Class to cover basic techniques of hardening and tempering in a coal forge, with projects to practice those techniques. We will discuss: Basic Metallurgy of iron and its alloys Heat Treating Tool Steel Classifications Tool Design

Class will cover basic styles of tongs and methods to make them. We will discuss: Shapes of tongs Materials to use for tongs Methods of forging tongs Demonstration of forging basic styles of tongs, with the project to be a set of flat jaw tongs for 1/4"; material.

Class will cover how to join metal with the use of heat and pressure. We will discuss: The fire Weld preparation Fluxes Different weld configurations Demonstration of different types forging welding with the project to be to weld some rings, and make a chain. Other types of welds can be tried also as time permits.

Discussion of the intricacies of forging and finishing blades of all sizes. We will cover some of the popular steels for forging blades and their idiosyncrasies. Forge a “low tech” knife with an integral handle.

Learn the traditional techniques for producing handled, edged weapons and tools. How to form the body of mild steel and weld in a tool steel edge. Making mandrels to shape the eye for a handle.  Project: forge a tomahawk