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The
following courses are currently scheduled - courses are
listed alphabetically by title. For a complete list of all courses offered at
the North House go to our
chronological list.
Blacksmithing - Crafting The Tools of the Trade
Michael Jones
Session Options:
. . . 5/8/2008 - 5/11/2008
- FULL, call for waiting list
. . . 8/5/2008 - 8/8/2008
Learn the basics of metalworking from the ground up.
In this course the skills of the blacksmith--fire, tools,
and process--will be demonstrated and practiced. You'll
initially work on simple fire tending tools or small
household goods, followed by making the tools of the
smithy: hammer, tongs, chisels and punches. Welding a
chain link in the forge is the final challenge. Heat
treatment, forging and fire types will be discussed and
practiced as well.
Be prepared for a workout and four full days on the forge
as Michael's approach to instruction can best be summed up
by "see one, do one, teach one."
Course Details:
. . . Length in Days: 4
. . . Hours: 9am-5pm
. . . Tuition: $295
. . . Materials Fee: $75
. . . Intergenerational Age: n/a
. . . Intergenerational Tuition:
. . . Level: Beginner
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Blacksmithing - The Basics & Beyond
Dave
Hanson
Session Options:
. . .
6/12/2008 - 6/15/2008
Spend more time with a master smithy, building the
skills that will take you 'beyond the basics.' You will
be introduced to the basic skills of the blacksmith
including safety, fire control, tools and equipment in
both a classroom and 'on the forge' setting. Student
projects will be tailored toward their individual skill
levels, including basic tool making (tongs, fire pokers,
etc.), decorative and ornamental work (floral motifs,
spiral railings, etc.) and more advanced work such as
forge welding and damascus ware.
Course Details:
. . . Length in Days: 4
. . . Hours: 9am-5pm
. . . Tuition: $295
. . . Materials Fee: $70
. . . Intergenerational Age: na
. . . Intergenerational Tuition:
. . . Level: Beginner to Advanced
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Bladesmithing For Knifemakers
Scott
Williams
Session Options:
. . .
7/14/2008 - 7/18/2008
The heart of the knife lies in its blade. This course
brings the crafts of blacksmithing and knifemaking
together as participants unlock the Scandinavian
bladesmithing traditions. A thorough discussion of the
history and culture as well as hands-on experience give
you an approach to crafting a knife that is both a
reflection of longstanding tradition and personal
expression. We will start by using mild steel to learn the
basic elements of blade forging and shaping, then craft
blades in the Finnish tradition using solid carbon steel
and a "zone" hardening and tempering process to achieve a
hard cutting edge with a flexible back. Two to four
hardened and tempered blades go home with each student.
If time allows, we will practice crafting a "laminated"
blade in the Norwegian/Swedish tradition. Sharpening
techniques, selection of steels based on their properties
and various hardening/tempering processes will also be
discussed. Some evening studio time is also expected from
6pm-8pm each night.
Course Details:
. . . Length in Days: 5
. . . Hours: 9am-5pm
. . . Tuition: $375
. . . Materials Fee: $80
. . . Intergenerational Age: na
. . . Intergenerational Tuition:
. . . Level: Beginner to Advanced
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Crooked Knife
Mike
Schelmeske
Session Options:
. . .
11/22/2008 - 11/24/2008
The Algonquin mokotagan, or crooked knife, has been
celebrated in the paddle making and snowshoe tradition as
the most important hand tool for shaping wood due to its
great utility and precise carving capabilities. Although a
drawknife takes off more wood quicker, the crooked knife
allows finer, more precise work. This is your opportunity
to make your own crooked knife beginning with a worn-out
file blade and a hardwood handle customized to fit your
palm. Students will also learn how to shape bevels on the
blade for the type of woodworking they prefer.
The dominant characteristic of the crooked knife is the
curved handle that rests in the palm - especially useful
for drawing the tool toward the carver, and the curved tip
at the end of the blade greatly assists in carving out
hollowed areas.
Course Details:
. . . Length in Days: 3
. . . Hours: 9am-5pm
. . . Tuition: $225
. . . Materials Fee: $25
. . . Intergenerational Age: na
. . . Intergenerational Tuition:
. . . Level: Beginner to Advanced
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Flintknapping
Mike
McCall
Session Options:
. . .
8/16/2008 - 8/17/2008
. . . 8/30/2008 - 8/31/2008
Have you ever wondered how our ancestors produced
sharpened tools of stone like axe heads, knife blades, and
arrow points? Learn how flintknapping evolved and how to
identify appropriate base materials from which you can
produce a variety of sharpened stone tools. This class
will introduce the basic techniques of pressure flaking
and percussion providing the basis for years of
frustration, small cuts to the hand and the exhilaration
of crafting a thing of beauty and utility from a rock.
This course is limited to five students.
