Blacksmith Curriculum at Yamhill Valley Heritage Center
The goal is to develop a group of blacksmiths to work before the public when the museum is open. Most of the students come to us with an interest, but no experience in the craft.
The classes run 8 half days- one a week for two months. Students are free to stay after class and reinforce their learning. Class size is limited to 4.
Class projects are selected to high light specific skills, the first class starts with with fire building, stance at the anvil and the dynamics of the hammer swing. This is reinforced each and every class.
Projects:
- Nails- (2 days)making a point, drawing down, half face blows, quick in and out of fire.
- Leaf on a stem – spreading, preforms, texture and finish,
- Hooks, J & S types – bending drawing, twisting
- Chain links (2 Days) – welding
- Tongs- different forging skills, use of jigs, rivet joint
Open forge- last day students review and get help on any thing they want. One student wanted to learn to make fire steels, and this was dealt with during the classes. He is now making a dozen for the pioneer days instructors.
At end of class the students are very qualified to open the shop and work before the visiting public on their own. We would love to recruit a new class and repeat the classes as often as wanted.
Instructors:
- Ike Bay – Portland
- Dan Bowyer – Amity
- Dale Turner – McMinnville
- Dave Stearns – Scio
See antique farm, logging, and other historical equipment. Learn about the stories behind them from our knowledgeable docents.
11275 SW Durham Ln., McMinnville, OR 97128
Located South of McMinnville on Highway 18 at the intersection of Durham Lane
The Yamhill Valley Heritage Center is open Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm
Call | 503.472.2842
Email | Events@YamhillCountyHistory.org
Website: https://www.yamhillcountyhistory.org/yamhill-valley-heritage-center