Blacksmithing and Modern Welding
An introduction to traditionally forged ironwork and welding for marine projects.
- DOUG WILSON & WILL DUPUIS—JUNE 17–23
Tuition: $800
Materials: $210
Note: This course takes place at Doug Wilson's shop on Little Deer Isle.
The time-honored craft of blacksmithing and the world of modern welding are alive and well. This captivating, five-day course, taught by master craftsmen Doug Wilson and Will Dupuis, will expose students to the principles of each craft.
Doug will start with an explanation of the tools and materials of his trade, and each student will proceed to basic blacksmithing techniques using a hand hammer and anvil and fire to heat the steel. You’ll explore possibilities. Students will also delve into traditional joinery, rivets, tenons and collars, forge welding, etc. Everyone will have the opportunity to make several small projects to take home with them. Will’s portion of the course will embrace how to successfully cut and weld metal using all the most popular, modern processes and to use these skills to join tools, hardware, or sculpture components in ironwork made at the forge. Students will practice oxy fuel gas welding and brazing, shielded metal arc welding (stick), gas metal arc welding (MIG), gas tungsten arc welding (TIG), and plasma arc cutting.
No prior experience is needed to participate in this course, making it ideal for amateurs, hobbyists, and students who want to learn some basics of traditional forging and modern welding. As students find themselves becoming more confident in their blacksmithing and welding skills over time, they will discover, with pleasure and satisfaction, that they have become their own teacher.
