www.artistblacksmith.com
Ontario Blacksmith Courses
Blacksmith Class Schedule for 2008



David has been teaching introductory blacksmithing classes at his workshop in Ontario since 1993. He recently has taught blacksmithing at Fleming College's Haliburton Campus. David is a graduate of Ontario's University of Waterloo Engineering program and has his work in private collections in Canada, the United states, Ireland and Germany. David no longer uses blacksmithing coal as his primary heat source. He now prefers the modern convenience of a propane blacksmith forge to teach his blacksmithing courses.

"I invite you to take a look at my current blacksmith course offerings! You will find basic blacksmithing as well as intermediate class listings. If you don't see something that fits your schedule let me know and we will see what we can arrange."
In times past the art of the blacksmith was a cherished secret passed down only from master to apprentice. After the skills of blacksmithing nearly disappeared in the mid 20th century in North America, many smiths have opted for openness about the craft. This means that many more people have opportunity to learn these skills.


I offer several courses at my blacksmith shop in Bruce County ( 1.5 hours north of Kitchener, Ontario). I work with a maximum of 4 students and each student has their own work station but share a forge.

The blacksmithing classes are designed to take the student, in a single weekend, from an interest in artistic blacksmithing to actually producing small useful projects.

At the end of the course the student will have been given the information to set up a basic home shop, including suppliers and equipment required. I provide all the required tools and related safety equipment, as well as snacks and drinks. The student should bring leather boots or shoes, and a lunch.

Basic Blacksmithing Course

Regular Price $300.00 CND
Members Price $275.00 CND
Maximum 4 students.
This course is designed for those with an interest in blacksmithing but have no previous experience. 20 hours of instruction and supervison.

Friday night we cover safety, introduction to tools large and small, proper hammer technique, and the first project of a Tool Hook.
Techniques: drawing out, curling, notching, curving, hot cutting.

Saturday consists of a series of projects with techniques building upon each other. Projects include Coal Rake, Coat Hook, Leaf Hook, Finials, and Tongs. Techniques include: Pointing, Flattening, Shepherd's Crook, Hot Reverse Twisting, Pointing Flat Bar, Spade Point, Pattern Punching, Offsetting , Shouldering, Through Punching, Leaves, Rattail.

Sunday starts with a discussion of alloy steels and follows with making a Cold Chisel from high carbon steel, Finishing Tongs, Demonstration of Forge Welding, Discuss Setting up a Personal Workshop, Several Hours are set aside for working on a Personal Project.

All materials are provided (personal projects may require additional expense) . Projects and techniques may vary depending on student interest and capabilities. I also provide coffee and tea and snacks through out the days. Lunch is not provided.

Accommodations
There are several Bed and Breakfasts located nearby.

Birdie's Perch,
Roberta Godwin
519-366-1020.

Cornerbrook Farms,
John and Elaine Moffatt,
519-366-2629.
Both come highly recommended by my students.

Dates for Basic Course
2008
Feb. 22, 23, 24
Mar. 7, 8, 9
April 11, 12, 13
May 16, 17, 18
May 30, 31,June 1
July 11, 12, 13
Aug. 22, 23, 24
Sept. 12, 13, 14
Nov. 7, 8, 9
Dec 5, 6, 7



Please call or email for motels and campgrounds.

David Teaching a Basic BlacksmithCourse On Site
at Joseph Schneider Haus Museum, Kitchener Ontario
Joseph Schneider Haus Blacksmithing Course, Introductory blacksmith course / class on site in Kitchener.


David Teaching A Junior Blacksmith Course at
Joseph Schneider Haus, Kitchener Ontario

Junior blacksmithing class on site in Kitchener's Joseph Schneider Haus Museum

Past student comments:

First let me say, from my perspective, that David's course was very informative, well developed, and an overall excellent course.  He covered the fundamentals as to what is needed to set up a shop including safety, tools, resources, and references, and provided 2+ days of great hands-on instruction.  After I got home and reviewed all the items that I made during the course with my family, I was amazed at how much we covered and accomplished in the short time there.  ......
 
