Blacksmithing is the art of working metal with a forge, anvil, and a hammer. By heating the metal until it is red hot (or hotter!), it can be bent and beaten into shape, eventually becoming a useful item.
We have our own forge and all the equipment we need to teach blacksmithing in Glasgow. Our instructors have undergone extensive training and are constantly working to improve their own skills and knowledge. If you want to learn how to work with metal, to make something with your own bare hands, then our Introduction to Blacksmithing course will be perfect for you.
Introduction to Blacksmithing
These introductory blacksmithing sessions are designed to teach you basic blacksmithing skills, and to help you learn the safety requirements of a forge and workshop area.
The Introduction to Blacksmithing course consists of four 2-3 hour sessions:
1. the first session is to forge a coat hook
2. the second session is to forge a toasting fork
3. the third session is to make a bottle opener
4. the fourth session is to make a letter opener.
The sessions are taught in this order to build new skills, and by using the skills learned in each session, you will build a working knowledge of manipulating metal. Each session lasts for 2-3 hours and can be attended by up to two people, to ensure that you receive an appropriate amount of the instructor’s time and attention.
Each session costs £65 per person, but we can give you a discount if you buy all four sessions at the same time.
Sessions can be booked for weekdays from 10am until 3pm and all day at weekends. If you would like to make a booking, or just to ask for more information or to arrange a visit to the Centre to see what we have to offer, then please contact us by email or call us on 07477 234 020. We will be more than happy to chat with you and make the necessary arrangements!
PENDANT FORGING
New to The Vanguard Centre Forge!
Come along to these forging sessions and our resident smith, Paul, will help you forge your very own pendants. Once complete, the pendants will be given a protective coating and a waxed cord will be attached so you can leave the centre wearing your newly forged goodies. This is a great session to do a light bit of metal work and have some awesome handmade pieces to keep for yourself or give as gifts!
This session is for 18 years and over, lasts around 3 hours and all safety equipment will be provided along with tea and coffee.
Priced at £65 per person. All bookings are subject to availability and can only be booked through email or by calling us. All sessions must be paid in full at the time of booking. 48 hours notice must be given if changing or cancelling a booking.
Woodsman
In this session a simple leaf will be forged by hand and then patterned with a variety of chisels and punches. Following on from this will be the creation of a small axe head to complement the woodsman theme.
Viking
During this session you will get a chance to forge your own style of ‘Trollkors’ or Troll Cross which closely resembles the Viking Odal rune. After this the hammer Mjölnir, a common symbol of the god of thunder, will be forged.
Nautical
A fish hook followed by an anchor is the content for this maritime themed session.
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