Applying  a non toxic finish to a fork

A cage twist finial

         About the Courses 

 

 

              The cost for the one day Taster Day courses are £75 per person.

 

       The two day courses cost £100, with a discount for Guild Members

 

Three day introduction to Blacksmithing Course cost is £210 

 

   Students will work on an individual forge and anvil

 

The Forge in days are open to all and free to participants taking an active part.

              There may be a small charge for refreshments/catering

FORGING EXPERIENCE TASTER COURSE; An opportunity to have a hands on experience of blacksmithing. Ideal for beginners or if you just want to try forging red hot metal.

 

An introduction to the anvil, hearth and fire management. You will learn the basic skills and tools required to become a blacksmith and you will make some items using these skills.

                Class sizes are limited to six people, each on an individual forge

 

THREE DAY INTRODUCTION TO BLACKSMITHING COURSE

An intensive 3 day course designed for the serious student wanting to learn the traditional blacksmiths skills.

Course covers introduction to the anvil, forge and tools and the basic skills of the blacksmiths craft.

Skills covered will be drawing down points, spreading, scrolling, bending, manipulating materials using tools,

different types of hammer blows and their effective use, punching round and square holes, splitting, twisting, upsetting, making tenons and heel bars, and joining methods, rivets, collars and an itroduction to firewelding.

Class size will be limited to a maximum of six,

Students will have enough skills knowledge to make simple projects

eg candleholders, brackets, frames for mirrors or tables, gates, railings.

A graded certificate of competence will be issued at the end of the course

 

 

TWO DAY WEEKEND COURSES: The type of items produced on these courses help students to learn and develop a broad range of skills and techniques, and make items that will be useful in homes or workshops. Students will be required to have attended a taster day or have acquired these skills elsewhere

              Class sizes are normally up to six students, however up to 12 students on individual forges can be accommodated, and an extra tutor will be available to assist with the training. 

 

Note the two day courses are not suitable for absolute beginners

 

FORGE IN DAYS:  Interested people can come along and learn from each other no matter what their level of skills and experience, an opportunity for discussing problem areas, demonstrations and seeing how other 'smiths work. Inspired by the Iforgeiron website  at www.iforgeiron.com, put the illustrated blueprints into practice  These days are free, there is a charge for buffet or BBQ.

 

 

SPECIALISED COURSES: Can be made to suit your specific reuirements, ideal for groups, families or companies.

 

GIFT CARDS: Can be sent as a surprise for that unusual special present, Fathers Day, Mothers Day, Birthdays, Christmas or just as a special treat.

 

 

 

    The Courses are held at our forge at WESTPOINTshowground,

     one and a half miles from the M5's Junction 30 Exeter Services,

                            on the A3052 Sidmouth Road

 

                               Postcode for sat nav  EX5 1DJ

 

 

 

 

  

The courses run from 9.00 am to 4.45pm with a break for lunch, tea and coffee are available all day, bring your own lunch, or arrangements can be made for a snack type meal.

 

Should you wish to book on a course, please send your details, date of course, and a cheque for the appropriate amount made out to: Blacksmiths Guild and send to:

 

 

 

                                                      Guild Courses,

                                                       c/o The Forge,

                                                 2 Eastdon Farmhouse,

                                                            Eastdon,

                                                            Starcross.

                                                            EX6 8RJ

 

                     Preferably to arrive no later than 5 days before the course

                                              to secure a place on that course.

 

               Should you have any queries or wish to make a late booking,

                                       please contact 01626 890503,

                                                         or email

                                   courses@blacksmithsguild.com

 

 

Places will be allocated on a first come first served principle, based on receipt of payment. Any overbooking will be advised, and monies either returned if requested, or held in credit for either stand by if any cancellations occur, or prepayment for other courses if required.

 

 

Cancellations must be notified and confirmed in writing at least five days before the course or we shall be obliged to charge for bookings made.

 

TOOLS; All tools will be supplied for the Forging Experience taster days,

 

CLOTHING: It is recommended that old clothes and stout shoes preferably with steel toecaps be worn, trainer type and canvas shoes should not be worn due to the fire hazard.

 

                                               Also,

Safety Glasses, Leather Apron (we have some available for use) ear defenders or plugs

 

 

A NOTEBOOK would be very useful to record notes as instructors demonstrate for your future reference. You are also welcome to take photographs.

 

From the Damascus Course

From a forged balls and collars course

From a scroll ends course

Pieces ready for assembling for Oak leaves and acorns on a branch

 

 

                                                 Updated on February 3rd @ 08.15

 

  

Course dates for 2012  

 

January 7th    TASTER DAY

Full

 

 

January 21st   TASTER DAY

Full

 

 

February 18th and 19th JOINING METHODS

A follow on from the Taster day course

Full 

 

March 3rd TASTER DAY

 Full 

 

March 16th 17th and 18th

3 DAY INTENSIVE BASIC SKILLS COURSE FOR BLACKSMITHING

Course full 

 

 

March 31st, April 1st ANIMAL HEADS

1 Place available

 

 

April 14th TASTER DAY

Course full 

 

April 28th TASTER DAY

Course full

 

 

May 12th and 13th TOOLMAKING

2 Places available

 

May 26th TASTER DAY

2 Places available

 

 

June 22nd, 23rd and 24th

3 DAY INTENSIVE BASIC SKILLS COURSE FOR BLACKSMITHING

2 Places available

 

 

July 7th and 8th FORGE IN WEEKEND

 

 

August 4th TASTER DAY

6 Places available

 

 

August 18th and 19th JOINING METHODS

Follow on course to the taster day

6 Places available

 

 

September 15th TASTER DAY

6 Places available

 

 

September 29th and 30th AGM and FORGE IN WEEKEND

 

 

October 13th TASTER DAY

5 Places available

 

 

October 27th and 28th FIREWELDING

Places available

 

 

November 9th 10th and 11th

3 DAY INTENSIVE BASIC SKILLS COURSE FOR BLACKSMITHING

4 places available

 

 

December 8th TASTER DAY

6 Places available

 

　

　

NEW FOR 2012

 

THREE DAY INTRODUCTION TO BLACKSMITHING COURSE

 

An intensive 3 day course designed for the serious student wanting to learn the traditional blacksmiths skills