Secondly, I selected David's course for a couple of basic reasons, I liked what he was offering, the size and scope of the classes, and it was within about a 5 to 6 hour drive of where I live.  I did pass up other courses which were closer to where I live because of the course content. I have only great things to say about the course and David has been great in responding to follow up questions/support after the course.
G. Thomas

I want to thank you for the great class. It was an experience I will never forget.  I really enjoyed myself and working with a master craftsman was great.  I am getting the emails and hope to continue that.
I will probably get a small gas forge at some point in the near future.  I have a small anvil for now.and will get a couple of hammers.
 
Dave thanks again for a great time. I learned a lot.
L. Covert

We have been a bit remiss in letting you know how much both Christopher and I enjoyed your Basic Blacksmithing class. Although we both had some experience the techniques and projects added to our skill level quite quickly, this is allowing us to explore a variety of different techniques.

As a father it was fun to me to watch my son learn at his pace and I was surprised by his skill and intuitive insight of how he could move the metal. He is already talking about  for his next break from college.

Certainly the drive from the USA was well worth what we gained, I could not have picked a better class for us to attend!Thanks and hope things are well! 

R. Taddiken

 



Intermediate Blacksmithing Course

Regular Price $300.00
Members Price$275.00 CND

This blacksmithing course is less project oriented and more technique oriented. It is also 20 hours of supervision / instruction.

Techniques include: 2D Punch Work, 3 D Punchwork, Forge Welding, Splitting, Upsetting, Design Discussion, Introduction to Air Hammer use, Mortise and Tennon, Through Punching, Braided Twist, Basket Twist, Forging Pipe. Again a couple of hours are set aside on Sunday for a personal project. This course provides the student with a series of blacksmithing skills that they can take home and directly translate to the work that they are doing there. Techniques primarily revolve around the artistic nature of the craft. Depending on student interest techniques taught may follow other lines of discussion. Maximum enrolement 4 students.

2008
Feb 29 Mar. 1, 2
April 25, 26, 27
July 25, 26, 27
Oct. 10, 11, 12
Nov. 21, 22, 23
Blacksmithing student using air hammer on intermediate course.
Emily at the air hammer.

Pattern Welding Knife Making Course


Regular Price $375.00 CND
Members Price $350.00 CND

This course is designed for the individual who has some skill at forge welding, and wants to explore the area of damascus knives. This course runs with a max. of 3 or 6 people. When with 6 people we have guest co-instructor Darrell Markewitz. Darrell is a longtime researcher of the Viking age with a passionate interest in historical Pattern Welding.

The course covers the basics of Knife Formation, Cable Damascus, Odd Pattern Stuff (Chainsaw Chain etc.), Making the Billet, Secure Welds, Pattern Generation, Alloys, Etching Solutions. Grinding techniques are mentioned but are not the focus unless there is time.

Each student receives a small billet to start with and usually finishes a second by the end of the course. This course stresses the billet process and depending on time and aptitude the completion of a knife is secondary.
2008
May 9, 10, 11
Oct. 24, 25, 26

   





Nickel Damascus Knife
Pattern Welded Dagger.

Two Damascus or Pattern Wellded Knives
Two Pattern Welded Nickel Damascus Knives.

New Propane Blacksmith Forge Workshop


Regular Price $400.00 CND
Members Price $375.00 CND

This one day workshop is limited to 2 people. Each of you will build a complete working gas forge!

You will learn about burner construction and dynamics, shells and insulation, hazards of propane, and general construction techniques! The course fee includes all materials for the forge construction, and hose and regulator. You will have to provide a propane tank at home.

Since many of the materials I have to buy out of town I require the full course fee 1 month in advance. (Don't worry if you miss the course you still get a gas forge just not the knowledge.) See also Gas forge Construction DVD! and
Gas Forge Construction Manual

Course Dates :
June 7, 2008.
July 6, 2008.

