Blacksmithing & Benchwork Classes w/ Denis Frechette (Summer Programs 2024)
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Learn blacksmithing/benchwork from master blacksmith Denis Frechette! AlgomaTrad is offering beginner- and intermediate-level classes throughout July at the AlgomaTrad Centre, 1249 F&G Line, St. Joseph Island.
The beginner classes will serve as a great introduction to basic forging/metalworking, and do not need to be taken in order; each project can be completed within a single class period! These are all basic projects for participants of all experience levels. Our blacksmithing and benchwork workshops are suitable for ages 14 and up. Ages 11-13 are eligible if accompanied by a registered guardian.
The intermediate workshops are best suited to people who have some experience with blacksmithing and are ready to progress further into more complex projects and learn to use new tools. For descriptions of each class, see below.
Cost for the 3-hour beginner workshops is $30 per class +HST, which includes all supplies, can be paid using the registration form below, or by e-transfer to music@algomatrad.ca (please add a note that the payment is for blacksmithing). For the 7-hour intermediate classes, cost is $80 + HST. Subsidized pricing is available through the Nicholas Missere Bursary Fund. We gratefully accept donations to this fund so that we can continue to make our programming accessible to all.
Click HERE to register!
Tuesdays – (2:30 – 9pm) – Intermediate Blacksmithing
Wednesdays – (1-4pm) – Beginner Blacksmithing
(5 – 8pm) – Beginner Blacksmithing
Thursdays* – (9:30am – 12:30pm) – Beginner Benchwork
(1:30 – 4:30pm) – Beginner Benchwork
Saturday, July 13th – (10am – 5pm) – Intermediate
Saturday, July 20th – (10am – 5pm) – Intermediate
*No classes on Thurs. July 4 or 25
Note: class dates and/or times are subject to change based on registration numbers. AlgomaTrad will contact registered participants if any changes occur.
Workshop Details
Introduction to Blacksmithing – Forging Simple Shapes from a Bar. 
Project – Simple Wall Hook
In this class you will be using a blacksmith forge, hammer and anvil to reshape a steel bar into a simple wall hook. Instruction will cover the most basic forging techniques used by smiths to shape simple items by hand.
Introduction to Benchwork – Shaping and Assembling Metal at The Workbench
Project – Basic Cabinet Hardware
Benchwork refers to the work that a blacksmith had to do in order to refine the shape of a forging or make parts that could not be made at the anvil. In this class, you will be using only hammers, chisels, files and saws to cut and shape metal at the workbench. You will also learn how to assemble these parts into a piece of working hardware.
Intermediate Blacksmithing
