36 Hour Classes
INSTRUCTOR:
Alan Hamer, Fellow
COURSE:
Metalworking
PROJECT:
It’s Bed Time
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Beds, beds, and beyond. Students will start by learning about the basic hand tools they have been asked to bring to class. They will next learn about project layout, including how to copy a bed pictured in a magazine or book. Then on to cutting and joining, including the safe use of the miniature torch. Along the way, students will learn about iron, copper, and brass—how these metals like to be worked and how to control them with some heat. The class will start with making brass tube beds—learning to bend brass tubing without kinks, to make the jigs to form equal bends, and to mark all measurements for bed making. Next students will learn about the different traditional ways of decorative joining iron beds. Then they will move on to the decoration itself including plants and animals—cut or forged, layout, transferring patterns, cutting with a fret saw, and aging and patina. It goes on and on! The procedures learned are also the very same ones used for making gates, balconies, and such.
This class will tend to be informal and interactive. Students will return home understanding metal and possessing the skills and knowledge to start whatever projects they may have in mind and, with a fine bed or two.
TIME:
36 hours. Completion is likely.
POWER TOOLS:
drill press
SKILL LEVEL:
All levels. While the focus of this class is more at the advanced level, those who are confident with their basic skills should do just fine, including those serious beginners.
MATERIALS FEE:
$40