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.
Started a project and need a little help and tools to finish it? Rob will be in the shop on Wednesday evenings available to help you finish up your projects. Give us a heads up that you’ll be coming in and we’ll save a spot of you. Only 3 students/evening.
Spend an evening with friends or make some new ones! We’ll be turning candlesticks on the lathe. We have space for 10 for this fun night!
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
Rob is a great teacher that will give you the freedom to learn basic skills or go on to the next level in blacksmithing. If you have already had a basic class – bring your ideas of what you would like to try next, and Rob will work with you to make it happen – at least as much as is possible.
Do you have tools that you just aren’t sure how to use? or want to learn how to use shop tools? Let us take the fear and the mystery out of woodworking and making jigs to use your router to it’s fullest potential. Rob has been working with wood for most of his life and would love to teach you about shop tools, especially routers. Bring your ideas and questions, or just come and learn some of the secrets that most of the professionals don’t want you to know.
Are you needing a few tools that you don’t have in your woodshop to finish up a project – come down to Anvil and Rob will be there to work with you and get your projects finished up. Please register so that we don’t get too many in the shop at one time. $25/hour
It’s essential to have good sets of tongs for blacksmithing so that you can firmly hold hot metal that you’re working with. You’ll need different sizes and styles to match the thickness and shapes of the metal that you’re using in your projects and a blacksmith can’t have too many pairs of tongs.
In this two-evening class, we will explore the basic techniques of forging blacksmiths’ tongs. Since every smith needs tongs (maybe we should say lots of tongs or at least one pair for every stock size that he uses), being able to make the tools that you need is important. Each student will make a pair of light tongs to take home, and learn the skills necessary to build more pairs. Must have taken beginning blacksmithing before attending this class. This class is taught by Jeff Cawley and will be March 14 & 21 for $150 and $15 lab fee.