We offer classes through a couple of historic blacksmith shops in Ontario:
The Old Stone Mill Blacksmith Shop
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The Waldie Blacksmith Shop located in Milton, ON. |
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Join us in the Blacksmith Shop attached to the Old Stone Mill (National Historic Site) in Delta, Ontario. Originally built as a community hall, in the 1920s its function changed to a mechanic shop. Mechanic shops of this era included a forge. 2022 saw extensive renovations to the shop space including repairs to the main forge and adding a second "teaching" forge. The space is now open to the public on occasion for demonstrations and most recently for heritage blacksmith training.
The courses we offer here will be a unique experience. In the intimate setting of the restored blacksmith shop you will receive focused instruction on coal forges with an emphasis on historic tools and techniques. From our courses you will gain experience in the use of a coal forge / tending a coal fire, introduction to the various uses of an anvil and hammer control. Beginner level classes will cover basic blacksmithing techniques including drawing out, bending/twisting and punching. More advanced classes will cover more complex forming techniques, forge welding, and heat treating as it applies to tool making. At this time we're offering classes of 1 student to 1 instructor or 2 students to 1 instructor in 4 hour time slots. For the first time blacksmiths, we will make a series of J hooks and square nails. If you have prior experience blacksmithing please reach out and we can discuss your interests / projects to progress your skills. Some ideas include: - forging tools (tongs, chisels, punches) - fireplace tools (poker, rake, shovel) ** can also be used for a coal forge** - hardware (hinges, door handles, latches) - kitchen utensils (spatulas, spoons, forks) 1 on 1 instruction $240.00 (+HST) or bring a friend! 2 on 1 instruction $300.00 (+HST) To register please contact us at: megancarter@acironworks.com Time slots are very flexible. We can also offer 6 hour sessions. Price adjusted accordingly. We will run courses this fall until it is too cold to be in the shop. We do not offer blade smithing instruction. |
Built in 1865 by James Waldie the shop operated continuously until the 1970s. During its peak period in the early 1890’s, the blacksmith shop employed a painter, a trimmer, two woodworkers and five blacksmiths from dawn to dusk. Three generations of Waldies shod horses, repaired wagons and manufactured farm implements and horse drawn carriages for the local community:
After closing in the 1970s the shop lay dormant for several years, however in 1999 the Milton Historical Society and a group of determined volunteers restored and rebuilt the shop, transforming it into an educational venue and living history museum. It is one of the oldest operating blacksmith shops in the province that remains in its original location. Beginner level, Intermediate, Specialty and 1 on 1 sessions are available. Upcoming Waldie Class Dates: Level 1 - October 21st Level 1 - October 22nd Coal Tools and Tongs - November 25 and 26th 
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