Blacksmithing

An entirely new & greatly expanded Blacksmithing program starts in March!  With our new H.H.M. Pavilion, we will now offer a wide variety of classes for all levels – both beginners & experienced blacksmiths alike.  Everything is set for some very exciting classes as described below.

Blacksmithing was an important part of the development of the Adirondacks.  The local smith could make any tool or hardware that the early settlers needed.  Everything from nails to the machinery used for logging was made by hand at the local blacksmith.  Learning blacksmithing opens up a whole new world of creativity and medium for you. From making tools, jewelry, knifes, hardware, fireplace sets, to weathervanes and much more.

Master Blacksmith Michael McCarthy has been working on developing our program that will dovetail with the ABANA’s National Education Program.  The Artist-Blacksmith’s Association of North America began in 1973 with the vision of teaching and promoting the “lost” art of blacksmithing.  Today, ABANA is a 5,000 member strong organization representing smiths all over the country.

The Adirondack Folk School is the first school in the country to offer the ABANA Certification Program, which not only teaches the various skills necessary to enjoy and create through blacksmithing, but also can lead to recognition of your skills with an ABANA Certification.  The three levels of accomplishment are Apprentice, Blacksmith, and Journeyman Blacksmith.  Each of our classes will help you learn new skills building upon one another.  As you master more and more skills you can work towards the Journeyman Blacksmith certification, and create your final piece that demonstrates your skills.  An Instructor and Journeyman Instructor will evaluate and certify your knowledge & skills.   

Making Traditional Hearth Cooking Tools For Home & Camp

Eric Schatzel

In this class you will begin by going over the functions and styles of traditional hearth cooking forks.  Eric has studied extensively traditional ironwork from the 17th to the 19th century.  He will teach you hands on step-by step instruction as you create these beautiful and useful cooking tools.  They tend to be rather large and can be quite decorative. You will learn a variety of techniques for finishing, and construction, resulting in a unique and useful fork for each student to take home.

  • March 31 & April 1, 2012 – Saturday & Sunday - CRN – 20166
  • Length of Class – 2 day
  • Hours – 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
  • Location – AFS, 51 Main Street, Lake Luzerne, NY
  • Tuition – $150
  • Materials – $30


Make a Drawknife

Michael McCarthy

The drawknife is a simple and versatile tool used to shape wood for everything from hammer handles to canoe paddles.  Once mastered, it quickly becomes an indispensable tool in the wood shop.  Learn basic tool making techniques as you create a drawknife for yourself.

Techniques will include basic blacksmithing as well as the introduction of basic heat treatment theory and tool sharpening.   

  • April 21 and 22, 2012 – Saturday & Sunday – CRN – 20167
  • Length of Class – 2 day
  • Hours – 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
  • Location – AFS, 51 Main Street, Lake Luzerne, NY
  • Tuition – $150
  • Materials – $ 20 est.


Make Your Own Chinese Hot Pot Tongs  

Olof Jansson

Fire Pot Tongs are a traditional Chinese tool used to manipulate hot coals for cooking purposes but you will find dozens of other uses for these simple tongs both at the forge and in the home.  Whether  for the barbecue, wood stove, kitchen, these will become one of your favorite tools.  This project will introduce you to basic techniques such as drawing out and riveting as well as making a simple box joint.  In addition, two “must-have” blacksmithing tools will be made – a slitting chisel (where you will learn basic heat-treating techniques) and centerline scribe, both not only necessary for making the hot pot tongs, but many other blacksmithing projects as well.   

  • April 28, 2012 – Saturday -CRN -20168
  • Length of Class – 1 day
  • Hours – 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
  • Location – AFS, 51 Main Street, Lake Luzerne, NY
  • Tuition – $150
  • Materials – $20

Create a Folk Art Weathervane

Olof Jansson

In this class you will learn how to design and construct a sheet iron folk art weathervane including the forged skeletal structure, directionals, and mounting details often associated with these items.  Cold chisel cutting, riveting, and light forging techniques will be taught and patterns based on original weathervane will be available, though in keeping with the folk art tradition, students are encouraged to develop their own ideas and imagery as well. 

  • May 12 and 13, 2012 – Saturday & Sunday – CRN – 20169
  • Length of Class – 2 days
  • Hours – 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
  • Location – AFS, 51 Main Street, Lake Luzerne, NY
  • Tuition – $150
  • Materials – $25


Ironwork for Camping

Michael McCarthy

Students will explore basic blacksmithing techniques as they create a set of iron cook fire tools.  Get ready for summer as you build a campfire cook set by bending, twisting and forging iron.

