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Blacksmithing Class information and schedule of Classes
Classes & Demonstrations
Classes & Demonstrations
Classes & Demonstrations
Classes are conveniently taught at Expressive Metals School of Blacksmithing usually on weekends.
Special blacksmithing classes can be taught on weekdays and for topics other than what are on the schedule. Please, contact Randy to make arrangements.
Classes and demonstrations are welcome by Randy McDaniel by colleges, craft schools and blacksmithing groups. Contact him for further information.
Class Schedule Below
Classes & Demonstrations
Classes & Demonstrations
The current blacksmithing class schedule is listed below this whole section. New classes will be added periodically.
Sign up for classes by clicking the "sign up now" button at the end of that section which will send you to my email. Give me your name, class name and the class date you would like to sign up for and I will respond with a deposit link and then a confirmation email with all of the details for that class. I will keep up on classes filling or availability on the listings below.
Please, keep coming back to see what is currently available.
Make It A Special Day!
Make It A Special Day!
Make It A Special Day!
Who attends the classes at Expressive Metals School of Blacksmithing? Many individuals who either just want to try blacksmithing to those whose goal is to make a living at it! Many husband and wives have made a special day of it by doing this together. Also families have taken these classes. The photo above is a mother and her son and daughter.
Many say they just want to try it once and then end up signing up for several more classes as they enjoyed it so much. Whatever your goal or reason for trying blacksmithing I welcome you!
GIFT CERTIFICATES
Make It A Special Day!
Make It A Special Day!
Yes, I have gift certificates year round for classes or for items in the store. The "Gift Certificates" button below will help you send me an email where we can work out the details for you.
Upcoming Workshops
Your comfort is our concern. We have a new propane furnace to keep our Winter classes toasty warm! We even have an indoor heated/air-conditioned bathroom!
In the Summer months several floor fans are used along with several hydration breaks.
Plus the shop is well equipped for each class that is being taught.
In order to place more classes that have openings for students, here is a list of classes that are FULL:
Below is our NEW CLASS SCHEDULE for the remainder of this year! All classes are open at this time.
The above classes are FULL and have No Openings for Students. As you can see classes fill up far in advance and so you need to sign up soon if there is a class that you want to take. I look forward to having you in my classes and advancing your blacksmithing skills. This will be a fun class for all.
Check the classes below for topics and openings. You can sign up for a class by clicking the "Sign Up Now" button at the bottom of the list of classes. I will reply with the link for you to pay your $50.00 deposit, which is deducted from your overall class fee and guarantees your spot in the class. Once that is paid you will get a confirmation email which will answer all of your questions about your class.
If you missed my demonstration at the ABANA 50th Anniversary Celebration & Blacksmithing Conference or want to take a hands on class in what I taught there, I'll cover everything from choosing a press to tooling in a two day class at my shop.
Nov. 23 - The Colonial Fork - LEVEL 2
The colonial fork is one of the best projects to make that really teaches you the basic hammer blows so you really understand how they work in every project you will ever do. You will also get more experience with the coal and gas forges and the opportunity to hammer larger stock and really see what forging means!
$159 Including Tax per student
Dec. 7 - Tool Making/Heat Treating - LEVEL 2
Tool making/heat treating is a skill that pays you back throughout your time blacksmithing! Learning this skill is simply a process. We will do it with the traditional methods that you can repeat at home by using your coal or gas forge. We will be making a slit chisel from a coil spring. From this class you can make your own chisels, punches, drifts, decorative punches, hammers and many other tools for your shop!
$159 Including Tax per student
Dec. 21 - Help for the Experienced Smith - LEVEL 2
Many smiths today attempt to learn the craft from online videos or struggling on their own. Often many of the basics are missed and also understanding of forging, temperatures to work at, basic hammer blows and more are missed. This can slow down your forging speed and progress in learning more. If this is you and you need some hands on help in making a BIG change in your skills and progress, this is the class for you!
$159 Including Tax per student
Is this your space for an upcoming class?
Simply hit the "Sign Up Now" button to email me Or email me at rams4g@msn.com which class, its' date and the name of the student or students, if more than one, who would like to register plus your email address. I will respond with an email with where to place the deposit and then a confirmation email with all of the details for that class. Remember you must be at least 16 years of age, all but the beginner's class require previous classes or experience and I only take 3 students per class. Registration based on a first come first served basis. I look forward to seeing you here!
NOT SEEING THE CLASS TOPIC THAT YOU WANT TO LEARN?
With 50+ years experience I may be able to teach a specialized topic just for you. I give private classes, classes during the week, at art/craft schools and for blacksmithing groups. The photo shows me teaching in Newfoundland! So I have traveled to give workshops also. Contact me for your specific needs and let's see what we can work out. I look forward to working with you!
