At The Forge

All classes at the forge are from 9am-1pm. Cost: $75.00 per session. Pre-registration is required. Registration can be done over the phone or in-person at the museum or at any Burnaby recreation centre, or on-line through WebReg. (A family PIN, client number and a credit card are required to use WebReg. These are available at Burnaby recreation centres.) 

Blacksmithing 1 - Basic

Over four hours, learn the basic blacksmithing techniques of heating metal in a forge and shaping it with a hammer and anvil. You will make a wall hook and a dinner triangle during the course. In the fall and winter, students should bring warm clothes, a drink and a snack.

Blacksmithing 2 - Forge Welding

Learn traditional welding techniques that have been practised for more than 3,000 years. Make a fireplace poker by forge welding, then finish the piece with the basic techniques of tapering, twisting, bending and curling. It is recommended that students with no forging experience take Blacksmithing 1 before enrolling in this course.

Blacksmithing 3 - Basic Tool Making

Students are introduced to the basics of working with tool steel. They forge a cold chisel and a simple punch, then use a grinder to finish shaping their tools. Finally, the tools are quench-hardened and tempered. It is recommended that students take Blacksmithing 1 before taking this course.

Blacksmithing 4 - Open Forge

In this class, students can work on their own projects, or practise specific techniques they wish to develop. Students should plan out their project before coming to class, and must provide their own metal. The teacher will give guidance when needed, but students are expected to work independently. Students with no forging experience must take Blacksmithing 1 before enrolling in this course.

Students must wear steel-toed boots during all At the Forge class. Students should bring a drink and snack, as well as warm clothes in the fall and winter.

Schedule of Classes

Class mar apr
 may jun jul aug
Basic Mar 3
Mar 10
Mar 17

Apr 14

Apr 21

Apr 28

Jun 2

Jun 9

Jun 16

Jul 21

Jul 28

 Aug 4

Forge

Welding

 Mar 24
May 12 Jun 23 Aug 11

Basic Tool

Making

Mar 31
May 19 Jul 7 Aug 18
Open Forge
Apr 7
 May 26 Jul 14 Aug 25

More classes will be scheduled. Check back often or call 604.297.4565

To register for these programs, go to WebReg.