Beginners Blacksmithing 3-Day - APRIL 2026

Dates: The classes are held on the following April 11, 12 and 18, 2026, 9 AM – ends between 3 and 5 PM

Location: Minnesota School of Horseshoeing (See map below)

Class Description:  The beginners’ basic classes are designed to give everyone the same understanding of the basics, techniques and terminology. The basic classes or proficiency are required before taking any of the many other classes the Guild offers. This enables those classes to concentrate on advanced techniques without having to spend time on basic concepts.
This 3-day class covers the basics of:

• Safety,
• Tools,
• Fire Control,
• Forging Dynamics,
• Tapers (ribbon, fishtail, point),
• Twisting,
• Riveting,
• Shouldering,
• Upset,
• Cutting,
• Splitting,
• Punching,
• Scrolling,
• Bending,
• Forge welding.
   

Class Level:     Beginners     Intermediate     Advanced

Class Size:  8 maximum, 4 minimum

Instructor:  Marty Masters  651-285-8731  martin.masters@metalsmith.org

Class Champion:  Kim Maas 651-328-7219  tgom.volunteer@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. Minors under 14 need one adult per child.  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 & Equipment: Tools are provided but if you have a favorite hammer, punches, chisels and tools, bring them along.  A small 1-to-2-pound ball peen hammer would work. We have various hammers for you to try and get a feel for what is comfortable.

Safety Equipment: (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.)
Eye, ear and skin protection. This includes safety glasses, earmuffs or plugs and suitable clothing which includes hard shoes, cotton or leather. Synthetic and polyester clothing will burn and melt. There will be sparks and brushes against hot metal. 

Special Instructions: Bring plenty of water to keep hydrated yourself during the class.

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

Typical day:  Classes start at 9 but people usually show up earlier to swap stories or show off your recent projects. Feel free to bring projects you are working on to show. We have a break for lunch. Classes end between 3 and 5.

Lunch:  We have a break for lunch. Bring lunch or go to a local restaurant.

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

Questions? Email Kim at tgom.volunteer@gmail.com