Come and join us for a week with the prolific and well- known teacher, Mark Aspery.  Mark has been a force in blacksmithing education for many years throughout the West, and in this class he will build on the ABANA national curriculum to cover an array of essential techniques.  “Forge welding, punching and drifting, tool-making […]

Throughout this workshop, students will learn to make their own functional and decorative spoons, spatulas, and more with a focus on refinement, design, and delicate forging. The class will cover the basics of forging, forming, bending, and file work to make single piece steel and iron utensils. Students will be encouraged to push themselves on […]

Mentoring Center Event: Derek Lanhart Topic: Fundamental techniques for the beginner All participants at the sessions are asked to contribute $20 to assist with the supplies for the session and MC operations. The Registration Table will be open to process New and Renewing Members immediately prior to the start of the demonstrations.  

This class will explore the history, design, forging, and use of axes for felling timber and working wood. Before the advent of the chainsaw spelled the end of the axe as a primary tool for felling trees in America, this ancient tool reached its most effective forms for use by both the woodsman and the […]

Mark your calendar! Swaptoberfest 2025 will be held from October 3rd through the 5th at the Cowlitz County Fairgrounds. More details to come soon!

John Winer will be holding a 3-day long workshop from April 7th through April 9th at the NWBA Mentoring Center just before the Spring Conference. Each day will be 8 solid hours of hands on instruction. The cost for all three days is $500 for members and $550 for non-members (membership in the NWBA is […]

NWBA Spring Conference 2026 is happening April 10th through April 12 at the Cowlitz County Fairgrounds/Event Center – NWBA Mentoring Center located at 1900 7th Ave, Longview, WA 98632. Conferences demonstrators this year are John Winer and  Lisa Geertsen with Dave Lisch as Sunday’s Hot Tips Demonstrator. We’ll also have hands-on workshop demonstrations throughout the weekend from […]

Open Forge Day ~ 9:00 AM to 4:00 P.M. A day to work on your projects with friends at the Mentoring Center.  $20 admission fee to assist with program expenses.

Open Forge from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

Cowlitz County Fair/Mentor Center Open House during Fair – Volunteers needed!

Swaptoberfest 2026 will be held at the Cowlitz County Fairgrounds from October 23rd through October 25. Jim Garrett will be presenting a slide show on Friday evening covering his nearly 50 year professional career with a focus on design and tooling for selected projects. David Tuthill and Silas Maddox will both be our featured demonstrators […]