Step into the forge and experience the timeless art of blacksmithing in this hands-on, three-part workshop series. Designed for beginners and enthusiasts alike, the program introduces participants to the seven fundamental techniques of the trade—drawing out, upsetting, cutting/slitting, bending, twisting, punching, and forge welding—through practical, take-home projects. Students will explore both the historical and modern sides of blacksmithing, working with our historic coal forge as well as experimenting with a propane forge.
Each session builds skills through guided projects:
Session One (Saturday, November 8)
Learn the essentials of safety, terminology, and fire management while practicing cutting, bending, and drawing tapers. Project: S-hooks or drive-hooks.
Session Two (Saturday, December 6)
Advance to twisting and punching techniques while creating Christmas ornaments or more complex S-hooks.
Session Three (Saturday, January 10)
Discover the techniques of forge welding and upsetting, while reinforcing prior skills. Project: Fire pokers.
By the end of the series, participants will not only take home their own handmade ironwork but also gain a deeper appreciation of blacksmithing’s enduring role in history.
Registration covers all three sessions as well as the cost of materials. Space is extremely limited to 3 participants per time slot, so reserve your spot today
Requirements: This is an adults-only class. For safety, participants must wear long pants, boots (steel toes not required), and only natural fibers or leather—no synthetics. Leather work gloves and ANSI Z87.1-rated safety glasses are required.
Instructor Information: Instructor Eric Renfert is a local hobbyist blacksmith who first became interested in the trade from watching longtime demonstrator John Berg at the Heritage Days event some twenty years ago. As an adult, he became re-interested and started forging tools and trinkets in 2018, including a set of tomahawks for his groomsmen. An engineer in his day job, Eric volunteers at the Heritage Park demonstrating for visitors. He lives in Stevens Point with his wife and toddler daughter.
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