FORGED IN CANADA
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  • Course Descriptions
  • Course Dates
    • 2 Day Beginner Course - March 18 and 19, 2023
    • Tool Making Course April 22 and 23, 2023
    • Two Day Beginner Course Jan 26 and 27, 2023
    • Five Day Course - February 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13, 2023
    • 2 Day Beginner Course February 25 and 26, 2023
    • New "Family" Day Course
    • 5 day Forged in Canada Course April 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10, 2023
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1 613 267-9979

Detailed Course Descriptions

Scroll to appropriate course description.

5 Day Course

Course Title:Blacksmithing: Basic Forging Techniques and Design


LocationForged in Canada - located 3 km west of Perth (18124 HWY 7, Perth, Ontario, K7H 3C6)
$750.00 plus HST – includes provided course materials and 40 hours of scheduled instructional time.
Forged in Canada is the largest purely blacksmithing teaching facility and forge in Eastern Ontario allowing up to sixteen participants to be taught simultaneously.  Forged in Canada focuses on teaching using heritage techniques and tools. 

Days 1 and 2
  • Learn basic forging techniques: 
    • drawing out,
    • upsetting,
    • finials,
    • forming,
    • punching,
    • twisting and
    • splitting. 
  • Become knowledgeable about:
    • forge welding,
    • hammer technique,
    • forge set up,
    • basic equipment and
    • the power hammer. 
  • Items made includes:
    • hooks with different decorated ends,
    • a Loon Head fire poker with a twist,
    • fire fork,
    • bottle opener,
    • toilet paper holder,
    • and loom light (candle holder).
Days 3 and 4:

During these two days students will expand upon and use the techniques taught in the first two days. Unlike most professions, the blacksmith is required through necessity to forge their own tooling to meet their requirements.  In making tools, the blacksmith must have a grasp of heat treating techniques (annealing, hardening and tempering) in order to make tools that last and can endure the hardships that the blacksmith brings to bear. 

Heat treating will be a large part of these two days as well as discussions on different types of steel for each application. 
The following items will be made: 
  • blacksmithing tongs,
  • hot cutting set,
  • scroll template,
  • spring swage and,
  • a basic utility knife. 
At the end of day 4, you will be asked to design something to be made on day five.
Day 5A creative forging day for you to work on a project(s) of your choice that was designed the previous day.  The course provides students a basic understanding of blacksmithing, enough to develop thoughts and ideas about forging that on day 5 can be used as an opportunity to forge something that is personal to the student.  The instructor will be there to guide, help and answer questions that invariably arise.
Course requirements
  • No experience is necessary
Course learning
  • Learn basic forging techniques
  • Learn how to make a tool
  • Learn about forge operations
  • Learn basic design to create your own tool
Course Resources
  • Blacksmithing Fundamentals - A Beginners Guide to Blacksmithing 
  • All tools will be provided but if students happen to have some blacksmith tools they can bring them. 
  • All participants will be required to bring the following personal protection equipment (PPE):  steel toed foot wear, safety glasses, leather gloves, and wear all nature fibre clothing such as jeans or coveralls.  Ear plugs are optional and long sleeve shirts are not mandatory.
Instructor Profile:  When it comes to blacksmithing, Don Mackay knows his stuff. For years, he was the Resident Blacksmith at Jones Falls Lock Station on the Rideau Canal National Historic Site of Canada and UNESCO World Heritage Site. He performed workshops and showcased the works of the traditional blacksmith to thousands of people. The trade was instrumental in the development of the Rideau Canal, and Don's educational background allowed him to present the historic information in a hands-on manner.
Since 2009, Don has also run his own blacksmith company, Forged in Canada. He provides group workshops as well as custom work for customers. He also wrote a book about learning how to blacksmith. Don's creativity mixed with his ability to teach others makes him a sound Blacksmith Instructor. He enjoys teaching the trade to others, showing the basics of blacksmithing and how to take it to the next level.

Course Title: 2 Day Beginner Course.  The Fundamental of Blacksmithing.

