Bronze Anvil Casting Class 2026

Instructor: Arden Hanson, 507-279-0443  ajhanson9@gmail.com

Cost: First day only: $70; Both days: $120.

Class Manager: Kim Maas, tgom.volunteer@gmail.com

Class Description: 
We’re going to try and condense a 6-day course into 2 days. Day 1 the students will be given a wax anvil as it comes out of the mold.  Some cleaning and finishing are required. Then they will get a model alphabet (1/4-inch-high letters) They will use this model to “cast” the letters and numbers they wish to “weld” on the side of their anvil.  When each student is satisfied with their anvil, the anvils will be welded to a 1″ diameter wax rod “sprue” and all the anvils will be encased in a 5-inch steel tube that gets filled with investment powder. Think of high-tech Plaster of Paris.     

The second day the wax melted out and then the waxy residue is burned out.  While still red hot the molten bronze is poured into the investment mold.  It takes a few minutes to solidify and then the tube and all our hopes and dreams are tossed into a 5-gal bucket.  The investment powder disintegrates leaving a bronze tree with anvils for leaves. The anvils will be cut off the sprue. The anvils will require some finishing!  I’m not sure how much time we’ll have to finish.  Some of you’ll have tools at home.  If not, Mankato Makerspace has the tools but might require a 3rd day. 

Lunch Arrangements: Bring lunch or visit one of many restaurants in the Mankato area.

How to Register:

To register online go to The Guild of Metalsmiths website,  https://www.metalsmith.org/education

Or to mail in a check, contact the class manager at the email address above for additional information and to reserve your place.

Minors (under 18) must have a parent present. Minors under 14 need one adult per child. There will be no sharing of forges.

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