Instructor Nicholas Kimball
Let’s Get a Grip!
Email jeffrey.ayer@gmail.com to Register
(2 Day Class — Saturday, Sept 19 – Sunday Sept. 20, 9 am – 5 pm)
Let’s get a grip! In our class, we will be exploring some of the simplest ways to create your own set of tongs.These tools may be simple but they are absolutely integral to any blacksmith. Are you just getting started? Working with limited resources? Don’t have ready access to big fancy power tools and equipment? Then this is for you. Our tongs will be forged in a manner that can be done with the most modest of forging equipment. This class will be simple enough for beginners but open to all levels. Students should be prepared for a lot of hard work and hammering.
- $210 for BGOP Members
- $250 for current non-members (fee includes a 1-year BGOP membership)
Nicholas Kimball has been working metal as a hobby and semi-professionally from a young age and in 2009 began a full-time apprenticeship with a focus in early American ironwork. In addition to his apprenticeship, he has attended many classes at various art schools and forges up and down the East Coast. Nicholas has been working as the Head Smith at George Washington’s Mount Vernon since 2018 and operates his own shop at Kimball Crafter. His role includes researching and creating historic hand-crafted hardware, tools, and utensils. Nicholas’ work has been used in the restoration as well as on display at a number of historic sites and museums around the country and actively demonstrates his trade to the public.
