Course Description:
Making these scrolled iron courtyard chairs and table will be just what students need to learn the basics of miniature metalworking. Students will be surprised to find iron to be a soft, forgiving metal. Along the way, they will learn about the properties of metals such as how they react and how they can be controlled with heat. Students will learn about planning, layout, and measurements; and just as important, the use of the eye. Cutting, joining, forging, filing, and forming with simple jigs will also be learned; along with the safe use of the simple mini torch. Too small for welding, students will join the iron by silver brazing. To make these chairs, students must learn to repeat the same scroll several times, a useful skill for future projects. Learning finishing is easy, but when asked, everyone has another good idea for the table top. An umbrella hole and built-in bottom support are options. Do you have an idea for yours?
Time: 24 hours. Completion is likely.
Power Tools: None
Skill Level: Beginner. With patience, some basic skills, and a desire to learn about working with metal in miniature, beginners should do just fine. Students will return home with the basic skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to continue using metal in their miniature projects.