  • May 19 and 20, 2012 – Saturday & Sunday – CRN – 70058
  • Length of Class – 2 days
  • Hours – 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
  • Location – AFS, 51 Main Street, Lake Luzerne, NY
  • Tuition – $150
  • Materials – $25


Make an Adjustable Trammel & Hooks

John Ackner

While you may not know what a Trammel is, if you think of your stove at home and the “Hot, Medium, Warm, and Simmer” knob that controls the heat, you will understand how our early ancestors cooked and controlled the heat on an open fire.  Trammels were also used to raise and lower the various candles and other lanterns used within the home for lighting.

This is a great class for all levels of blacksmiths – beginners and experienced blacksmiths alike will enjoy making your trammel and hooks as fancy or plain as you like.  You will be taught in this two-day class at a pace that will allow you to master the knowledge and experience of blacksmithing while making a useful object for your home or campfire.  You will learn how to build a coal fire, forge, twist and bend at your anvil.  The hooks have dozens of uses besides hanging pots and Dutch ovens.  They can be used as plant hangers, coat hooks and many other applications.

 

  • June 2 & 3, 2012 – Saturday & Sunday - CRN – 70119
  • Length of Class – 2 days
  • Hours – 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
  • Location – AFS, 51 Main Street, Lake Luzerne, NY
  • Tuition – $150
  • Materials – $25 est.


Make Your Own Woodworking Tools

Michael McCarthy

Build on the foundation laid in the drawknife class, or join this class to catch up!  Either way, you will have a great time as you explore the techniques used to create chisels, knives and other edge tools used to work wood.

This class will use tools from all over the world to demonstrate how simple tool making can be.  Adzes chisels and marking knives will be covered.

  • June 16 and 17, 2012 – Saturday & Sunday – CRN – 70059
  • Length of Class – 2 days
  • Hours – 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
  • Location – AFS, 51 Main Street, Lake Luzerne, NY
  • Tuition – $150
  • Materials – $25 est.


Create Your Own Marshmallow Roasters  

John Ackner

At the school these handy marshmallow roasters are jokingly referred to as “Squirrel Roasters”, which usually gets the attention of our visitors! They are great for roasting marshmallows or even flipping your steak on the grill.  The process of making these roasters is also a great way to learn the basics of blacksmithing. In this class you will learn how to build a fire in the forge, heat metal, twist, cut and bend while using the tools of the blacksmith.  This is a fantastic class for beginners new to blacksmithing.  John is an excellent instructor and this class is open to all wanting to try their hands and have some fun! 

  • June 23, 2012 – Saturday - CRN – 70060
  • Length of Class – 1 day
  • Hours – 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
  • Location – AFS, 51 Main Street, Lake Luzerne, NY
  • Tuition – $75
  • Materials – $ 20 est.

Great beginner’s project – teenagers & adults

Learn Knife Making

Michael McCarthy

Learn the basics of knife making and sharpening as you create a simple, sturdy cord-wrapped knife.  Techniques will include basic blacksmithing and knife sharpening.

  • July 7, 2012 – Saturday - CRN – 70061
  • Length of Class – 1 day
  • Hours – 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
  • Location – AFS, 51 Main Street, Lake Luzerne, NY
  • Tuition – $75
  • Materials – $ 20 est.

 

Create a Classic Triangular Dinner Bell  

John Ackner

The sound of the triangular dinner bells is unmistakable and usually means that some good eating is about to be served.  In this one-day class you will learn the basics of blacksmithing while creating a classic triangular bell.  The skills you will learn will become your foundation for even more advanced projects.  The early blacksmiths of our region were skilled and made all the tools, hardware and repairs required in the community.  We think they were pretty smart to create the triangular dinner bell as well!  A great beginner’s class but experienced smiths alike will enjoy creating bells that can be formed to produce a range of sounds.

  • July 29, 2012- Sunday  - CRN – 70062
  • Length of Class -1 day
  • Hours – 9:00 a.m. -4:00 p.m.
  • Location – AFS, 51 Main Street, Lake Luzerne, NY
  • Tuition – $75
  • Materials – $20 est. 

Great beginner’s project – teenagers & adults

 


 

 

 

 

Make a Knot Bracelet

John Ackner

Everyone has tied a knot in a length of rope, but you will now able to say you have tied one in iron!  These unusual knot bracelets are sure to get some attention when you wear them or give them as gifts.  This blacksmithing class is intended for all levels of students. You will learn the foundation skills of blacksmithing, as you work with the hot iron heating, bending and creating the knot.  These skills are transferable and will help you in most of the other blacksmithing classes as well.   

  • August 12, 2012 – Sunday - CRN -70063
  • Length of Class – 1 day
  • Hours – 9:00 a.m. -4:00 p.m.
  • Location – AFS, 51 Main Street, Lake Luzerne, NY
  • Tuition – $75
  • Materials – $15 est.
Great class for teenagers & adults

Hinges, Hardware, Latches, Door Pulls & More

Michael McCarthy

Hardware is the foundation of traditional blacksmithing techniques. Build on that foundation as you learn to make hinges and latches in this two day class.  Every fundamental blacksmithing technique will be covered and demonstrated.  Students of every level are invited to participate.

