October 13 – October 15, 2023
9 am to 5 pm
Overview:
In this three-day workshop, students will learn to make the essential tools needed for a blacksmith shop, which includes tongs, punches and chisels, a forge poker, and a flux spoon. Students will begin with instruction on how to maintain a coal fire and a discussion on basic metallurgy. This instruction will then be applied to heat treating operations such as annealing, normalizing, hardening, and tempering tool steel. Students will be provided “known alloys” to use in tool making but are welcome to bring in and experiment with scrap steel, such a coil spring or a hay rake tine. If time permits, students will be guided in making a bending fixture using machine welding and fabrication. Beginning and intermediate level smiths are welcome and it is important to have some experience with using a coal fired forge
Materials Fee: Included in cost of workshop.
Special Tools or Equipment: Students may bring forge tools they would prefer to use over those at Sanborn Mills Farm.
Instructors COVID preference: Your instructor reserves the right to require safety requirements depending on the state of the pandemic at the time of the workshop.
Workshop Policies
Please be sure to read our policies before you register for a workshop.
Age Requirements
The minimum age to attend a regularly scheduled workshop is 16 years. We have set this age to ensure a safe, productive, and community-building experience for all of our students. There are no exceptions.
Accessibility & Accommodations
If you have questions about accessibility or would like to request reasonable accommodations, please contact our main office at 603-435-7314.
Student Cancellations
Cancellations must be made at least 30 days prior to the start date of a workshop in order to receive a refund. Registration and material costs will be refunded, minus a non-refundable $25.00 registration fee. A full refund will be made for any amount paid for overnight housing.
Sanborn Mills Farm Cancellations
Each workshop must have a minimum number of students to be held. If Sanborn Mills Farm finds it necessary to cancel a workshop, we will notify students two weeks prior to the scheduled workshop start date. A full refund will be provided to registered students. Refunds for a workshop purchased as a gift will be made to the purchaser only. Sanborn Mills Farm cannot be held responsible for any refunds for travel expenses or for off-site housing expenses incurred as the result of a cancellation of any kind.
Housing & Meals
Please refer to our housing page for more information.
Safety
Each workshop has its own safety procedures. Your instructor will review the specific safety requirements at the start of your workshop and throughout your class. Sanborn Mills Farm is a rural setting. If you are allergic to insect bites, please alert your instructor of your allergy and bring an epipen with you. For draft animal workshops or courses requiring time in the woods, be sure to review tick safety procedures from Tick Free NH. We advise students to wear comfortable clothing, comfortable and secure shoes, and consider your personal needs for a day or extended stay.