Course Details:
. . . Length in Days: 2
. . . Hours: 9am-5pm
. . . Tuition: $150
. . . Materials Fee: $35
. . . Intergenerational Age: na
. . . Intergenerational Tuition:
. . . Level: Beginner to Intermediate
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Norwegian Knife Craft
Gene
Tokheim
Session Options:
. . .
8/13/2008 - 8/17/2008
The Norwegian knife is a rich tradition that has been
kept alive by many Norwegian smiths and knife makers. The
"tollekniv" (whittling knife) acquired its present form in
the early Iron Age (400-800 AD). In this course you will
work with wood, metal and leather to create a finished
Norwegian knife and sheath. Working under the tutelage of
master knife maker, Gene Tokheim, makes for an ideal
learning opportunity for knife makers of all abilities.
Course Details:
. . . Length in Days: 5
. . . Hours: 9am-5pm
. . . Tuition: $375
. . . Materials Fee: $90
. . . Intergenerational Age: n/a
. . . Intergenerational Tuition:
. . . Level: All levels
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Scandinavian Style Birch Bark-Handled Knife
Mike
Schelmeske
Session Options:
. . .
to be scheduled
Learn the craft of knifemaking by fitting a blade with
your hand-crafted birch bark handle which integrates
reindeer antler and birch burl for an exquisite look and
durable product. The birch bark handled knife is known for
the warm comfortable grip it has due to the compression of
stacked layers of birch bark and simple assembly with
small hand tools. In this course you will have the
opportunity to select your own blade shape and handle
arrangement based on your needs (fillet blade, carving
blade or kitchen knife). The knifemaking process will be
complete with a molded leather sheath and birch liner to
protect the blade.
Course Details:
. . . Length in Days: 3
. . . Hours: 9am-5pm
. . . Tuition: $225
. . . Materials Fee: Varies ($35-$45)
. . . Intergenerational Age: na
. . . Intergenerational Tuition:
. . . Level: All levels
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Sharpening Basics for Hand Tools
Dennis
Chilcote
Session Options:
. . .
3/22/2008
"Get the Edge" might be another appropriate title for
this course. Chisels, planes, gouges, knives, scissors,
spoke shaves and more--these tools of the trade function
at their best when the cutting edge is truly prepared for
business. Ready to slice butter? Spend a full day
understanding and exploring types of cutting edges,
characteristics of steel, tempering, the difference
between grinding and honing and a variety of appropriate
sharpening techniques. Power sharpening and hand
sharpening will be explored. You are strongly encouraged
to bring a hand tool to sharpen as a class project.
Course Details:
. . . Length in Days: 1
. . . Hours: 9am-5pm
. . . Tuition: $75
. . . Materials Fee: $12
. . . Intergenerational Age: na
. . . Intergenerational Tuition:
. . . Level: Beginner to Advanced
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Spokeshave - Toolmaking for Woodworkers
Jeff
Trapp
Session Options:
. . .
9/18/2008 -
The spokeshave: It's a hand tool with 1,000 uses but
it's far from fully appreciated. Controlled with two hands
like a drawknife, the spokeshave cuts smoothly like a
block plane and comes in multiple shapes and styles to
address specific woodworking projects. In this course you
will create a beautiful and durable spokeshave with
hardwood handles and pre-shaped blades. The resulting
tool has a very low working angle which makes it ideal for
working even difficult end grain, and it will become an
invaluable resource in the woodshop.
Note: Registration four weeks prior to class is required.
Consider extending your learning experience and enroll in
Jeff’s Windsor Chair course. See “Woodworking” for
details.
Course Details:
. . . Length in Days: 1
. . . Hours: 9:00 am-5:00 pm
. . . Tuition: $75
. . . Materials Fee: $45
. . . Intergenerational Age: n/a
. . . Intergenerational Tuition:
. . . Level: Beginner to Advanced
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Toolmaking For Woodworkers
Scott
Williams
Session Options:
. . .
7/11/2008 - 7/13/2008
Ever wished for that tool that seemed like it was
custom made just for you? Here is an opportunity to make
your own. In this course, the craft of blacksmithing and
woodworking converge, as the essentials of toolmaking are
unveiled. You will use forge and anvil to shape, harden
and temper a carving chisel and gouge using 1-inch metal
stock as a starting point. The class will cover the role
of the hand-forged tool in relation to other crafts and
the characteristics of tools steels and their
applications. We will begin by learning basic forging
techniques, such as tapering, drawing out, and beveling,
then move into forging a wood carving chisel and gouge.
As the class permits, time will spent discussing the
forging and sharpening of gouges and other tools
associated with woodworking. Final sharpening techniques
and handling of the tools will be discussed. No previous
experience required.
Course Details:
. . . Length in Days: 3
. . . Hours: 9am-5pm
. . . Tuition: $225
. . . Materials Fee: $50
. . . Intergenerational Age: na
. . . Intergenerational Tuition:
. . . Level: Beginner to Advanced
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