Blacksmithing Basics: Gun to Garden Trowel

In a modern twist on swords to plowshares, this class, guns to garden trowels, will utilize the flexible nature of the craft of blacksmithing to turn old, busted shotgun barrels into a useful tool for the garden. In this class, we will use recycled parts from shotguns to learn blacksmithing techniques like, setting an edge, mounting work to a handle, and hot rasping to breathe new life into metal that was destined for the dump. A fun and unique class for any skill level, Garden Trowel is a great class for complete beginners and intermediate-level smiths alike!

This class is done in collaboration with Guns2Gardens MA: Encouraging safe firearm donations and buybacks. Creating useful, beautiful tools to nourish and renew us all. All the proceeds from material fees will go toward further funding Guns2Gardens MA

In a modern twist on swords to plowshares, in guns to garden trowel, we will utilize the flexible nature of the craft of blacksmithing to turn old, busted shotgun barrels into a useful tool for the garden.

This class has an optional materials fee of $25 if you'd like to keep your trowel. Otherwise, we will donate the trowel to a local community garden. The materials fee will be paid once, directly to the instructor at the start of the first class meeting. This instructor accepts payments in cash or through Venmo.

• The required skills to use all tools covered in the class to Artisan's Asylum safety standards.
• Set up and shut down the forge
• Some fundamental skills of blacksmithing, hot working, setting an edge, mounting work to a handle, and more
• Proper hammer skills
• An understanding of heating metal when and how to forge efficiency

Metal Shop beginners and folks who are curious about Artisans Asylum's Metal Shop. Students who are 15 years or older. All students under 18 must be accompanied by and under the direct supervision of a responsible adult.

• Dismantled shotgun pieces, wooden handle.
• Access to A2's Metal Shop and tools for the duration of the session.

Scraps is our nonbinary metal shop quing with a passion for taking action at Artisan’s Asylum to make our space even more iconic. They are passionate about increasing access to Artisan’s Asylum and have been instrumental in developing opportunities like the metal shop residency program. Scraps has been a part of the Artisan’s Asylum community since they were 19 and has lived in the walls ever since, helping out and working as a tool tester for several years. They now teach many of the welding classes in our metal shop and founded our blacksmithing program.