Previous Haliburton Garden Gate or Trellis Course

Week Long Course (not available this year) at the Haliburton School of the Arts.
I was amazed how much the students completed in a week, the last time I was there. Please note this is intensive, and hot! The course is based around designing and constructing a small garden gate or trellis of size about 3 feet by 5 feet.

I teach safety and a series of smithing techniques and you incorporate the ones you prefer into your design.
Maximum 16 students so there is lots of interaction.

Questions about course content please direct to me.

Questions about registration please see Haliburton school of Arts.Check the above link for the school. The summer courses are to be updated by March 1st 2007.








The propane blacksmith forge you build on the one day workshop.
Simple Atmospheric Propane Forge.






















Haliburton School of the Arts Summer Blacksmith Course.

Garden Gate Course Haiburton School of Arts

Basic Knife Making Course


Regular Price $300.00 CND plus materials
Members Price $275.00 CND plus materials

Knives are a fundamental tool in our lives whether it be in our kitchens, workshops, or on hunting trips. I have had many requests for a knife making work shop and have usually suggested people do some blacksmithing first. There is a need for hammer control and an appreciation for the narrow temperature range that the tool steel must be worked at and these things do require time to grasp.

This year I am offering two knife making work shops. It is recommended that you have some past forging experience. but I will try to accommodate those that have no experience as well. This course will concentrate on blade formation and heat treating, with less emphasis on grinding. Some grinding will be involved but it will not be the main focus. I hope each student will be able to complete 2 knives at least to the point that they can finish them at home. This will of course depend on experience and ability.

The 2 knives will be a Romano- British pattern (one piece blade and handle) and a drop point skinner with riveted slab handles. These projects may change without notice.

March 14, 15, 16, 2008

Oct. 17, 18, 19, 2008


NEW!

One Day Specialty Smihing Courses!


For $150.00 I will teach specific techniques and while the student is
practising I will be working on my own projects.

For $350.00 I will work on your particular project with your help.

2008 Course Dates

Date

Basic

Intermediate

Knife Making

Pattern Welding

Gas Forge

Feb.

22,23,24

 

 

 

 

Mar.

7, 8, 9

Feb. 29
Mar.1, 2

14, 15, 16

 

 

April

11,12,13

25, 26, 27

 

 

 

May

16, 17, 18
30, 31, June 1

 

 

9, 10, 11

 

June

 

 

 

 

7

July

11, 12, 13

25, 26, 27

 

 

6

Aug.

22,23, 24

 

 

 

 

Sept.

12, 13, 14

 

 

 

 

Oct.

 

10, 11, 12

17, 18, 19

24, 25, 26

 

Nov.

7, 8, 9

21, 22, 23

 

 

 

Dec.

5, 6, 7

 

 

 


Other dates may be arranged for 2 or more people.
Please email for available dates.
All Courses Require Preregistration and 50% Deposit to Hold Your Spot
Deposit Is Non Refundable but is Transferable to another Course
If you Cannot Make the Originally Scheduled Blacksmith Course
Courses Run with a minimum of 1 student!
Members Login Here!

Bookmark My SiteStumbleUpon Toolbar 
Stumble It!

Home
To Join my Free Membership
With Savings on Selected Items Below and
Free Newsletter and Tips
Please fill out this form:

:
:

Powered by GetResponse email marketing software

Be Sure To Check Your Email or
Spam Filter For Your Validation Link

 Contact Me
David Robertson
R.R.#2
Cargill, Ontario, N0G1J0
(519) 366 2334

Air Hammer For Sale
Biography
Gallery
Items For Sale
Blacksmith's Book Shelf

For blacksmithing classes deposits and final payments I now accept Pay Pal and email funds transfers as well as the usual cash, cheque or Visa.



Items can be paid for by Pay Pal or Visa over the phone. Please contact me for availability of courses.

Blacksmithing
copyright 2008 www.artistblacksmith.com