Most of the blacksmithing tools were hand forged by Tim specifically for his students
Tim Middaugh has been teaching blacksmithing at Old West Forge since 2002.
His emphasis is on teaching the techniques and tool making necessary for the motivated student to set up their own home blacksmith shop. Over 250 students have come to Old West Forge to get started right in this time-honored craft. They have traveled from Alaska, Montana, California, BC, and throughout the Pacific Northwest.
When Tim started out in this craft, he challenged himself by embarking on a self-directed apprenticeship. He took a series of 32 blacksmithing classes from 10 different master smiths. They hailed from Florida, Georgia, Missouri, North Carolina, New York City, and the Pacific Northwest. Nine of these smiths learned at the hand of Francis Whitaker, the Dean of Blacksmiths in America.
Old West Forge developed into a successful cottage industry that included custom work and a product line of home and hearth items featured in several gift shops. Tim was featured on the OPB program “Oregon Art Beat” as an outstanding Northwest Artist. For 5 years he was on the board of The Northwest Blacksmith’s Association where he served as chairman of the education Committee, Vice President, and a demonstrator for the hands-on classes. A friend of the arts, Tim was on the White Salmon Arts Council for 5 years where he served as Vice President and President helping local artist establish their business.
Presently, Tim enjoys spending time with his wife and dogs on the farm in rural Klickitat County, teaching blacksmithing, sailing his yawl and playing banjo in his old-time string band.
Ready to go back in time and enter the old world of blacksmithing?