Damascus Steel

Damascus - the ancient art of folding iron to make steel, with delicate watermarks like woodgrain. This is a one day introductory course, suitable to beginners,  where you will make your own multi layered billet that you keep  for use in future projects.

After an introduction to metallurgy and theory of pattern making, you will begin forge welding a 11 layer billet of 1075 and 15N20 steel, using our hydraulic press. Once fused into a single block and drawn out, it will be cut into eight, restacked and welded into a 88 layer billet. 

The billet will then be cut in half and a different pattern worked into each piece before drawing out the billets to their final shape. They are then ground flat and acid etched to reveal the patterning.

It is not necessary to have previous experience in forging for this course.  You will get to use a range of tools and techniques in making your billet.

Cost includes tuition, insurance, materials, use of tools, workshop consumables, safety gear, morning and afternoon tea.

Need to bring your lunch, appropriate clothing and covered footwear