Beginner Blacksmithing with Dan Partin: Simple Padlock July 13, 2025 9am to 3pm

Come play with hot metal, it’s fun. Dan has been a hobby blacksmith for more than a handful of
years. His background is in science, but now is doing mostly smithing. He was on the “Ramblin’
Rod” television show twice and failed to win the smile contest either going. He’s not bitter at all
about that. You can see some of Dan’s work (and pictures of cute dogs and pizza) here.
https://www.instagram.com/gunterhausfrau/
Dan is offering two stand alone classes on this weekend, but a student could be encouraged to take both. The padlock class is more
of a guided workshop, so if you are new and can only take one, we would suggest Class 1-Coat hanger.

The main project for this class will be making a simple blacksmith’s lock. This is not a complicated lock with wards and
all, but a simple screw locking mechanism. Very traditional, though there is room to be as
creative as you wish. This will involve some fairly simple blacksmithing, hacksaw work, drilling
and tapping. Nothing too precise. If you’re willing to swing a hammer and use a saw, you can do
this project.

What to wear/safety equipment :

-Cotton pants and long sleeved shirt (synthetics are potentially flammable).

-Leather boots (NO open toed sandals/shoes-tennis shoes are not recommended for safety). Make sure your pants fit over the tops of your boots so nothing hot can fall in.

-Safety glasses, ear plugs, and a dust mask. Long hair must be tied back.

-Leather gloves to protect your hands and a notebook to take notes.

-Bring a water bottle to stay hydrated, and lunch/snacks if you want.

PLEASE PLAN TO ARRIVE 30 MINUTES BEFORE CLASS IS SCHEDULED SO EVERYONE CAN GET SET UP.

SELECT NUMBER OF TICKETS NEEDED THEN “GET TICKETS”