In-person course
in Scorton nr Garstang Maker & location details

(90)

Blacksmithing - one to one - Hammer Skills

Forge area 1.

Forge area 2

Small hooks.

Student John having a go.

Toasting fork.

Checking progress

Practical demo

Drawing out a handle

Critical eye !

Hanging basket/bird feeder bracket

Corner hanging basket bracket

Hanging basket bracket

Description

Hammer Skills courses are run by Bob Pickard RSS and work on one to one instruction teaching some of the basic skills required to produce a forged piece of ironwork. I will work with 2 people but they must be a friend or relative. The courses are tailored to suit all levels of skill. From people who just want to try their hand at forging a piece of metal to those who want to learn some technical skills or improve on their existing knowledge. The courses are run in a relaxed atmosphere with easy to follow instruction and techniques with the objective of instilling confidence in order to produce a piece of forge work to take away. Whether you are an absolute beginner or have some experience, people who have attended the course have had an enjoyable day, as shown in the reviews below, and left the workshop with a memento, or two, of their day working at the anvil.

What's included in the price?

All tools, materials, protective wear (safety glasses, apron) and insurance is provided. Stout footwear and work type clothes required, no nylon etc. – expect sparks! Free tea and coffee all day. Bring your own cold drinks.

Duration

1 day

Cancellation policy

Easy - Cancellation and a full refund can be obtained up to 2 weeks before the course starts

Maker

Hammerskills

with Craft Courses since 2021

Message the tutor

Suitable for

Adults
Seniors
Teenagers
Suitable for beginners

What does this mean?

Message the tutor

Venue

Hill Foot Farm, Station Lane, Scorton nr Garstang, Lancashire, PR3 1AP

Reviews

All maker's reviews

9 Nov 23'

Karin Olsson reviewed: Blacksmithing - one to one - Hammer Skills

"My husband and I had the most wonderful day with Bob! He is an amazing tutor with a great sense of humour and wit, not to mention the knowledge of his profession. I cannot recommend this course enough. It is a day of so much focus and fun that everything else around you disappears. I thought I would come home with a small nail but I made a log poker and a beautiful hook. The day gave me a deeper understanding of the expression ‘strike whilst the iron is hot’. Five stars and more to Bob!"

30 Jul 23'

Yon smale reviewed: Blacksmithing - one to one - Hammer Skills

"What a day, Bob is an amazing teacher, It was a great day from start to finish starting with forge safety then moving onto basic hammer work. Once we hit the afternoon we moved onto more technical work, I was over the moon with the Viking knife and bottle opener. If you're looking for an introduction to smithing I highly recommend this course, Bob also makes a mean brew."

12 Feb 23'

Brian Shields reviewed: Blacksmithing - one to one - Hammer Skills

"Bob Pickard is a very skilled craftsman, but he can see it all from a novice's perspective as well - which is why he is also such a good teacher. Had an absolutely wonderful day, and came away with a bracket for a hanging basket! Can't recommend Bob too highly"

9 Jan 23'

Michael Thomas reviewed: Blacksmithing - one to one - Hammer Skills

"Birthday present from my wife, must say that I had a great time with Bob he really knows his stuff makes it look so effortless the morning spent learning the basic skills with the afternoon being used to make an item of your own choice, came away with a top-quality hanging basket holder that will last for ages. Brews on tap, Bob goes out of his way to make you feel welcome and makes sure you are safe in the environment. I cannot recommend this enough for any how what’s any excellent day."

27 Nov 22'

Edward reviewed: Blacksmithing - one to one - Hammer Skills

"I had a cracking day with Bob. Brews on tap. Bob is really good at what he does. The workshop day is good value for money. Great company. Bob was fantastic to watch and learn from, very patient and helpful. I came away with some really nice items. I can't recommend it enough. Itching to get back! "

18 Oct 22'

Matthew Birchall reviewed: Blacksmithing - one to one - Hammer Skills

"Had a great day with Bob and learnt some interesting things about forming steel. Bob is a very clear instructor and also allows just the right amount of freedom to try on your own. In the afternoon we made a toasting fork and an enormous poker! Highly recommended course!!"

