Handled Struck Tools Class 2026

Handled Struck Tools

We gather at 8 AM at the MN School of Horseshoeing, Ramsey Minn.  We do introductions, safety, and review the literature that gets sent out when people register.  Then at 9 AM we are in the shop.
Class level: *Intermediate
*To have the best chance of success with an Intermediate class, prospective students should have practiced and achieved proficiency in the skills taught in the Beginners Blacksmithing Class.

Instructor: Bob Brown with others; Class Manager: Jesse Gavin, 715-808-5891  jagavin6273@hotmail.com

Cost: Member: $100.00, non-member: $130.00                             Class size: max 8, min 4

Class Description: We will use 4140 AN steel; 5/8 and ¾ diameter.  We use this alloy because it is well known, makes a good tool and makes a good example for teaching heat treating.  The handle will be whatever Bob wants it to be as long as it uses 1018 rod.  Special quench oil is supplied courtesy of the Northfield VFW.  The instructor’s goal for the workshop is to make students comfortable with the process of forging and heat-treating tools from nominal tool steel.  A secondary goal is to have the students comfortable with the use of treadle hammers.  We expect to have three treadle hammers of different styles available. Herb procures the stock and a literature package reviewing the heat treat principles and a bit of really ancient history.  The principal reference used will be the book Steel Metallurgy for the non-metallurgist by John Verhoeven.   (ISBN-13: 978-0-87170-858-8). The book is available through the internet without charge. The crew has offered the workshop for quite a few years.  They have developed many ways to offer guidance on technique.  Ask anyone who has taken the workshop.  Rarely has anyone left the day with less than two working tools, punch or chisel. A feature of this workshop is the use of treadle hammers.  We usually have three available for the participants to try/use and we encourage participants to also try striking for each other.  Or ask a helper to strike to get a feel  of how this is done in demonstrations at fairs and shows.
Tools and Equipment or other items participants are to bring to the class:  Your favorite hammer, tongs to hold ¾ stock and ¼-5/16 stock.
Safety Equipment: The usual for forging with coal: gloves, safety glasses, hearing protection, clothing of natural fiber with no cuffs or fraying, and leather boots or shoes.

To register online, go to The Guild of Metalsmiths website, https://www.metalsmith.org/education
To pay by check, email the class manager listed above to reserve your place in the class and receive additional mailing information.

Acceptance will be in the order submitted, based on the online transaction date or the date of phone contact. Each person will be notified individually.