JEEP'S FORGE BLACKSMITHING SCHOOL

JEEP'S FORGE SCHOOL OF BLACKSMITHING

Blacksmithing School classes are offered by Jeeps Forge LLC and are taught by James M. "Jeep" Sabo


NEW! Get a group of 6 students and you can arrange for a date that fits your schedule and pick the class that you want. The group receives a $25.00/person discount. Please contact me for additional information.

CLASS SCHEDULE

May 18-19, 2024: Basic blacksmithing class. 9-4 each day


June 8-9, 2024: Outdoor cooking equipment class. 9-4 each day


July 13th, 2024: High Rock Lake Blacksmith Group CHRISTMAS IN JULY and BASIC SKILLS REFRESHER OPEN FORGE. 9-2  


August 24-25, 2024: Basic Blacksmithing class. 9-4 each day


October 5-6,2024: Demonstrating at Dan Nicholas Park, Salisbury, NC. (Autumn Jubilee)


See below for course descriptions and age requirements. All classes are limited to 6 students.

The first step in taking a class is to complete a class application.

CLASS DETAILS

Classes are held in a structured learning environment in an authentic blacksmithing shop.  Multiple blacksmithing stations are equiped with all the material and tools necessary to complete the course.  A maximum of 6 students are permitted per class to ensure each student receives personal instruction and oversight throughout the course.  Due to the nature of blacksmithing activity, it is imperative that each student fully comply with all instructions given for their safety.

Refresher Course

Review techniques from basic class, squaring, tapering. re-rounding, twisting and splitting. Then we will introduce the finial, its uses and designs including the bean, spade, penny, duck-foot. Several variations of twisting metal including the double, the pineapple and the blacksmith twist. The making of a basic leaf and scroll will also be demonstrated. We will go from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.  Bring a lunch since we will not leave the shop to eat.

Blacksmithing Class 1- Beginners

This is a two day class.  These 8 basic techniques will be taught and reinforced throughout the 2 days:


        squaring

        tapering/drawing out

        rounding

        splitting

        fullering

        twisting

        holepunching

        hot cutting


    You will make and keep the following items:


        5 hooks in various styles: 2 spike, 2 nail hooks and 1 long “S” hook

        BBQ Fork


If time allows additional items of your choice may be made, using the above mentioned techniques.  This may incur additional cost, depending on the amount of materials used.


Several project based Blacksmithing Classes will be available to students who complete the basic class or have the basic skills mentioned above.

Blacksmithing Class 2 - Hardware

The making of the following items will be covered, items made will depend upon time:

Using the techniques in the basic class plus learning how to make:

Several different style ends for hinges and handles like the arrow head, spade, the bean and the penny.
   Door hinges, and how to make a pintle and roll a matching eye for a hinge.
   Door hasp.
   Door handle.
Basic forge welding.

Blacksmithing Class 3 - Utensils

The making of the following cooking utensils will be covered, items made will depend upon time:

    A Fork
    A Spoon
    A Spatula
    A Dipper
    A Sive

Blacksmithing Class 4 - Scroll Techniques

Scroll techniques will be taught in this class.  Items made will consist of shelf brackets and/or a sign hanger.

Blacksmithing Class 5 - Punches, Chisels

Making punches and chisels along with tempering and hardening techniques.

Blacksmithing & Woodworking Class 6

Specialty class (additional cost for wood)

    Cut live edge scab of wood with saw mill
    Blacksmith a set of legs for a small coffee table, end table, seat or bench.

Styles of Handles

Students can familiarize themselves with certain styles of handles by viewing the following on my Pintrest page:

Iron utensil handles and fork tines and Fireplace tools handles.

REGISTERING

The general steps to follow in registering for a class are:

  • Complete an online application, then wait for me to contact you.  See the Class Application section below. 
  • I'll reach out to you, usually within three days.  Email or call if you've not heard from me in that time.
  • Make a payment after we talk.  See the Paying For A Class section below. 
  • See the Documents section below and review any document that applies to your class.

Note: I prefer that you register online, but if you'd rather register another way please give me a call.  I'll be glad to help however I can. 

CLASS APPLICATION

Apply Online For Age 18+
Once you submit an application online I will contact you by email.  If you do not receive an email within three days please get in touch!  Please add my email address "jim@jeepsforge.com" to your email program to make sure you're able to receive an email from me.  Be sure to check your spam folder.


