Beginners Blacksmithing 3-Day FALL 2025 Class

Dates: The classes are held on the following Saturdays - Oct 4, Oct 11, Oct 18, 9 AM – between 3 - 5 PM

Location: Minnesota School of Horseshoeing, 6250 Riverdale Dr NW, Ramsey MN 55303, just off Hwy 10 near the Anoka Vocational College (see map below).

Class Description:  This foundational, three-day workshop is designed to give all students a shared understanding of the essential tools, techniques, and terminology of the trade. Whether you’ve never held a hammer or you’ve already dabbled at the anvil, this course ensures that everyone is speaking the same “blacksmith language” before moving on to more advanced work.
Completion of this class (or proven proficiency) is required before taking any of the many specialty and advanced classes the Guild offers.
That way, those future classes can dive right into higher-level forging without needing to stop and revisit the basics.
During this hands-on workshop, students will cover the core elements of traditional blacksmithing, including:
•    Safety
•    Tools & fire control
•    Forging dynamics
•    Tapers (ribbon, fishtail, and point)
•    Twisting
•    Riveting
•    Shouldering
•    Upsetting
•    Cutting
•    Splitting
•    Punching
•    Heat treating
•    Scrolling & bending
•    And yes — forge welding
Whether you dream of blacksmithing as a hobby, a trade, or simply want to try your hand at something bold and time-honored, this course is the perfect place to start.

Class Size:  8 maximum, 4 minimum

Instructor:  David Skaurud at skaurud.gom@gmail.com  and Lee Meilleur at LMeilleur@gmail.com 

Cost: $230 for NON members, $200 for Guild members (covers everything you need: the facility, coal, metal tools and workbook)
Minors (under 18) must have a parent present. There will be no sharing of forges.

What you need to bring: The usual for forging with coal: gloves, safety glasses, hearing protection, clothing of natural fiber with no cuffs or fraying, and leather boots or shoes.

Tools: All tools are provided. However, if you have a beloved hammer, punch, chisel, a project (to work on during lunch hour)  or other favorite implement of destruction, by all means bring it along.

Other Equipment: Questions? Enthusiasm? Great- those are the only tools we can’t supply!

Class Champion:  Laurel Larkin at frogwench@comcast.net  or call/text 651-955-9379

Lunch: There will be an hour lunch break mid-day (noon). You’re welcome to bring your own or venture to one of the nearby fast-food establishments.

*** Registration acceptance will be in the order submitted, based on the transaction date, and each person will be notified individually.

Questions? Email Laurel at frogwench@comcast.net