Beginning Forge Welding

Instructor: Tal Harris

Day & Date: Saturday, November 1, 2025

Time: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Tuition: $100.00

Ages: 18 and Up

Experience Level: Beginners

After an initial demo, students will light their coal forges and proceed to prepare material for welding. One on one coaching will be available to class participants, helping them to recognize the proper heat, fluxing, and hammering techniques to produce successful welds. A firepit poker will be the project for each student. Other items may be possible if time allows.

There will be a 1- hour lunch break. Bring a sack lunch or explore local dining options.

Location: This workshop takes place on the John C. Campbell Folk School Campus. Please arrive at the Clay Spencer Blacksmith Forge the day of the workshop to check in. It is number 9 on the  Campus Map

Students Please Bring:

• Students should wear cotton clothing, no cuffs, and closed toe leather shoes. Safety glasses are required. As forge welding may generate sparks and bits of molten metal and hot flux, clothing should be considered expendable.
• Bring a leather apron, as there are a limited quantity available for students to borrow. You can email olivesporch@folkschool.org to reserve one for class.
• Note taking materials.
• (Optional) A snack and/or water bottle. Filtered water is available in the classroom.

An additional fee for materials provided by your instructor for this workshop is estimated at $20.00. THIS FEE IS PAYABLE TO THE INSTRUCTOR at the time of the workshop. Material fees may change depending on the number of participants and price of materials at the workshop. *Payment by cash or check is required for materials fees. 

* We contract with local and regional instructors for short workshops that generally require a minimum of students to run. If you have any questions, you’re welcome to call Olive’s Porch for up-to-date enrollment information. To respect our instructor’s time and preparation for workshops please contact us as soon as possible if you are unable to attend a workshop. Cancellations made more than 14 days prior to a workshop will be issued a full refund. Cancellations made 14 or less days prior to your workshop are not eligible for a refund. If Olive’s Porch needs to cancel a workshop for any reason, we will issue a full refund. See our General Information and Policies page on our website for more information.

About Instructor: Beginning his blacksmithing journey in 1980, Tal concentrates on traditional joinery techniques, including forge welding.  He has taught these techniques and demonstrated them across the US and abroad. He is a frequent instructor at the John C. Campbell Folk School.