Benson Designs, LLC - Custom Ornamental Metalwork

Blacksmithing Classes

Blacksmithing Classes


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Class Schedule

NOTE: 2024 Class Schedule Is Available Below.

If you haven't already, please sign up for email notifications of the next schedule by clicking on the "Sign Up for Email Class Schedule" button on this page. Then, when the next class schedule is ready in the fall, you'll automatically get the email notice and be first in line to sign up.

I have heard from many people who can't wait to experience a day or two in the blacksmith shop and try their hand at forging steel. There are 12 options for one-day “Intro to Blacksmithing” dates and one option for a two-day “Blacksmithing 101” class. Please read the class descriptions below as they contain detailed information you'll want to know.

All classes take place in my blacksmith shop, so you're surrounded by the tools and materials I use daily. Attendees should be 15 years of age or older.

Once you know which class you want, click on the button for that class/date to start the online registration process. Classes can fill up quickly (honest), so register soon!

It excites me to introduce people to forging and see the satisfaction when they try their hand at the hammer and anvil.

If you have questions or would like to purchase a gift certificate, feel free to email me at benson@bensondesigns.com or call/text 920-499-4027.

Let’s smack some hot metal soon!

Jeff Benson Artist Blacksmith

 

2024 BLACKSMITHING CLASSES

Here's the class breakdown. Click on a link to go to the longer description and see dates and times.

 

INTRODUCTION TO BLACKSMITHING

Introduction to Blacksmithing Class

Take your pick of one or more whole-day classes. This is an informal introduction to blacksmithing that gives you a chance to get some basic instruction and try your hand at blacksmithing in a real blacksmith shop with all the tools and materials provided. After a short orientation and demonstration you’ll start out making some simple hooks to get the feel of working with hot steel and tools. After that you can choose from a number of projects with instructions or work on a project of your own design within reason. You can expect to take home several small projects.

Some examples of projects you can make are hooks of various styles and sizes, letter knife, steak turner, fire poker, railroad spike knife, railroad spike hatchet, bottle opener, grill skewers, cheese cutter, candle holder, trivet, simple jewelry, fire steel/flint striker.

No prior experience is needed for this class. Maximum of 6 per class.

I PROVIDE:

  • Forges
  • Anvils
  • Hand tools
  • Materials
  • Forge fuel
  • Instruction
  • Guidance

YOU PROVIDE:

  • Sturdy footwear
  • Cotton clothing
  • Gloves
  • Safety glasses
  • Water bottle
  • Lunch
  • Enthusiasm

Click on a class button to start the sign up process. Participants must be 15 years of age or older. Registration is first come first serve. Payment is required at the time of registration. No refunds starting one week before class date. Registration can be transferred to another person.

Sign up for one or more class, if desired.

COST: $225 per person, all materials and use of tools included.

Please click on a button below to register:

FULL! Intro
Sat Jan 13, 2024
9am-3pm
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FULL! Intro
Sun Jan 14, 2024
9am-3pm
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FULL! Intro
Sat Jan 27, 2024
9am-3pm
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FULL! Intro
Sun Jan 28, 2024
9am-3pm
Click to Register

FULL! Intro
Sat Feb 3, 2024
9am-3pm
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FULL! Intro
Sun Feb 4, 2024
9am-3pm
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FULL! Intro
Sat Feb 17, 2024
9am-3pm
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FULL! Intro
Sun Feb 18, 2024
9am-3pm
Click to Register

FULL! Intro
Sat Mar 2, 2024
9am-3pm
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FULL! Intro
Sun Mar 3, 2024
9am-3pm
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FULL! Intro
Sat Apr 27, 2024
9am-3pm
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FULL! Intro
Sun Apr 28, 2024
9am-3pm
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BLACKSMITHING 101 - Two-Day Class

Blacksmithing 101 is for anyone who already has some experience or just really wants to pursue blacksmithing. This two-day course is structured to give students exposure to the fundamentals of forging steel with class time and plenty of hands-on forging time in the shop.

Students will make simple tools and then use those tools to make more complex projects. The focus is on understanding the principles of the various techniques used in blacksmithing and using them to create tools and projects. There will be an introduction to basic metallurgy and heat treating tool steels. In this class the student will learn to draw a taper, upset, twist, punch, slit, rivet, and several different aspects of forging. Projects to take home include a punch, chisel, tongs and several decorative elements.Blacksmithing 101 Class

The class is limited to 4 students ensuring plenty of one-on-one instruction time. We start at 8am, break for lunch (provided by Benson Designs) from 12-1pm, then work until 5pm. Each participant receives a study guide that includes descriptions and illustrations of things covered in the class, as well as a resource list.

I PROVIDE:

  • Forges
  • Anvils
  • Hand tools
  • Materials - tool steel,
    mild steel, shop supplies
  • Forge fuel
  • Instruction
  • Guidance
  • Lunch and snacks

YOU PROVIDE:

  • Sturdy footwear
  • Cotton clothing
  • Gloves
  • Safety glasses
  • Water bottle
  • Enthusiasm

Click on the class button to start the sign up process. Participants must be 15 years of age or older. Registration is first come first serve. Payment is required at the time of registration. No refunds after one week before start date of class. Registration can be transferred to another person.

COST: $595 per student for 2 consecutive class days. Maximum 4 students.

FULL! BS101
Sat-Sun Mar 16-17
8am-5pm each day
Click to Register

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