Vista Forge

Today's copper & steel utensils class

Hey, Gang! I'm thinking of making two changes to our Level II curriculum, and I've love your opinions! Please comment below (whether or not you are a current ...Vista Forge Level II student). Why do this? I'm feeling like there are some skills missing in our overall (101-> 1-> 2) curriculum that you probably should learn in a class called "fundamentals of architectural iron." Specifically... 1) Twists! A wide variety of bar twists: tight and loose, grooved, reversed, different cross-sections, etc. And maybe done to a higher standard than your 101 steak turner... (which was, of course, awesome!) 2) Scrolling Tongs! We used to make forged tongs (non-kit) in Level 1, but that was a long time ago. It's a good skill to have. Also, we all really need a pair of scrolling tongs for making C- and S-scrolls and collars, so this will let you swap time for money... I don't want to add to the requirements, so I'd swap out a couple of projects to add these in. I'm thinking we might lose Dan Dole's letter opener (great forge welding and a nifty design, but no one seems to like that double-beveled forged blade...). And the turned hinge (usually a blanket-chest hinge)- I've enjoyed teaching this old piece of hardware with some clever designs, but it is not perhaps different enough from the Level I butterfly hinge? Since Dan Dole's letter opener is coming up next month, I want to get this solidified soon. If you've already done one of these, of course, I'm not gonna add to your requirements list- do the new projects if it pleases you.

The Copper & Steel Utensils Elective Class (October 17 & 18) is now FULL! If you would like us to hold a second class in the future, please comment below!

Bo has been working on this project to teach at CBA Vista 2021. How cool is that texture he's getting??

Scenes from today's Level I class: Folding Trivet

More virtual blacksmith learning! "Digital Demos" from our friends at the Northwest Blacksmith Assoc. Cool folks, and cheap!