Practical Tong Making Class -
Taught by Derick Kemper

Some Blacksmithing experience is strongly suggested.
If you have any questions or concerns about your prior experience, please get in contact with Derick Kemper.
A link to our contact page is here.

Group class, up to 6 people - Cost $300.00 per person, materials included. No hidden fees.
One day class - June 28th, 2025.

Description of class -
In this class we will be diving into Blacksmith tongs as a practical skill.
As a Blacksmith you will need to have tongs that fit the specific stock you are working.
If you can’t hold your work confidently you cant forge it confidently.
Since there are such a large variety of shapes, sizes and tasks that require tongs, knowing how to forge a set will help you grow as a smith and will give you the ability to be more self-sufficient in your shop.

Students will complete two sets of tongs in this class, a set of practical flat jaw tongs and a set of bolt jaw tongs.
We will be starting with bar stock that has the reins drawn to length, so we can focus on the working portion of the tongs.
Next, we will cover the different styles of tongs and their uses, construction techniques, how to correctly fit them so they function properly and make them a pleasure to use.

Start time is 10am (no matter the date). Class time frame 6 to 8 hours.
There will be a half hour break for lunch.

Instructor - Derick Kemper
Location - Damselfly Forge Inc. Located in Whiteford, MD. The location is just over the line into MD.
Address - 2737 Whiteford Rd. Whiteford, MD 21160
You will be contacted within two days of your class date with info to know before attending

Age restrictions -
For safety reasons we cannot accept students under 13 years of age.
If a student is under 18 years of age, we encourage the guardian to take the class alongside them.
If a student is under 18 years of age a guardian must be present for the entirety of the class.

Refund/Re-schedule Policy – Please Read Before Purchasing Your Class
Class purchases are Non-refundable for any cash amount.
If you should need to re-schedule your class due to illness or emergency, you will need to communicate with Derick Kemper via phone call (any time of day or night) at 410-937-4244 in order for us to be able to re-schedule your class for you. Please leave a voicemail if he is unable to pick up at the time.
We are unable to re-schedule your class for you if you text or email to initiate this request.
If you do not show up for your class without communication via phone call, your purchase of the class will not be refunded or re-scheduled. If you would like to book another class with us you will need to re-purchase, and we will be happy to have you.
Damselfly Forge Inc. reserves the right to cancel a class at any time, if this should occur, we will make every attempt to re-schedule with each student. If you are unable to re-schedule with us, we will issue a full refund of your class purchase price.

What we will provide –

Safety glasses
Ear plugs
Water
Restroom

What to bring/wear –

Your own safety glasses and ear plugs if you wish. We will provide these, but we know some people like to bring their own.

Wear closed toe shoes.
Wear natural fiber clothing.

Bring your own lunch. We ask that you please plan ahead for this. With there only being an hour for lunch during the class it makes it difficult to ensure everyone can leave and order food in that time frame and have enough time to properly eat. We ask that there not be any disruptions to the class by stepping out to call and order food ahead of time.

Our only suggestion for local food prior to the start time of the class is the local grocery store, Saubels in Whiteford, MD which opens at 8am and would give you enough time to gather your necessities.

For emergency food necessities there is the local grocery store (mentioned above) within 5 minutes of the shop.

Other food options we can suggest for after the class -

Our favorite brewery is South County Brewing Co. located in Fawn Grove, PA, 7 minutes form the shop.
They have food trucks on the weekends, subject to change.
If you are interested do check them out online before going, they usually post the food truck lineup on their Instagram page each weekend. If they do not have anything posted do give them a call to check if they have a food truck on that day. @southcountyfawngrove for that location.

There is another local brewery called Slate Farm Brewery located in Whiteford, MD, 5 minutes from the shop.
They have a full-service kitchen and it's a great stop for a burger.

Buon Gusto Pizzeria & Grill located in Whiteford, MD is a good, locally owned Italian pizza place, order at the counter and have a seat. Also, within 5 minutes from the shop.

We look forward to having you at the shop!