Forge a Beginner Hammer
“Spice” Level 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ 4/6
Tools for Blacksmithing: Forge Your Own Beginner’s Hammer! (Two Days)
Starter Class is HIGHLY recommended. You may be in over your head if you do not gain forging experience first!
Join us at Clay and Steel for a two-day foundational class in tool making, where you'll forge a hammer in a 1.25” bar of metal. This workshop is a crucial first step for anyone interested in making their own hammers or tools. Led by CBA Certified Instructor Celeste Flores, you'll be guided through the entire process of creating and heat treating tools. You’ll also learn to punch a hole in a metal bar and drift that hole open—skills essential for making hammer or handled tools.
This class is part of the CBA and ABANA blacksmithing curriculum and is highly recommended for students keen on tool making or those looking to expand their blacksmithing expertise. Tool making is fundamental to blacksmithing, whether your final goal is crafting functional tools or creating decorative pieces.
Everyone will have the opportunity to work on a punch and punch a hole, with one free lab session included to help complete your project, if needed.
Book a Class
To book a class with Clay and Steel, enter the “quantity” of class slots (bringing a friend is recommended), scroll to the class date/time you want, then press Book.
If you’re hoping to “Squeeze one more person” in to a nearly sold out class, we can usually accommodate. Email for details.
Class Policies
Please wear all natural fabric/materials such as cotton jeans, t-shirts, wool or leather.
An ideal outfit is closed toed leather or cotton shoes w/rubber soles, a t-shirt (long sleeves OK), and jeans. Long hair should be tied up in a really cute way. Stud earrings are OK but larger earrings should be removed, the radiant heat can and will heat them! Aprons, goggles, and ear protection are provided.
DO NOT WEAR SYNTHETIC FIBERS. Synthetic fabrics, such as polyester, nylon and spandex melt and stick to skin and feet when heated. Do not wear synthetic clothing or shoes when working with fire.
Clay and Steel is located at Seaport Studios in Richmond, CA. Seaport Studios is a very impressive shop and studio space filled with individually owned private art businesses. It is an active, working place made by artists and dreamers. Expect there to be fire, noise, welders, grinders, woodworkers, art cars, shop dogs and shop cats.
This smithy aims to feel like a safe place for all people. We love the differently abled. We are strong LGBTQ+ allies and treat fellow humans with respect.
How to prepare for class:
Read Preparing for Class and About Our Classes
