Circles, Layout Tools, Dividers, Compass and Scribes
November 13-15, 2026
Instructor: Lashen Orendorff
Students will learn the basics of forging layout tools; our project for this workshop will be the blacksmith compass. Students will be guided through skill-building exercises and will forge the components of the compass by hand at the anvil. We will cover tapers, rivets, mass isolation and hardening and tempering of tool steel. As well as some of the many applications of the compass scribe.
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Personal Protective Equipment
All Students attending workshops are required to have the appropriate PPE while working in the Nearside shop:
Eye Protection Safety Glasses
Hearing Protection either Safety Certified Ear Muffs or Ear Plugs
Closed Toe shoes or preferably CSA Steel Toe Safety Footwear
Gloves - Heavy leather gardening gloves or welding gloves
We strongly encourage:
Wearing clothes you can work in - Cotton or natural fibers - non melting fabric choices
Nothing too loose or with dangling strings that could get in the way, or caught in machinery
Bringing a notebook and a writing utensil, a water bottle, and a good attitude!
Lunch:
Baker street and its amenities as well as local cafes and restaurants are all within walking distance of the shop. You can bring a packed lunch and eat on campus or in the park across the street
If you have any questions, just reach out: info@nearsidearts.org