​

LocationForged in Canada - located 3 km west of Perth (18124 HWY 7, Perth, Ontario, K7H 3C6)
$300.00 plus HST – includes provided course materials and 14 hours of scheduled instructional time
Course DescriptionForged in Canada is the largest purely blacksmithing teaching facility and forge in Eastern Ontario allowing up to sixteen participants to be taught simultaneously.  Forged in Canada focuses on teaching using heritage techniques and tools
This fundamentals course is an exciting, hands-on two-day course providing participants the opportunity to understand the traditional role of the blacksmith by learning the basic principles of working metal in a forge.  Details of the learning include:

Days 1 and 2
  • Learn basic forging techniques: 
    • drawing out,
    • upsetting,
    • finials,
    • forming,
    • punching,
    • twisting and
    • splitting. 
  • Become knowledgeable about:
    • forge welding,
    • hammer technique,
    • forge set up,
    • basic equipment and
    • the power hammer. 
  • Items made includes:
    • hooks with different decorated ends,
    • a Loon Head fire poker with a twist,
    • fire fork,
    • bottle opener,
    • toilet paper holder,
    • and loom light (candle holder).
Course requirements
  • No experience is necessary
Course learning
  • Learn basic forging techniques
  • Learn how to make a tool
  • Learn about forge operations
Course Resources
  • Blacksmithing Fundamentals - A Beginners Guide to Blacksmithing
  • All tools will be provided but if students happen to have some blacksmith tools they can bring them. 
  • All participants will be required to bring the following personal protection equipment (PPE):  steel toed foot wear, safety glasses, leather gloves, and wear all nature fibre clothing such as jeans or coveralls.  Ear plugs are optional and long sleeve shirts are not mandatory.
Instructor ProfileWhen it comes to blacksmithing, Don Mackay knows his stuff. For years, he was the Resident Blacksmith at Jones Falls Lock Station on the Rideau Canal National Historic Site of Canada and UNESCO World Heritage Site. He performed workshops and showcased the works of the traditional blacksmith to thousands of people. The trade was instrumental in the development of the Rideau Canal, and Don's educational background allowed him to present the historic information in a hands-on manner.
Since 2009, Don has also run his own blacksmith company, Forged in Canada. He provides group workshops as well as custom work for customers. He also wrote a book about learning how to blacksmith. Don's creativity mixed with his ability to teach others makes him a sound Blacksmith Instructor. He enjoys teaching the trade to others, showing the basics of blacksmithing and how to take it to the next level.

For questions related to the delivery of this course you can connect with Forged In Canada at 613.267.9979 or forgedincanada@gmail.com

Tool Making Course

During these two days students will expand upon and use the techniques taught in the 2 Day Beginner Course. Unlike most professions, the blacksmith is required through necessity to forge their own tooling to meet their requirements.  In making tools, the blacksmith must have a grasp of heat treating techniques (annealing, hardening and tempering) in order to make tools that last and can endure the hardships that the blacksmith brings to bear. 
Heat treating will be a large part of these two days as well as discussions on different types of steel for each application. 
The following items will be made: 
  • blacksmithing tongs,
  • hot cutting set,
  • scroll template,
  • spring swage and,
  • a basic utility knife. 
Previous experience, however, how minimal qualifies you to enrol in this course.

Family Forge Course
​The family forge course is designed for the entire family to give it a whirl.  It is designed for all ages to give blacksmithing a chance.  This course is fun driven rather than information driven.  One forge is dedicated to each family allowing families to watch, encourage and help each other with a few projects. Fun and safety are the main elements of the course.  Projects are determined based on family configuration and strength components.  The cost of the course is $225.00.  Everything included.  As a bonus, anyone who takes this course and decides to take the Beginner Two day course afterwards will be credited $50.00 off the the two day course. Book now.  Only 4 family positions available. 

Request Info

Forged in Canada
Perth, ON
​613 267-9979

forgedincanada@gmail.com

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  • Home
  • About
  • Forged In Canada Anvils
  • Course Descriptions
  • Course Dates
    • 2 Day Beginner Course - March 18 and 19, 2023
    • Tool Making Course April 22 and 23, 2023
    • Two Day Beginner Course Jan 26 and 27, 2023
    • Five Day Course - February 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13, 2023
    • 2 Day Beginner Course February 25 and 26, 2023
    • New "Family" Day Course
    • 5 day Forged in Canada Course April 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10, 2023
  • Custom Work
  • Store
  • Corporate Events
  • Blacksmithing Videos
  • Contact
  • Gallery