Handled Struck Tools

Instructor: Bob Brown at bbrown474@msn.com

Cost: Members $100    Non-Members $130

Class size: Max 8, min 4

Class champion: Jesse Gavin at jagavin6273@hotmail.com 

Class Description:  The instructor’s goal for the workshop is to produce 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.

The principle reference used will be the book Steel Metallurgy for the non-metallurgist by John Verhoeven (ISBN-13: 978-0-87170-858-8).
The tools made will be punches with a wire handle and chisels with a wire handle. Steel supplied will be 5/8 and 3/4 inch round 4140 AN for the punches and chisels. Handles will be fabricated from 1/4 and or 5/16 inch round mild steel.

A feature of this particular workshop is the use of treadle hammers. We usually have three or four available for the participants to try/use. Tools for the treadle hammers will be supplied.

The crew has offered this 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.

Bring:  Power grinders are supplied. Bring your favorite hammers and tongs suitable for the stock if you have them. So far we have never run out of Guild tools to share. Bring your basic safety gear (leather, cotton, gloves, eye and ear protection and safety shoes). 

The building will be open by 8 am, introductions and coffee will start at 8:30, in the shop by 9 AM. We usually finish just before 5 pm.

Lunch:  Bring a bag lunch (there is a refrigerator and microwave in classroom) or dine at one of the local restaurants. Bring plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated.