Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Requirements: Comfortable with Torch and Basic Sawing/Filing Skills
Program: Winter
Status: Open
Length: 2 Days
Tuition: $ 395
Only $ 375.25 for registration before 21 February 2009
Materials: TBA
Date: March 21, 2009 - March 22, 2009
Time: 10:00 AM - 5:00 AM
Location: Metalwerx

In this workshop, we will cover tool steel selection, working, and heat treating. We all will make scribes and stamps, with the possibility of also making chasing tools, punches, chisels, etc… The techniques learned in this class will enable you to make tools to help you tackle a variety of metalsmithing chores in your own studio. We will also cover basic rules for forging metals and discuss safe tool making set up at home.

Chris Ploof will share his suppliers (jewelry and "outside of the box industrial" and tool making expertise. Like all of Chris' classes, expect high energy teaching, lots of information, and a whole lot of fun. Participants will see many demos, and will all get to make more than one of the following: Punches, scribes, stamps, chisel for metal carving and chasing and repousse tools.

Materials & Tools

Students should bring:

• Safety Glasses or prescription eyewear with lenses that meet ANSI safety requirements (In doubt? Check with your Optician)
• Notebook
• Pen and/or pencil

Highly Recommended:

• Optivisor
• Saw frame
• Saw blades (asst sizes)
• Files (hand and needle)
• Small burs (.2-1.0mm), assorted styles and sizes for carving stamps
• Favorite forging hammers if you have one (note: not your shiny, good hammers. This is your down and dirty small forging hammer)

Optional:

• Any tools that you have made and use often for show and tell
• Any tools you would like to use during the three day workshop that you own
• Digital camera