Introduction to Blacksmithing

At Old Pound Smithy, we have created something different; a bespoke environment, tailored entirely towards providing the ultimate traditional blacksmithing experience where ancient heritage skills are brought back to life. The Smithy has been set up in the old Pole Barn; a gnarly building of corrugated sheet and old wooden beams, right in the heart of the site – just as the ancient smithies were in the center of the village, the place villagers would come together around the warm forge.  This is off-grid, back to basics, traditional smithing, where all our tools are run by manual power, from our ancient and restored bellows, to our treadle grinding stones…

 This course is an exciting, day-long, introduction to blacksmithing, perfect for beginners and those with experience, where you’ll make multiple keepsakes to take home with you. Try your hand at the anvil, pump the bellows and get the fire roaring as you practice the ancient craft of the blacksmith.

BOOK YOUR PLACE learn@oldpoundsmithy.co.uk

 Upon arrival, you’ll be met by the instructing smith who’ll give you a tour of the forge, provide tea, and coffee, and give the safety brief. The next step will be to discuss what you will be making during the day. As this is an Experience Day – we have designed the projects to give you the best Blacksmithing experience we can, building up your skills, by touching on as many techniques as possible throughout the day.  This will leave you with a broad understanding of what a blacksmith can do. 

 It’s now time to man the bellows and start the fires. You’ll be taught how to properly maintain and control the raging blaze, enabling you to heat and forge the steel. You’ll gain an understanding of how the bellows function, the teamwork required to keep the forges lit, and how the fire functions as well as the history of blacksmithing and its impact on the world. 

 

The first challenge you’ll embark upon will be to make a bottle opener. During this challenge, you’ll be taught the basic practices and techniques of forging, equipping you with the fundamental skills and knowledge needed to forge for the rest of the day. Having completed your very own bottle opener and applying the wax finish, you’ll move on to the next project of your choice, continuing to learn and progress. 

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