom to try on your own. In the afternoon we made a toasting fork and an enormous poker! Highly recommended course!!"

20 Jun 22'

Francesca reviewed: Blacksmithing - one to one - Hammer Skills

"This is such an amazing experience! Bob is truly a master of his craft and has endless patience. This course gives you a great insight into the basic skills and allows you to try them out for yourself. Bob provides a good balance between letting you practice yourself and being there to guide you, which makes the day very hands on and rewarding. I would definitely recommend this course to anybody with an interest in blacksmithing, I had no experience whatsoever going in but Bob put me at ease and the time just flew by."

11 Jun 22'

Trevor Prowse and Jon Prowse reviewed: Blacksmithing - one to one - Hammer Skills

"Just got back from a full day course with Bob. My son got me a voucher and then we decided to go together Excellent tution in a light-hearted manner. Bob had time to explain the skills required and show us how to carry them out. To our surprise we managed to complete a hanging basket bracket and a firepit poker. Would recommend to anyone who is considering taking up a course. First rate cheers Bob for being so helpful and understanding"

9 May 22'

Simon and Matt reviewed: Blacksmithing - one to one - Hammer Skills

"Bought this course for my son as a Xmas present and decided to go along to keep him company. So glad that I did, we both had an excellent day. Bob was extremely patient and gave us a great insight into 'hammer skills' in a short space of time. Bob makes everything look very easy, well I suppose 57 years of experience helps! He managed to tread a fine line between letting us have a go ourselves and giving enough input to make sure we came away with some recognisable objects at the end of the day. I would thoroughly recommend this to anyone who has an interest in blacksmithing, a very worthwhile day."

7 Apr 22'

Betty reviewed: Blacksmithing - one to one - Hammer Skills

"Had an absolutely fab time today on the one to one course. It was something I always wanted to try . Bob had a fabulous personality, he was very matter of fact if I made a mistake and was very patient with me. I must have driven him nuts but he was so mild mannered and explained what I did wrong and how I could improve in such a gentle way. He went at my pace and didn't rush anything. Bob is a great teacher with decades of black-smithing experience. What a fabulous and informative day. I would highly recommend this course."

20 Mar 22'

Joe Wallis reviewed: Blacksmithing - one to one - Hammer Skills

"Can’t recommend this course highly enough! Me and my dad spent a day blacksmithing with Bob and both absolutely loved it. Really relaxed atmosphere, and Bob is a true master of his craft, and happily helped us make our own items to take away."

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