Under 18 years of age - Supervising Adult Required
(Two applications must be completed.)

  • Only those 18 years old or older may complete an online class application form.
  • A "supervising adult" (a person 18 years old or older) must complete an application for the person under 18 years old and also take the class with them. 
  • The supervising adult must also submit an application with their information and check the box indicating they that they will bring someone under the age of 18. 
  • I will then contact the supervising adult to obtain the information of the person under 18 years of age.

APPLICATION FORM

CLASS PARTICIPATION

Come prepared!

  • Wear short or long sleeve shirt, long pants and closed-toe heavy shoes/boots.
  • Generally, dress for the weather, but you must wear clothes which will protect you from the
    possibility of a flying ember or spark.  You WILL NOT PARTICIPATE if not dressed appropriately!  Ask me if you're not sure what to wear.
  • If you have favorite tools useful to blacksmithing you may bring them.  (Please mark your tools.)Safety goggles, apron and gloves will be provided.
  • Coffee/hot tea/hot chocolate (during cold weather), bottled water and energy drinks along with some snacks will be provided. 
  • Please bring $$ for lunch.  We will leave the shop for lunch.

Parking for Blacksmithing Classes

  • Please park on the gravel driveway between the duplex and the chain link fence on the backside of Cozarts Lumber.
  • Pull down toward the end of the drive.
  • PLEASE stay off the yard behind and beside the duplex.
  • Walk across the yard and enter through the opening in the wooden fence. Come around the woodshop and the blacksmith shop is behind that.
  • Follow the smoke!

PAYING FOR A CLASS

ACCEPTABLE METHODS OF PAYMENT

I prefer to be paid with cash, however I will accept a check or credit/debit card.  Please be aware a card processing fee is added when paying by debit card or credit card.  Checks will be accepted on the day of class or my mail prior to class.  If mailing a check for someone else to take a class, please be sure to write the students name in the memo field.

 

GIFT CERTIFICATES

You may buy a gift certificate to give someone for a future class.  To purchase a gift certificate:
1. Complete an online class application using the recipient's information (include as much information as you can.)

2.  Next, submit payment by credit/debit card (below), or by sending a check.  You must communicate with me so I can match your payment with the registration.

 

COST OF CLASSES

One day: $150 ($155 credit/debit card/PayPal) + material fee

Two days: $225 ($232 credit/debit card/PayPal) + material fee

 

MATERIAL FEES

The material fee will be shown above along with the date of the class ("Blacksmithing Class Schedule".)  Since the cost of materials used in a class fluctuates over time, and at times even from class to class, the fee is calculated separately and will be collected at the beginning of the class.  You must pay this fee with cash or check.  Sorry, at this time I do not accept credit/debit card/PayPal as payment for the material fee.

 

CREDIT/DEBIT CARD PAYMENTS

You can select to pay using PayPal or bypass PayPal and use your card directly. 

1. Select the class below, then click the "Pay Now" button. (A new window will open to PayPal's website.)
2. Next, confirm the "Purchase Details" by clicking the "Continue" button.

3. To bypass PayPal click the "Pay with Debit card or Credit card" button.

4. Follow prompts to complete payment.

How to bypass PayPal.
When you see the above screen, click the bottom button to use a debit/credit card and bypass using PayPal.
Make Selection
DOCUMENTS FOR STUDENTS
All documents are in PDF format.


Liability Release Forms
18 years old and older Liability Release Form Download
Less than 18 years old Liability Release Form Download
All students, prior to starting the class, will sign a (waiver) release of liability form stating they understand the hazards and will follow the safety guidelines outlined at the beginning of class.  If the student is under the age of 18 a parent/legal guardian must sign the release of liability form. 
**Prior to attending the first day of basic blacksmithing class please print, read and fill out the liability release form but don't sign it before you arrive.  I will witness you signing the form prior to class. Thank you.

Notes for the Basic Blacksmithing Class - Download

Boyscout Metalwork Merit Badge - Download
The B.S.A. "Blacksmithing" merit badge was introduced in 1911 and discontinued in 1952.  Blacksmithing was then incorporated into the "Metalwork" merit badge.  Important!  - The highlighted areas of the merit badge document must be completed prior to class. A majority of the answers/information can be found in the BSA Metalsmithing merit badge handbook.

Trail Life Blacksmithing Trail Badge - Download