How to organise a forge workshop

A forge workshop needs more than a date, a few anvils and hot metal. Start by limiting attendance to the number of safe workstations you can supervise, then build the schedule around registration, materials and fire safety. Participants need clear instructions before they arrive, including clothing, protective equipment and dietary information. On the day, prepare the workspace in a fixed order: ventilation, furniture, tools, fires and individual stations. Allow time for steel preparation, chilled catering and a final safety check before anyone starts forging.

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The plan, step by step

Every task with its own sub-checklist, in the order you'll actually need them.

Preparations

1
Set the workshop date and times
2
Set the participant limit
3
Send invitations
4
Process registrations
5
Collect dietary requirements
6
Send participant information
7
Reserve workspace
8
Inventory the forging tools
2 people
9
Replace damaged tools
10
Check the fire safety plan
2 people
11
Prepare display pieces and examples
2 people
12
Develop forging assignment
13
Calculate catering quantities
14
Check the shopping list
15
Do the shopping
2 people
16
Pick up steel and fuel
2 people
17
Clean tools
2 people
18
Cut steel to size
2 people
19
Print participant list
20
Store catering chilled
21
Ventilate the workspace
2 people
22
Set up tables and chairs
3 people
23
Set up anvils and vises
3 people
24
Set up forge fires safely
3 people
25
Lay out the tools at each workstation
3 people
26
Prepare protective equipment
2 people
27
Prepare safety briefing

Event

28
Welcome participants
2 people
29
Explain safety rules
2 people
30
Demonstrate tools
2 people
31
Start forge fires
2 people
32
Guide participants in forging
3 people
33
Serve drinks and snacks
2 people
34
Refill drinks
35
Finish projects
3 people
36
Let the workpieces cool down
2 people
37
Display and explain the projects
2 people
38
Extinguish the forge fires
3 people

Aftercare

39
Collect tools safely
3 people
40
Collect metal scraps
2 people
41
Wash dishes
2 people
42
Clean work tables
3 people
43
Sweep and mop the floor
2 people
44
Sort and dispose of waste
2 people
45
Chill leftover catering
46
Store materials and tables
3 people
47
Return borrowed tools
2 people
48
Hand over the workspace
2 people

What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Work tablesqty 6
Stable stoolsqty 20
Beer tablesqty 3
Waste binsqty 4
Coat racksqty 2

Equipment

Forge firesqty 4
Anvilsqty 4
Bench visesqty 4
Air blowersqty 4
Workbench lightingqty 6

Tools

Forging hammersqty 20
Forging tongsqty 20
Punchesqty 8
Chiselsqty 8
Thornsqty 6
Filesqty 12
Wire cuttersqty 6
Cold cuttingqty 4
Wire brushesqty 12
Measuring rulersqty 6

Safety

Safety gogglesqty 24
Leather welding apronsqty 20
Leather welding glovesqty 24
Ear defendersqty 24
Dust masksqty 24
Fire extinguishersqty 4
Fire blanketsqty 4
Heat-resistant matsqty 6
First aid kitsqty 2

Kitchen

Coolersqty 3
Thermos flasksqty 4

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 40
Reusable platesqty 30
Reusable cutleryqty 30
Serving jugsqty 4

Cleaning

Bucketsqty 4
Mopsqty 4
Broom setsqty 3
Washing-up tubsqty 3

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Set the participant limit before sending invitations. Base it on the number of complete workstations, including an anvil, vise, hammer, tongs and protective equipment for each participant, rather than on the room’s maximum occupancy.
Send participant information before the workshop and collect dietary requirements during registration. Include the start time, practical clothing guidance, hearing and eye protection arrangements, and when participants should arrive.
Prepare and inspect the metal and tools before setup day. Cut the steel to the required sizes, check every hammer, tong, punch and chisel, and replace damaged tools before they reach a workstation.
Treat fire safety as a setup stage, not a last-minute check. Confirm the fire safety plan, position extinguishers, fire blankets and heat-resistant mats, then ventilate the workspace before lighting the forge fires.
Plan the final hour backwards from the start time. Set out tables and chairs first, then anvils and vises, followed by lighting, tools and safety equipment; keep catering chilled until it is ready to serve.

Frequently asked questions

How many people can attend a forge workshop?: Set the limit by the number of safe, supervised workstations rather than by seating capacity. Plan one complete workstation per participant and leave enough space for movement, ventilation and supervision; confirm the final number before invitations go out.
How early should participants receive forge workshop information?: Send the participant information at least 7 days before the workshop. Include arrival time, clothing guidance, safety arrangements and any details needed to confirm dietary requirements, then send a short reminder 24 to 48 hours beforehand.
How long before a forge workshop should the workspace be set up?: Allow at least 2 hours for the on-site setup, plus extra time if steel must still be cut or tools need repair. Ventilate first, arrange furniture and workstations, lay out safety equipment, and light forge fires only after the fire safety check.
What safety equipment is needed for a forge workshop?: Provide eye protection, leather aprons and gloves, hearing protection, dust masks where appropriate, heat-resistant mats, fire extinguishers, fire blankets and a first aid kit. Check the quantity and condition of the equipment before setup, with one usable set at each workstation where required.

Start this plan in Lizzt

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