So many have asked about making a knife in the blacksmith shop, so Ranger Dan from Champoeg Park will be teaching a Basic Knife Class! This is not a fancy Damascus Steel knife, but it doesn’t cost a minor fortune either.
It is limited to 5 per class and in 4 hours, each student will walk away with a knife and the general skills to make another blade. Handles will not be made in this class, but there will be a class for that later in January. This is a great beginner class and would make a great gift. Must be 16 years or older.
$75 + $15 for materials
The router has so much more potential than just putting a cool edge on a board. Come and learn the true potential of a router, how to make a simple router table, and making jigs and fixtures to get the most out of your amazing tool! This class is taught by Rob Lewis and if you’ve ever watched him work around a router, you won’t want to miss this demo! Limit of 10 attendees
This class is taught by Jeff Cawley and will take beginners to new heights as he explores the possibilities of what blacksmithing has to offer. You will gain a working understanding of blacksmith tools and techniques including tapering, flattening, dishing and bending. Jeff has worked for many years at Ft Vancouver in the Blacksmith Shop and you will appreciate his attention to detail.
How to make cool stuff with a minimal amount of tools and no table saw. Yes, you really can make cool stuff with a minimal amount of tools if you are armed with a few simple and useful techniques. Come and learn the secrets to working with what you have or can get by on a limited budget.
Cost is $50 with a maximum of 10 students. Not a hands-on class but so worth the info!
BUILD YOUR OWN LONG BOW TAUGHT BY MASTER CRAFTSMAN JOHN STRUNK
This is a unique opportunity to learn Bow Making from a Master Craftsman. You just have to search his name in Google to find that he is a highly sought after teacher and mentor. Check out this article on Travel Oregon.
“When John carefully crafts his next “tool” from the 6-foot long, lanky stick of wood, it’s clear that the Tillamook County resident has a master bow maker’s touch. For nearly forty years, Strunk has tried and succeeded in creating everything just like native people might have: the bows, the arrows, quivers and broad heads. The natural materials he prefers for bow making include: bamboo, maple, osage and the long popular and gorgeous Yew wood.”
This class is only open to 10 students, so reserve your spot. It will be Saturday and Sunday, January 27 & 28 from 8 – 5 pm. Cost is $250+Bow staves which are provided by John. He brings a variety to choose from and they range in price from $50 to $125. They are purchased from John at the time the class begins.
This class will take beginners to new heights as you explore the possibilities of what blacksmithing has to offer, but even if you have had some experience, you will be able to hone those skills as you work with your instructor on more advanced projects. You will gain a working understanding of blacksmith tools and techniques including tapering, flattening, dishing and bending. $75/class
No need to wear your son’s umpire padding anymore! It’s not as scary as you think and it’s really pretty safe if you understand the basics and follow a few simple rules. Come and learn the age old secrets and take the mystery out of one of the most useful tools in the woodworkers shop, the Table Saw. Cost is $50 with a maximum of 10 students.
Learn how to use the woodworking equipment in your shop that was given to you by your grandfather or your Great Uncle Mortimer – the ones that have no manuals. Rob has been woodworking for over 50 years – and he can figure out how to use almost any tool.
Let us take the fear and the mystery out of woodworking and making really cool stuff. Bring your pictures, ideas and questions, or just come and learn some of the secrets that most of the professionals don’t want you to know. This is a demonstration class and is open to 10 students. .
A journey into the world of the Bladesmith. This intense 6 hour class will focus on the forging skills needed for bladesmithing and forging a blade and handle. a blade with hand shaped construction will be the primary project. A focus on better hand forging skills, grinding, and proper heat treatment will be the core of the class. Basic handle construction, materials, fitting, filing and finish will be covered, it may be possible for students to leave with one completely finished blade based on skill level. A minimum of a beginners blacksmithing workshop is required.
Make sure to wear closed toed shoes and dress in layers, as they the shop gets very warm. While the knife is cooling is a good time to run to Jac’s or bring your own lunch.