Cooneana Blacksmiths 

Classes for beginning Blacksmiths

Our lead Blacksmith, Martin Geddes, will hold classes in this wonderful craft in the Cooneana Blacksmiths’ workshop. 

Beginner classes:

1.  ABC of Tong Making
2.  Fire Tools for the Forge.   

Health and safety

As blacksmithing is a physical activity, participants should be able to:

• hold and use a hammer
• hold their work piece in one hand
• carefully follow instructions
• move freely about the active working environment.

Steel cap boots are compulsory. Long sleeved cotton drill work wear is preferred, with long pants. Cotton is less flammable than other fibres. Wear a cap or hat. Safety glasses can be provided or you can bring your own.

Anyone booked into a class who is unwell must not attend. Those unable to attend due to illness will receive a full refund.

1.  ABC of Tong Making 

This full day class encompasses many techniques and a skill set all Blacksmith enthusiasts need. You will learn how to create this integral tool to start, or build on, your tong collection. Working through each step of the process you will gain a full understanding of tong making. Fire maintenance will be strongly emphasized throughout the class.

2.  Fire Tools for the Forge 

This full day class includes many skills and the fire tools set you make will be integral to your work as a Blacksmith. You will learn drawing out, forming eyes on the horn of an anvil, twisting, old hand crank drilling, riveting, striking, assembly, finishing and much more. Fire maintenance will be strongly emphasized throughout the class.

All classes start at 07:30. Be on site at 07:15 please (no earlier).

Lunch, tea and coffee are provided. If you have special dietary requirements please bring your own food.

Lunch break is at 11:30 and classes finish between 15:00 and 15:30.

Bring a water bottle. You will be encouraged to drink lots of water while you are in the forge.

Bookings can be made on the following website: http://blacksmithingqld.com.au . Any queries, phone Martin on 0414849555.

After completing these classes, more advanced classes can be taken.

Teens Blacksmith Classes in School Holidays

Forging a Steel Ring

For teens aged between 13 and 15 years, Martin is offering a class in which they can make a steel ring with their name stamped on it.

Safety will be discussed with teens and adults prior to commencement and throughout the class.

Requirements

• All teens must be accompanied by a parent or carer during the four hour (4hr) class.
• Teens must be well behaved and able to follow a sequence of instructions.
• Teens and adults must wear jeans and long-sleeved cotton shirts (no nylon or flammable materials).
• Covered footwear (not runners) is essential.
• Teens and adults must wear safety glasses*.

*It is recommended you buy safety glasses in advance and practice with them to enable everyone to wear them comfortably for four hours during the class.

What you will do

You will be heating a 6mm diameter solid bar in the Blacksmith forge. The end will be ready prepared so that when you curve the steel around the horn of an anvil using Tongs it can then be joined using a steel rivet. You can then stamp your name on the forged piece and take it home.

Classes start at 08:00 and finish at 12:00. Only four (4) places in each class.

Cost $160.00

Dates

To Be Advised

Bookings

Bookings will be taken on Martin’s website: http://blacksmithingqld.com.au/ once dates are available.

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/blacksmithingqld?fref=ts