Central Virginia Blacksmith Guild

02/27/2026

Power Hammer Training
On April 18, 2026 (during the normal open forge day), we will be offering a basic safety course on using our tire power hammer.
Safety is very much a key to using this machine. Understand if you do something wrong, it can have SERIOUS CONSEQUENCES.
Our training will go over the various key parts of this hammer. In addition, you will actually be required to demonstrate proper and safe use before we allow you to use this machine here. There is a short written test as well as the practical demonstration you must complete.
There is no additional cost for this (approximate 1 hour) training if you sign up for open forge for that day. Eye protection is required as well as hearing protection, no exceptions. This training is for current CVBG members only.
Minimum age 18.
Pre-registration is required via email to bsc@cvbg.org, no later than April 15 or you can also use the link on cvbg.org web site to sign up for open forge that day ($20) and select WITH POWER HAMMER option.
If you have any questions, contact Michael Gillespie at bsc@cvbg.org or at a meeting.

02/21/2026

It's only 3 weeks away. The Join Or Die Knives Hammer-In. Don't miss it. Put it on your calendar. Demonstrations, food, fun, iron in the hat raffle. Of course the CVBG will be there representing taking the place of our regular monthly meeting.

02/18/2026

Open forge for Saturday, February 21 at the Banton-Smith Blacksmith Center. Use the link https://cvbg.org/product/members-open-forge-feb-2026/
We want folks to sign up by 6 PM today, Feb 18
This is available for CVBG members.

PLEASE NOTICE NEW TIMES Open Forge after June 15th will run 9-12pm and for those who want to run the powerhammer will be able to run it from 12pm-2pm. There is a $20 fee when signing up for Open Forge to cover to cover the cost of fuel and wear & tear of the equipment. […]

02/17/2026

01/19/2026

Power Hammer Certification? I want to get a power hammer certification class offered again for our CVBG members. The class last about 1 hour, you must demonstrate proper and SAFE use and pass the written test.........yes, a written test too!
I need a list of who wants to take this FREE class, thinking sometime in April, maybe on an open forge 3rd Saturday of the month?
Send me an email to bsc@cvbg.org with power hammer in the description so I know who is interested.
PS - we only offer this one time per year, so you snooze, you loose.....

12/08/2025

Festival Forging - at the Louisa Christmas Festiva. Had a GREAT time at the Louisa Christmas Festival, demonstrating, talking with festival-goers, trying some new forging techniques, watching a really neat parade, and sharing the craft we love!

A cold day, but we had something most of the festival-goers didn't have - WE HAD FIRE!

Thanks to Jesse Evans, Kat Flannery, Mike Gillespie, Bruce Manson, Tom Pendleton, Nick Vaughan, Todd Woerner, and Joe Woolf for representing our Guild!

12/07/2025

Had a GREAT time at the Louisa Christmas Festival, demonstrating, talking with festival-goers, trying some new forging techniques, watching a really neat parade, and sharing the craft we love!
A cold day, but we had something most of the festival-goers didn't have - WE HAD FIRE!
Thanks to Jesse Evans, Kat Flannery, Mike Gillespie, Bruce Manson, Tom Pendleton, Nick Vaughan, Todd Woerner, and Joe Woolf for representing our Guild!

12/07/2025

Had a GREAT time at the Louisa Christmas Festival, demonstrating, talking with festival-goers, trying some new forging techniques, watching a really neat parade, and sharing the craft we love!
A cold day, but we had something most of the festival-goers didn't have - WE HAD FIRE!
Thanks to Jesse Evans, Kat Flannery, Mike Gillespie, Bruce Manson, Tom Pendleton, Nick Vaughan, Todd Woerner, and Joe Woolf for representing our Guild!