Testimonials
Classes with Randy McDaniel
Wendy S. - It was very informative and a lot of fun. Very interesting. I enjoyed it so much. Had a great day learning how to blacksmith with you today. Definitely suggest this to anyone that may be interested This blacksmith has done a lot of cool things and has a wealth of knowledge. Sign up for a class, you won’t be disappointed. Luc P. - Had a great experience with Randy McDaniel at his school. The craft of a Blacksmith is very interesting. Definitely going to take another class!
John P. - I finally was able to attend a blacksmithing class with a Master blacksmith… it was humbling, frustrating at times, and absolutely worth it. I learned so many basic things that I wish I had learned in the beginning. I’m now aware of my bad habits and how to correct them, as well as other techniques to help me in the future. I’m very grateful for my time with Randy McDaniel and his insights into making me better. I look forward to future classes and skill building! If any of you have thought about doing this as well I highly recommend it, and Randy as your instructor!
Rick S. - Randy was a great teacher with a vast about of knowledge and experience. If you're thinking of adding a hydraulic press or you already have one; Randy's class is a must have experience. Thank you Randy for sharing your knowledge and your time.
Jared G. - I highly recommend Expressive Metals Blacksmithing School in Berkeley Springs, West Virginia. If you are overly sensitive, and know all you need to know from Forged in Fire then stop reading. Also, stop reading if you are not patient. Otherwise, read on. It is an all day class for less than some charge for a few hours, and in it you learn about being a blacksmith, setting up a shop, the history of smithing, Randy McDaniel's path in blacksmithing, and more (he is about to hit his 50th anniversary smithing).
I signed up for the tool making class, and I thought I was more advanced than I was. Well, I learned so damn much that I needed to take notes when I returned home just to remember everything that I learned. I received a clear understanding of what I needed to do in order to grow. In the tool class, I learned more than how to make a chisel. I learned about testing mystery steel, forging the tool, heat treating and tempering. I did not need to ask many "whys," because he explained everything. But when I had a why, he had an answer.
Again, I highly recommend his school to anyone at any level. The school is about two hours from DC, and well worth the trip. Heck, stay in Berkeley Springs for the evening, which is an entire trip worth it in and of itself.
Beth H. - You can even see those "happy new blacksmith" smiles through the masks! Ed U. - I had an amazing and much needed weekend learning the basics of forging from the man who literally wrote the book on forging. Thank you very much Randy McDaniel! Anybody who is interested in forging should take this beginners class.
Mark Y. - It was educational... I will incorporate various things I learned, into my work.. Thank you, Randy McDaniel.
Christina B.- Thanks so much Randy McDaniel. Can't wait for another class!
Lou T. - We can not thank Randy enough for sharing his love of blacksmithing. If you have any interest in classes, I HIGHLY recommend Randy. Can’t wait till we schedule our next class. Thanks again Randy.
Curtis S. - This class was so much fun. I look forward to taking more!
"A Blacksmithing Primer" Book / DVD Set
Jim D. - Just bought your book, and I can’t put it down! It’s written in a way that is so inviting and informative. It takes away all intimidation but certainly instills the need for caution or safety. Thank you. I hope to take some of your classes soon.
Harold H. - It’s a great video set! I don’t know how many times I’ve watched it. Still the way I light my coal fire!
Wayne A. - The Blacksmithing Primer is still a favorite of mine 20 years later!! Always recommend it and your DVD set to my students!!!
Ralph B. - Your book is still my “go to” for refresher and ideas. I was gifted my own DVD set for Father’s Day several years ago after I borrowed one from a friend. I had raved about it to a family member who then got it for me. The real gift was you doing this for the blacksmith community. Thank you sir!
John Y. - Congrats Randy your skill and talent has helped thousands.
Daniel L. - One of the best books out there!! I tell all my students to get it!
John E. - It’s one of Blacksmith Supply’s top sellers!
Kerry R. - Great book. I got one along time ago. A definite must for new smiths!
Joyce R. - One of my favorites! I appreciate all your work on that go-to resource.
Kelly K. - I still love this book! Thanks Randy!!!!
Henrietta V. - This was one of my first blacksmith books. Still have it , still use it and still promote it with my students. It’s a little weather worn but that to me shows that it has content worthwhile in it.
Tim B. - I’ve had mine for 20 years, still refer back to it from time to time. Lorne G. - This book gave me a critical leg up when I started out Blacksmithing. I recommend it to my students as their second most important source of information on smithing.
Todd M. - I'm still enjoying my copy ! Congratulations! for a very well written book. I've learned a lot from you sir !