IronWorks (Blacksmithing)
Our 100% in person IronWorks (Blacksmithing) course for age 13+ introduces students to the fundamentals of traditional metalworking, focusing on safety, tool management, and forging techniques.
Intro To Blacksmithing
No prerequisites or prior experience is necessary for students to enroll in this course
Using propane forges, students heat and shape steel to create functional and artistic objects. Instruction covers the eight core forging processes—drawing down, upsetting, bending, twisting, spreading, punching, slitting, and forge welding—along with foundational material science concepts such as heat treating and tempering and material properties. Projects progress from beginner forms like S-hooks, decorative leaves, and nails to more complex items such as gate latches, utensils, forge-welded pieces, and tools.
In this course, students will:
Comprehensive training in personal protective equipment (PPE), forge operation, and tool safety.
Understanding iron and steel properties, heat treating, and tempering for strength.
Proper use and maintenance of anvils, hammers, tongs, and punches.
Gain understanding of the techniques of drawing down, upsetting, bending, twisting, spreading, punching, slitting, and forge welding.
Advanced Blacksmithing
Prerequisite: Intro to Blacksmithing
Using propane forges and traditional hand-forging tools, students refine their skills while tackling complex technical and design challenges. Emphasis is placed on precision, efficiency, and craftsmanship in both functional and artistic metalwork. Instruction expands on advanced forging processes, complex joinery, and controlled heat treatment.
Projects may include refined forged elements and controlled tapers to advanced assemblies such as multi-component hardware, forge-welded structures, and custom tooling. Students are encouraged to develop a personal design language while meeting technical performance standards
In this course, students will:
Analyze and select appropriate steels for specific applications.
Perform controlled heat treating, normalizing, quenching, and tempering for optimized strength and durability.
Execute complex forging techniques including advanced forge welding, tenons, rivets, collars, shoulders, and joinery.
Produce consistent tapers, clean transitions, and accurate dimensions.
Lab Fees: $375 per semester/ $750 per year, Lab fee assistance program available by application available during registration (April).
Lab Fees Support:
Metal
Propane for forges
Maintenance / replacement of equipment
*Please see the Course Schedule page for locations, dates, and times*