  • August 18 & 19 – Saturday & Sunday – CRN – 70064
  • Length of Class – 2 days
  • Hours – 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
  • Location – AFS, 51 Main Street, Lake Luzerne, NY
  • Tuition – $150
  • Materials – $20 est.

Help Build the AFS Blacksmith Shop – “Tools for the School”

Mark Asprey

Details for this advance class are in the works.  This will be an opportunity for those with prior experience to help build some of the tools for the AFS shop.  Mark is a highly accomplished smith who has taught and lectured across the country.  You won’t want to miss being part of this class.    

  • August 16, 17, & 18 – Thurs., Fri., & Saturday – CRN – 70065
  • Length of Class – 3 days
  • Hours – 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
  • Location – AFS, 51 Main Street, Lake Luzerne, NY
  • Tuition – $225
  • Experienced blacksmith will enjoy learning from one of the country’s finest blacksmiths


Make Your Own Blacksmithing Hammers

Michael McCarthy

Students will pair up to the techniques of striking as they create forging hammers.  Different styles will covered, as well as an in depth look at heat treat theory.

  • August 25 and 26, 2012 – Saturday & Sunday – CRN – 70066
  • Length of Class – 2 days
  • Hours – 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
  • Location – AFS, 51 Main Street, Lake Luzerne, NY
  • Tuition – $150
  • Materials – $25 est.


Making Hammer & Axe Handles  

Win Bigelow

The Adirondacks were built with simple tools such as traditional hammers and axes.  The hammerhead and axe head were the trade of the local blacksmith but they needed handles. Our early ancestors created handles themselves as they were no hardware stores, just a hike into the woods.

In this class you will create a handle for the hammerhead you created in the blacksmith class (see dates for the hammer class under blacksmithing).  Starting with a log and using a froe, you will create a billet.  Your handle will be made of Ash gathered here locally.  Using the shaving horse, froe, sledge and wedge, you will split the log into a billet.  Then using a drawknife, you will begin to shape the handle, learning how to read the grain of the wood. Finally, you will learn the secrets of properly “hanging the handle”.  A good handle will last and be a joy to hold.  In this one day class, you should be able to make a number of handles for other tools as well. 

Your instructor, Win Bigelow, is a master craftsman who has spent a lifetime collecting and working with antique wood tools.  His knowledge and skills are simply amazing.

This class is for beginners and experienced woodworkers alike and an excellent way for the blacksmithing students to leave with a tool they made entirely by themselves. 

  • August 27, 2012 – Monday – CRN – 70067
  • Length of Class – 1 day
  • Hours – 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
  • Location – 51 Main Street, Lake Luzerne, NY
  • Tuition – $75
  • Materials – $20


Creating Architectural Ironwork

Michael McCarthy

Learn the foundations of architectural work as you make a decorative bracket.  Scroll bending, hot decorations and traditional joinery will be the focus of this class, with many techniques being demonstrated.  Students of all levels participate, producing as their skill allows.

  • September 15 & 16, 2012 – Saturday & Sunday -CRN – 10017
  • Length of Class – 2 days
  • Hours – 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
  • Location – AFS, 51 Main Street, Lake Luzerne, NY
  • Tuition – $150
  • Materials – $25 est.

 

Creating Ironwork for the Fireplace

Michael McCarthy

Get ready for the cold weather as you make a set of andirons for the fireplace.  Don’t have a fireplace?  Then take this class and make up a one-of-a-kind Christmas gift sure to put you on the “nice” list! 

Build on the skills learned in hammer making and basic architecture, or join in to catch up as you pair up to create sets of traditional fire irons.  This class will build on the techniques of hot decoration and joinery.

  • October 20 & 21, 2012 - Saturday & Sunday – CRN – 10018
  • Length of Class – 2 days
  • Hours – 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
  • Location – AFS, 51 Main Street, Lake Luzerne, NY
  • Tuition – $150
  • Materials – $30 est.

Make Your Own Camp Ax

Eric Schatzel

It is said that a true outdoorsman only needs an axe and a compass and he could survive in the wilderness.  Here is your opportunity to make the axe as well!  In this class students will learn the traditional tools and steps used to construct a small camp or “backpacker’s” axe.  With the help of the blacksmith, each student will work on his or her own axe, and will go home with a finished axe head ready to be hafted and used.  These axes will be a versatile tool for the woodshed or the trail.

  • October 27 & 28, 2012 – Saturday & Sunday – CRN – 10019
  • Length of Class – 2 days
  • Hours – 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
  • Location – AFS, 51 Main Street, Lake Luzerne, NY
  • Tuition – $150
  • Materials – $40