Explore the Art of Metalworking at Past Lives Makerspace's Metal Shop
The Metal Shop
Everything You Need to Bend, Join or Grind Metal
The Metal Shop at Past Lives Makerspace is a fully-equipped workshop with anvils, forges, welding, cutting, and grinding equipment, all designed to support both novice and experienced metalworkers.
Dedicated to the Craft of Metalworking
At the Metal Shop of Past Lives Makerspace, we cater to a diverse range of metalworking projects, both large and small. Our team of seasoned metalworkers is not just skilled in their craft, but also passionate about sharing their knowledge. They offer unique learning opportunities through one-on-one guidance and a variety of classes, creating an ideal environment to refine your metalworking skills.
By joining our Metalworkers Guild, you become a part of an active community that deeply values creativity and collaboration. We are committed to preserving traditional metalworking techniques while fostering an atmosphere of innovation and mutual support. This is more than just a workspace; it's a place where the heritage of metalworking is cherished and continued.
Blacksmithing at Past Lives: An Extensive and Growing Inventory of Tools
Our forge area is constantly evolving, with an extensive array of tools that continue to expand to meet the needs of our metalworkers.
Multiple Forges and Anvils: Plenty of elbow room and tools to work on what you want, when you want.
General Metalworking: Everything Your Need to Get the Job Done!
At Past Lives Makerspace, we offer a well organized, well equipped shop for metalworking.
Welding Capabilities: Our Metal Shop is equipped with a variety of welding options, including MIG, TIG, and stick welders. These tools are ideal for a range of metal joining and fabrication projects, allowing both beginners and experts to work with different types of metals.
Additional Metalworking Facilities
Metal Casting and Forming: For enthusiasts in metal casting and forming, the shop includes a small metal casting setup and a copper forming stake.
Commitment to Metalworking
Comprehensive Experience: The variety and quality of our equipment reflect our commitment to providing a comprehensive and enriching metalworking experience. Expert metalworkers are available for commissions and offer classes, enhancing the learning and creative opportunities at the Metal Shop.
Ready to Learn New Skills?
Looking for in-depth learning? Check out our classes where experienced blacksmiths and metal workers guide your through specific techniques and projects. Advance through our blacksmithing course series to try your hand at blade-smithing!
And check out our weekly Open Forge days for experienced blacksmiths.
Past Lives members qualify for a 10% discount on classes. Just apply your coupon code during checkout.
Beginning Blacksmithing Classes
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Blacksmithing 101
This three-part class will introduce students to the basic techniques of forging – including safety in the forging area. Students will learn to use the basic tools in the blacksmith shop and how to use them properly. All materials provided…
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Forge a Shoehorn
During this class students will forge a shoehorn with hanging hook from 1/2" square stock. Students will focus on mastering the forging techniques of: estimating and isolating material, drawing tapers, rounding square stock, spreading material, twisting…
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Forge a Date!
Tired of going to dinner and a movie? Make a date with Ash, and he will teach you and your partner how to blacksmith! The four-hour class provides enough time to make a variety of things, some complex or several not so complex…
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Make a Steakturner
During this class students will forge a steak turner with a bottle opener or hook out of 1/2" square stock. Students will focus on mastering the forging techniques of: estimating and isolating material, drawing tapers on the horn, rounding square stock…
Intermediate & Advanced Blacksmithing
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Create a Horse Hook
During this 2-day class, students will forge a Gordon Williams inspired horse-head hook while focusing on mastering the forging techniques of: estimating and isolating material, setting shoulders, drawing controlled tapers over the horn, spreading…
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Open Forge Sundays
Open forging at Past Lives is for individuals who have successfully: completed our Blacksmith 101 course; passed the knowledge/skills test with a Past Lives blacksmith; or who are current members of the Northwest Blacksmith Association…
Past Lives is a space for one and all.
Metalworkers have over 600 square feet of metal shop space. Private storage available for rent.
Become part of our light fabrication workforce or teach a class to earn additional income.
Forge Area & Metal Shop
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![Blacksmith shop]()
Blacksmith shop.
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![Blacksmith anvil and cauldron]()
Anvil & cauldron.
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![Blacksmith tools]()
Blacksmith tools.
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Weld time.
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![Welding table in metal shop]()
Metal shop.
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![Welding TIGs, MIGs, stick welders]()
Welding tools.
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![Metal saws, sheet metal flattening, bending, slicing tools]()
Saws & sheet metal tools.
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![Blast cabinet]()
Blast cabinet.
Thinking of Commissioning Metal Work?
Many of our metalworkers welcome commissions. We have a community of experienced
Blacksmiths
Blade-smiths
Metal sculptors
Welders
We’re up for anything from decorative garden gates and fire screens to ornate chess sets and knives. Visit Commissions for more information or to reach out.
Participate in the Metal Guild
Help shape the forge area & metal shop while growing the Portland metalwork community.
Membership in the Metal Guild is included in your Past Lives membership. Our monthly guild meetings include demonstrations, hands-on skills building, metal Q & A, and brainstorming to tailor the Metal Shop to our members’ needs.