Blacksmith Classes

Beginners Blacksmithing 3-day - April 2026

Dates: The classes are held on the following days of 2026:  Saturday, April 11, Sunday, April 12 and Saturday, April 18, 2026

Location: Minnesota School of Horseshoeing (See map below)

Class Description:  The beginners’ basic classes are designed to give everyone the same understanding of the basics, techniques and terminology. The basic classes or proficiency are required before taking any of the many other classes the Guild offers. This enables those classes to concentrate on advanced techniques without having to spend time on basic concepts.
This 3-day class covers the basics of:

Safety,
Tools,
Fire Control,
Forging Dynamics,
Tapers (ribbon, fishtail, point),
Twisting,
Riveting,
Shouldering,
Upset,
Cutting,
Splitting,
Punching,
Scrolling,
Bending,
Forge welding.

Class Size: 8

Class level:     Beginners

Cost: $230 for NON members, $200 for Guild members (covers everything you need: the facility, coal, metal tools and workbook).
Minors (under 18) must have a parent present.  Minors under 14 need one adult per child.  There will be no sharing of forges.

Class Champion:  Kim Maas   651-328-7219  tgom.volunteer@gmail.com

What you need to bring: Eye, ear and skin protection. This includes safety glasses, ear muff or plugs and suitable clothing which includes hard shoes, cotton or leather. Synthetic and polyester clothing will burn and melt. There will be sparks and brushes against hot metal.

Tools: Tools are provided but if you have a favorite hammer, punches, chisels and tools, bring them along. A small 1 to 2 pound ball peen hammer would work. We have various hammers for you to try and get a feel for what is comfortable.

Safety Equipment: Eye, ear and skin protection. This includes safety glasses, earmuffs or plugs and suitable clothing which includes hard shoes, cotton or leather. Synthetic and polyester clothing will burn and melt. There will be sparks and brushes against hot metal.

Special Instructions: Bring plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated during the class.

Typical day: Classes start at 9 but people usually show up earlier to swap stories or show off recent projects. Feel free to bring projects you are working on to show.

Lunch: We have a break for lunch. Bring lunch or go to a local restaurant.

Registration opens Feb 1.

To register:  For non-members,  Click [HERE] to register.

For Guild members,  Click [HERE] to register in Neon under 'Events'.

 

Alternatively, you can register manually by sending a check written to 'The Guild of Metalsmiths'.

Contact Kim for the mailing address.

 

****Acceptance will be in the order submitted, based on the transaction date, and each person will be notified individually.

 

Questions? Email Kim at  tgom.volunteer@gmail.com

jpg file-map to mn school or horseshoeing