About Old West Forge School of Blacksmithing

Teaching the Basic Fundamentals of Blacksmithing

Learn the Old-World Craft of Blacksmithing

Old West Forge is located 70 miles east of Portland in the beautiful Columbia River Gorge region near the base of Mt. Adams. In our rural Klickitat County setting, students may absorb the beauty of these natural surroundings as they pursue this old world craft.

Objectives

The objectives are to teach the basic fundamentals of blacksmithing through tool making and a series of forged projects. Our core curriculum includes five 3 day classes. This course sequence will provide the motivated student with the knowledge and skill to set up their own home blacksmith shop.

Duration

Most classes are 3 days in length from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. Note: A blacksmithing class makes a nice gift for a loved one especially if you would like to get him out of the house for 3 days!!

Setting

Old West Forge is located on Tim and Holly Middaugh’s farm in rural Klickitat County north of White Salmon, Washington near the base of Mt. Adams. Here the students may absorb the beauty of these natural surroundings as they pursue this old world craft.

Facilities

At Old West Forge we take pride in offering each student their own forging station complete with anvil, slack tub, well anchored post vise, side table and all the necessary hand tools to complete their projects. Most of the tools were hand forged by Tim specifically for his students. We provide all the necessary equipment. We also encourage students to bring their own hammers and tools if they believe that this would be helpful.

Philosophy

Instruction takes place in a pleasant and nurturing environment. Students are encouraged to support and encourage each other as they work independently and in pairs depending on the requirements of the project at hand.

Methods

Each class contains some lecture and discussion and is primarily a series of demonstrations at the instructor’s anvil. Each demonstration is immediately followed by “hands on” work at the student’s forging station. The small class size allows a great deal of one on one instruction.

Students

From all walks of life including the following professions:

  • Wood worker
  • Welder
  • Attorney
  • Computer engineer
  • Potter
  • Television producer
  • Rancher
  • Carpenter
  • Metal shop teacher
  • Biologist
  • Ornamental iron fabricator
  • Archeologist
  • Medical office manager
  • Executive
  • Retiree
  • Small business owner
  • College student
  • Plumber
  • Wood shop teacher
  • Photographer
  • Industrial design engineer
  • Tool maker
  • Stay-at-home mom

Instruction takes place in a pleasant and supportive environment.

Each class contains some lecture and discussion and is primarily a series of demonstrations at the instructor’s anvil. Each demonstration is immediately followed by “hands on” work at the student’s forging station. The small class size allows a great deal of one on one instruction.
See When the Next Classes Start

Located in scenic White Salmon, WA in the beautiful Pacific Northwest

Old West Forge is located 70 miles east of Portland in the beautiful Columbia River Gorge region near the base of Mt. Adams. In our rural Klickitat County setting, students may absorb the beauty of these natural surroundings as they pursue this old world craft. For help planning your trip to White Salmon, WA with information about local amenities visit Trip Advisor below.

tripadvisor

Lodging Accommodations Near White Salmon

We do not offer camping or overnight accommodations at the Forge. We provide the information below as a courtesy only.  Please contact the businesses directly for booking accommodations, availability, and more information on amenities. If you need additional accommodation info, please let us know at 509-493-4418 or tim@oldwestforge.com

small box hotel

Hotels/Inns

The Inn Of The White Salmon
(800) 972-5226
White Salmon, WA
Most of our students stay at the Inn. They offer an Artist’s discount if you let them know that you are taking a class at the Blacksmithing School.

Vagabond Inn
(541)386-2992
Hood River, OR

Comfort Suites
(541) 386-1000
Hood River, OR

Best Western
(541) 386-2200
Hood River, OR

The Society Hotel
(509)774-4437
Bingen, WA

small box camping

Camping

Von Mosch Camping
(509) 493-2246
White Salmon, WA
Privately owned campground about 2 miles from Old West Forge

Bridge Rv Park & Campground
(509) 493-1111
Bingen WA
Privately owned campground off SR 14

Oregon State Parks
Some students, to economize, stay at smaller state park campgrounds south of Hood River on Highway 35.