ABC of Tong Making
Make your first proper pair of tongs — the tool that makes every other job possible. You’ll draw the reins, set the jaws and rivet the joint, and walk out holding what you built.
What a day looks like
You’ll leave with a tool you made, and the confidence to make the next one.
These are hands-on, seven-hour intensives — not demonstrations. You’re at the fire and the anvil from the start, learning to read heat, move steel and work safely.
It’s build-your-own-everything: you forge your own tongs and fire tools rather than buy them — the same way Martin built six portable forges and his own anvil stands. Start from nothing and walk out with kit you made yourself.
Nationally recognised classes have run at Cooneana since 2021. Numbers are kept small so everyone gets time under Martin’s eye.
The beginner classes
Start with the fundamentals.
Fire Tools for the Forge
Punches, drifts and the fire tools you’ll use for the rest of your forging life — forged, dressed and hardened the right way, with the safety habits that keep them (and you) in one piece.
Before you come
What to wear & bring.
Hot work has a dress code, and it’s all about not catching fire. If you’re unsure, ask when you book.
- Natural-fibre clothing — cotton or wool (synthetics melt)
- Sturdy enclosed leather footwear / safety boots
- Long trousers, no loose or flappy sleeves
- Long hair tied back
- Safety glasses (bring your own if you have them)
- Hearing protection
- A hat or cap, and plenty of water
- Lunch, or your own snacks for the day
Forge, anvils, steel and specialist tooling are all provided. Tea and coffee on the house.
Dates announced soon
The class calendar for the next few months is being finalised. Booking opens at launch — tell Martin you’re keen and he’ll make sure you hear first.