No Experience-Beginner*
$210-$260 Materials and Studio Fees
Where do iron and steel come from? For 3000 years, most iron and steel in the West was smelted from ore (stone) in small clay furnaces called a bloomery. In this workshop, we will work in teams of four to construct bloomery furnaces and smelt iron from hematite ore and charcoal. Participants will learn how to build a bloomery furnace from cob (clay and sand), how to prepare smelting ore from commercial-grade hematite, and how to use the bloomery furnace to consistently transform ore into metal that can be forged into unique works of art or historical reproductions. We will also learn how to carburize raw iron into steel and will spend the final day of the workshop forging the metal we smelt using power hammers and sledgehammer striking.
*This workshop offers a unique hands-on dive into the history of ironworking for beginners and seasoned smiths alike.
*Materials and studio fees are charged to students based on studio usage and materials Touchstone is providing at the request of the instructor. Additionally, some instructors may also require that you bring certain materials and tools with you, in which case a list will be provided. Final cost of these fees will be posted at least two weeks ahead of the workshop to be paid in full prior to check-in.
MATERIAL LIST
WORKSHOP PARTICIPANTS should bring the following materials for the workshop
*It is recommended that you wait to hear if the workshop is running before you purchase materials. Touchstone will let you know if a workshop is running no later than 2 weeks before the start of the class. Regardless of the outcome of the class, running or not, Touchstone is not responsible for the reimbursement of any materials bought for a workshop.
- Any person forging tools you wish to use (Optional)
- Your favorite sledgehammer (optional)
- Natural fiber clothing (Avoid Synthetics)
- Close toed Shoes
- Protective eyewear (Touchstone has safety glasses, but feel free to bring your own)
- Leather welding gloves (these will get dirty)
- Dust Mask
- Bandana/hat (Optional)
- Sketch book/notebook
- Earplugs/Hearing Protection
Download this list: Stone to Steel_Materials List
