Blacksmithing Experience Day

Course overview

This course is aimed at beginners to give you an introduction into the world
of blacksmithing.

During your time with us, you will be manufacturing your very own small-scale
decorative item to take home with you at the end of the day.

Whilst manufacturing your piece you will learn how to:

• Control a solid fuel forge


• Perform the traditional techniques that have remained unchanged for
  centuries:


• Forging: drawing out, upsetting


• Forming: bending, twisting


• Cutting: chiselling, punching


• Joining: fire welding, riveting

Learners must be 16 years of age or older to attend this course.

Required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and equipment:

• Steel toecap boots


• Clothes made of non-synthetic fibres


• A notebook and pen

Modules

Whilst manufacturing your piece you will learn how to:

• Control a solid fuel forge
• Perform the traditional techniques that have remained unchanged for centuries
• Forging: drawing out, upsetting
• Forming: bending, twisting
• Cutting: chiselling, punching
• Joining: fire welding, riveting

Industry Equipment

This is an industry-focused programme, during which you will learn using industry-standard welding equipment.

Required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and equipment:

• Steel toecap boots
• Clothes made of non-synthetic fibres
• A notebook and pen

What is it like to be a student on this course?

Being a student on a Blacksmithing Experience Day can feel exciting, hands-on and a little challenging. You get the opportunity to step into a real forge environment, learn from experienced tutors and discover what it is like to work with hot metal. The tools, heat and workshop environment may feel unfamiliar, but clear demonstrations and tutor support help you build confidence. Blacksmithing can be physically demanding, and your finished piece may not look perfect, but that is part of the learning experience. Overall, the day can be rewarding because you create something by hand and gain a realistic understanding of the creativity, skill and effort involved in blacksmithing.

Industry links

British Artist Blacksmiths Association (BABA), The Worshipful Company of Blacksmiths, National Heritage Ironwork Group (NHIG)

Progression routes