Basic Tool Making for Metalsmiths

TOTAL COST: $190
Course Fee: $180
Non-refundable Materials Fee: $10

DATES: SATURDAY, APRIL 26, 2025
TIME: 10:00AM – 5:00PM PST
LEVEL: Beginner to Advanced
AGE GROUP: Adult (ages 18+)
LOCATION: Building 324A, Fort Worden, Port Townsend.

DESCRIPTION
Join Metalsmith Bill Dawson for an introductory workshop on basic tool making, designed for metal artists and jewelry makers of all skill levels. This one-day class covers the fundamentals of creating chasing punches, metal tooling stamps, and small chisels—essential tools that can be customized to fit any artistic vision.

Students will learn techniques for shaping, hardening, and tempering their own tools, gaining the ability to craft unique stamps, touch marks, and specialized implements as needed. Whether you're looking to expand your metalworking skills or develop a deeper understanding of tool-making, this workshop provides a solid foundation.

SUPPLY INFORMATION
All required materials and supplies will be provided with the non-refundable materials fee. 

COURSE DETAILS
After registration, course details are available via the Northwind Art School learning portal. Learn more

ABOUT BILL
Bill Dawson began his professional career in metalwork when he took a position at the University of Oregon as a blacksmith, where he crafted tools for the jewelry studio. Since then, he has built his career as a metalsmith, instructor, and researcher, focusing on the history of metalworking techniques. Dawson is less concerned with whether a piece of art is representational, metaphorical, realistic, or abstract; instead, he seeks an underlying creative honesty in the work. This commitment to honest expression serves as the foundation of his art, his teaching, and his life.

Artist website: Bill Dawson

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DISCOUNTS
This course is eligible for a 10% member discount at the Supporter level and beyond. Get a membership today!

Don's Pharmacy and Art Toolkit in Port Townsend offer Northwind Art School students a 10% discount on art supplies.

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CANCELLATION POLICY
If Northwind Art has to cancel a course for any reason, all enrolled students will receive a 100% refund (including any materials fee).

Students who withdraw from a course at least seven days prior to its first meeting will receive a 90% refund (less any materials fee). 

Students withdrawing fewer than seven days from the first day of class are not eligible for a refund except in the case of illness or injury, in which case they are eligible to receive a 40% refund (less any materials fee).

Please note that 10% of every course’s registration fee is considered to be a non-refundable deposit in cases of withdrawal to cover administrative overhead. All refunds will be applied to the same credit card that was used for enrollment. No credits or transfers will be granted. 

Please email admin@northwindart.org if you wish to withdraw or for more information.