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Blacksmithing & Toolmaking

Opening Doors: Hand Forged Thumb Latch and Hinges

Course Overview

Using traditional blacksmithing techniques, we will create a complete set of door hardware that is appropriate for the home, cabin, or outbuilding, depending on the level of detail, finish, and scale of work. Students will learn to forge decorative strap hinges focusing on forging the pintle area, drawing a long taper, creating a finial end, and punching holes. We will first practice a simple rolling over for the pintle hole, and progress to a pair that’s forge welded. We will then move on to forging out the thumb latch, with a decorative handle and its accompanying parts-latch bar, staple, and keeper. All parts will be hand-forged and finished with the file. As time permits, work can be embellished with decorative filing. This course is best suited for those with some prior forging experience.

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