This class will focus on learning to make the infamous Box Joint. This is a challenging forging exercise and we will all spend time practicing the shapes and processes before making and assembling a pair of flat jaw pliers. Students who finish ahead of schedule may elect to make other box joint tools as well, such as sugar nippers, round nose pliers, scrolling pliers, rushlights, etc. Of course, there are tools to make for this project and class time will be devoted to preparing those as well. All students will make their own set of special fullers, slitting chisel, drifts and bottom swages, enabling them to make more of these tools at will. Lastly, the work goes best with the help of a striker, so each student will have the opportunity to act as master and as striker, leading to a much better feel for that kind of teamwork. As stated this is a challenging forging project. It requires drastic re-shaping of 1/2 x 1 material while maintaining good control of size and shape. We will mainly use hand tools, with some help from a striker. For those who are interested, time can be spent filing/finishing and decorating the surfaces. 

NOTE:  Hard shoes and long pants are required for student's safety.