Information on Blacksmith Classes

With blacksmithing returning to popularity both as a trade and a hobby, a vast variety of classes and courses are now available to teach the would be blacksmith both the basics of the art as well as the finer more advanced aspects. Classes are held both in real time at blacksmith schools and also online. There are also a lot of good books that teach the art of blacksmithing. While all these options have their advantages, blacksmithing is one of the most hands on of all trades and the best option for most people is to attend a proper blacksmith school with real time learning and practical demonstrations and training.

What ever the type of blacksmith classes you opt for; there are some basic issues that a good course should offer. Given below are some key issues which a blacksmith training course should cover.

• The theory and fundamentals of the trade
• The history of blacksmithing
• Understanding metal – the qualities and suitability of various metals and alloys for forging
• Safety and health concerns
• Different types of forges and which one is best for which applications
• The basics of heating metal
• Heat treatment of metals
• Hammering techniques and the various types of hammers
• Hot and cold cutting of metal
• Drawing out  and drawing down metals
• Spreading
• Using a swage block
• Using a punch
• Twisting and wrapping of forged stock
• Tapering
• Twisting, reverse twisting and upsetting
• Using Oxy/Acetylene torches
• The art of scroll making
• Welding
• Grinding and surface preparation
• Chain and ring making
• Tong making
• Drifting and slitting bar stock
• Collars and collar stock
• Options for steel finishing
• Using various forging techniques on the same piece
• Practical work in the form of fabricating items such as candle stands, door knockers vases. The kind of practical work will depend on what specific aspect of blacksmithing the course is teaching.

The exact nature of the syllabus will vary from course to course and varying degrees of importance will be given to specific aspects of blacksmithing, depending on the focus of the classes. In what detail the various aspects of forging are covered will depend on the duration of the course.  What ever the course duration it is important that the classes should contain not just theory but also practical demonstrations and hands on training for the student. Just as the canvas artist needs a feel for the bush and colors he is working with, the blacksmith needs to have a “feel” for the metal he is using and this can only come from hands on experience.

It is worth remembering that like all art forms, blacksmithing has many ways of achieving the same goals. What is taught in a class may be a good way, but it need not necessarily be the only way. A student blacksmith should do as much study on his own as possible and understand the various options in metal working that are available to him. Joining online discussion groups and chat forums will allow the student to exchange ideas with others and broaden his horizon.

Blacksmithing classes are the best way to learn the art. But education doesn’t stop there.