GET IT AND HIT IT!
I had already arranged a day off from work and found myself getting out of bed with a spring in my step because today would be the first day of a three day Blacksmithing course.
I admit that the primary reason for me going on a three Day Introduction to Blacksmithing Course is so I can write this review, but that doesn’ t mean I can’ t enjoy it!
While it would be fair to say I am looking forward to the course, I still have some concerns; Will I be able to make something useful? What if I don’ t like it, the review could be a tough one to write, then! So, taking my sandwiches, coffee and brand new leather apron, I head off to Westpoint Forge, just outside Exeter, to find out.
Introductions are completed and the relevant Health and Safety warnings are issued, then we got down to business. There are seven of us and John, the teacher. John is descriptive and instructive, but there is no teacher that can replace practical experience, so before long we get busy actually making something.
Westpoint Forge Premises, just outside Exeter on the A3052
I arrived at the specially fitted Westpoint Forge just before 9am on a cold February morning. Not knowing exactly what to expect, I walked into the warehouse style building to discover a room filled with blacksmithing tools, hammers, tongues and row of hearths with anvils.
Around the building were tables covered with various demonstration pieces. This place was clearly serious about what it did, it was a workshop and it would be my classroom for the next three days.
Our skillful and experienced teacher describes a basic principal of Blacksmithing, drawing down, the art of hammering out a solid to a point. We use this new skill on our first piece, to make a spiked end for our beer glass holder.
After we have all tackled this, the lesson continues with John demonstrating how to form a scroll end, a circle and a 90 degree bend.
We all head back to our hearths and try to replicate what we have been shown.
The day continues in this format, instruction and demonstration followed by practical and we proceed to make our own versions of a toasting fork and a picture hook.
John is always on hand to guide us with as much( or as little) help as we ask for. By the end of Day One I am tired, but quite surprised that I have been able to create three pieces of work to an acceptable standard.
6
I have learnt drawing down, hot cutting, forming a twist and punching a hole. Above all, I am relieved that I was able to make something and I liked doing it. On my way home I realise I can’ t wait to come back tomorrow.