Blacksmithing class

T

tjeford

Joined
Jun 8, 2000
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I have the planning on taking a Basic blacksmithing class thru the City of Escondido Adult School. The class is a ten week class on Saturday from 1-4 (3 hours). The class is $90 with an additional cost of 45$ for coal.
I think that this will be a good start for me and really get me into forgeing steel. Plus I will be working with coal.
The class description does not say what we will be making but gives examples of some things that have been made. I hope to make a couple of blades in the class.
What is the opinon of the knife makers out there on this class?
Is there anything that I should ask the instructer?
Let me know and I hope to be update my progress in the next month or so.
Later
Todd
 
go for it! after a couple of classes you will have your own questions. go ahead and make the candle holder or bird cage etc and after you have made a thing or two hit up the teacher on the idea of you making a knive or two. you will most likely have to bring you own high carbon steel. o1, 1095, 5160 etc. the steel they will have there will be wrought iron or mild steel. good luck and let us know what happens.
 
A general Blacksmithing class is a good way to learn many metal working processes which are invaluable around the Knife Shop for making/repairing tools/equipment. Most Blacksmithing is done with mild, sometimes tool steel, "wrought iron" is not readily available anymore and refers to a specific material rather than something worked on an anvil.

It would be a good idea to check with the instructor about making Knives if that is a primary reason for taking the class. The instructor may be able to point you to a local free (scrap) source of knife steel. Blacksmiths are the best material scroungers I have ever seen.

Some classes focus on toolmaking (hammers, drifts, chisels, tongs, etc.) others on utility/decor items. Often, the items made are chosen by the student after learning some technique.

You are fortunate to have this opportunity in your area.
 
Learn everything, you can about moving metal. Proper use of tongs,hammer control etc, if the insturctor is not up for blades, let it go and do them somwhere else. Oh yeah buy him/her lunch/dinner you'd be amazed how much more you learn just hangin:D
 
Thanks for all the advice guys. I will go into the class on Saturday with an open mind. then ask the instructor about making knives. I am saving some coil springs that I have from my truck that i think I can use for blade material. I am thinking about going to the local scrap yard to see if I can get a Rail road rail for a home anvil. Thinking about making the one brick forge. but this will all come with time and a few weeks into the class.
I will keep you guys posted on what I am working on.
Later
Todd
 
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