20 Jun 22'

Francesca reviewed: Blacksmithing - one to one - Hammer Skills

"This is such an amazing experience! Bob is truly a master of his craft and has endless patience. This course gives you a great insight into the basic skills and allows you to try them out for yourself. Bob provides a good balance between letting you practice yourself and being there to guide you, which makes the day very hands on and rewarding. I would definitely recommend this course to anybody with an interest in blacksmithing, I had no experience whatsoever going in but Bob put me at ease and the time just flew by."

11 Jun 22'

Trevor Prowse and Jon Prowse reviewed: Blacksmithing - one to one - Hammer Skills

"Just got back from a full day course with Bob. My son got me a voucher and then we decided to go together Excellent tution in a light-hearted manner. Bob had time to explain the skills required and show us how to carry them out. To our surprise we managed to complete a hanging basket bracket and a firepit poker. Would recommend to anyone who is considering taking up a course. First rate cheers Bob for being so helpful and understanding"

9 May 22'

Simon and Matt reviewed: Blacksmithing - one to one - Hammer Skills

"Bought this course for my son as a Xmas present and decided to go along to keep him company. So glad that I did, we both had an excellent day. Bob was extremely patient and gave us a great insight into 'hammer skills' in a short space of time. Bob makes everything look very easy, well I suppose 57 years of experience helps! He managed to tread a fine line between letting us have a go ourselves and giving enough input to make sure we came away with some recognisable objects at the end of the day. I would thoroughly recommend this to anyone who has an interest in blacksmithing, a very worthwhile day."

7 Apr 22'

Betty reviewed: Blacksmithing - one to one - Hammer Skills

"Had an absolutely fab time today on the one to one course. It was something I always wanted to try . Bob had a fabulous personality, he was very matter of fact if I made a mistake and was very patient with me. I must have driven him nuts but he was so mild mannered and explained what I did wrong and how I could improve in such a gentle way. He went at my pace and didn't rush anything. Bob is a great teacher with decades of black-smithing experience. What a fabulous and informative day. I would highly recommend this course."

20 Mar 22'

Joe Wallis reviewed: Blacksmithing - one to one - Hammer Skills

"Can’t recommend this course highly enough! Me and my dad spent a day blacksmithing with Bob and both absolutely loved it. Really relaxed atmosphere, and Bob is a true master of his craft, and happily helped us make our own items to take away."

6 Mar 22'

Luc reviewed: Blacksmithing - one to one - Hammer Skills

"My partner bought us a day with Bob in the forge for my Christmas present. She will have trouble finding me a gift equal to the experience again! I have done a little forging and am an engineer and she has never swung a hammer so we couldn't have been further apart in skill level. Bob took this in his stride and taught both of us a lot and gave us a great day which we will certainly be repeating. His tutoring is excellent, as is the continuous flow of tea and coffee! We left the day having made a rocking pizza cutter and a set of superb coat hooks. We look forward to coming back."

4 Dec 21'

Chris reviewed: Blacksmithing - one to one - Hammer Skills

"Just spent a day blacksmithing with my son Tom and had a brilliant time. Bob taught us a lot of good skills and we were able to make some really good things. Such an enjoyable and creative experience, would really recommend doing this, great fun. Thanks Bob."

4 Dec 21'

Tom reviewed: Blacksmithing - one to one - Hammer Skills

"My Dad and I have just finished a day of Blacksmithing with Bob and we’ve had a great time. A thoroughly enjoyable course, Bob taught us some essential skills in the morning that we then used to make our finished products in the afternoon. We came away with a gate number, bottle opener and some flint strikers! Great stuff! Cheers Bob!"

3 Dec 21'

Phil reviewed: Blacksmithing - one to one - Hammer Skills

"This was an outstanding course. Bob really helps you understand what you are trying to achieve and helps you get there. If you are interested in learning something new and a bit different this is a great day. I would definitely do this again. You will work hard and you will likely leave a bit tired, but you'll also leave with something you have made, and a great experience day."

22 Oct 21'

Paul Dadswell reviewed: Blacksmithing - one to one - Hammer Skills

"Cracking day, more technical than I thought and challenging in a good way. Bob, lovely bloke and a good supportive teacher Ended up with two quality( in my humble opinion) pieces of work. Would like to go again to further develop the skill learned on the first visit."

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