Forge your own Tools, Tongs and Hammers
Tongs and hammers are fundamental tools for blacksmithing, and the ability to forge your own is a valuable skill. Choose from one of the two class options and experience forging your very own tools to use in your own shop.
The Intro to Blacksmithing or beginner level bladesmithing class is not required but will be helpful in your understanding of the basic forging processes. We will be using heavier stock in this class so an understanding of hammer skills will be beneficial.
Class Option 1: Tools & Tongs (two-days)
A good pair of tongs can reduce fatigue and greatly improve ergonomics while forging. This class will cover the making of punches and blacksmithing tongs to use in your own forge. Heat-treating will also be covered and more tools can be made if time permits. Participants will go home with one set of tongs and a punch of their own creation.
Skill level: Moderate-Advanced
Duration: Two 8-hour days (time is approximate)
Cost: $650
Guest Instructor: Sam Wandishin of Ross Peak Steelworks
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Class Option 2: Hammer class (one day)
In this class you will have the opportunity to forge your own rounding hammer. These are the most iconic forging hammers for blacksmiths and bladesmiths. You will get to run the power hammer and hydraulic press to forge your hammer head. After heat treat and tempering, we will clean up our hammers, and learn to handle them. Proper fit-up and wedging is essential for a long-lasting handle that doesn’t come loose. Then, it’s the “Char and Tar” finishing that turns these hickory handles jet black. These hammers are 2.5 lbs of 1045 steel, and will be a prized tool for years and years to come. Come join us in making the original tool, that made all other tools!
Skill level: Moderate-Advanced
Duration: One 8-hour day (time is approximate)
Cost: $435
Guest Instructor: Sam Wandishin of Ross Peak Steelworks
See full Terms & Conditions page before registering.
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About the instructor: Sam Wandishin is a local blacksmith and bladesmith who recently moved to Minnesota from Montana. His interest in metalworking began in high school where he learned to weld in shop class and watched various videos on metalworking and blacksmithing.
“I love creating tools that are beautiful and functional,” Sam said. “Blacksmithing, in my opinion, is probably the coolest forms of metalwork, and you have the opportunity to make ordinary things extraordinary.”
He has studied under the tutelage of David Osmondson of Arrowhead Forge, along with Alec Steele and Will Stelter.
“I learned so many more skills and got to make friends with really talented young men,” he said.
