Luke started his metal work journey in 2015. He has taken many classes at Tunnel Mill Crafts. He is a member of the
Midwest Knifemakers Guild where he enjoys meeting new people and sharing stories with old friends. Some of his metal
work projects have included fire pokers, knives, axes, and other tools.
TUNNEL MILL GOTHIC DOOR CLASS
Tom Latané and Paul Nyborg
Class dates are June 25-29, 2025.
Tom will teach the metal portion on the first 2 days, June 25-26, and Paul will teach the wood portion on June 27-28th.
Both Tom and Paul will be available to address any issues and work with students on the 29th.
Cost of class is $700.00 including room and board.
Students will spend two days in the blacksmith shop forging hinges for the door.
The more experienced students may choose to forge-weld and cut knuckles in the hinge barrels.
An alternate hinging method will be demonstrated for those who have not or chose not to forge weld. Several types of ornamentation will be demonstrated.
Students will spend two days in the woodshop hand planning and joining boards into a Gothic door suitable for a cupboard or small closet.
The door will be pierced and the edges of the piercing carved.
On the fifth day students may spend time in whichever shop they would like to make more progress.
Hinge with forge-welded and cut hinge barrels showing possible ornamentation
Examples of the punched and wrapped hinge alternative - in plain and pierced design
Door construction employing dovetailed cleats.
Illustration of possible pierced and carved design with simple hinge design.
Latch option may be demonstrated one evening for students to consider but there will not be time in the class to tackle a latch.
Damascus with Rick Furrer
Damascus knife with handle
August 15, 16 and 17, 2025
$450 per person
Rick's Description of the Class:
Damascus knife class (Pattern-welded)
As in years past we will weld a stack of layered steel, forge it into a bar, shape that bar into a knife.
From there you will grind, heat treat, and etch that knife prior to attaching a handle.
You can explore more complicated patterning techniques if you wish, but the more time you spend on the blade the less time you have to complete the knife.
If you wish to make pattern welded bars under my guidance for future projects that is just fine as well.....You could spend three days making pretty steel.
One steel billet is provided with the class fee and other billets are available for purchase.
Tunnel Mill is a special place and you will enjoy the experience.
Ric Furrer
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Here are some pictures of the activities at Rick's class:
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DEAD-BOLT DOOR LOCK CLASS AT TUNNEL MILL
Tom Latane
OCT 20-26, 2025
Students will forge, file, and fit parts for a dead-bolt door lock with a single bolt and a tumbler.
Of course, ambitious students may add a second tumbler if desired.
This European style has lock parts exposed on the lock plate which mounts to the interior surface of the door.
This offers lots of opportunity for embellishment, which many historic smiths ceased with tasteful enthusiasm.
The lock is operated from the inside by levers on the tumbler and bolt. The tubular key is employed only from the outside.
There will be discussion of various warding arrangements besides decorative details.
The ward box will have a central pin to support the key in its rotation (and prevent keys without the proper diameter hole
from entering) and hinder the introduction of other tools through the keyhole.
The class members will create a hollow key stem by rolling a tube and forge-brazing it as well as the bit, collar, and bow to the stem.
Students wishing to accomplish the most in class (besides working in the evenings all week) may sign up for the full seven days.
Others may enroll for five days (and add the two last days if they wish later)
Directions to Tunnel Mill:
28036 Cty Road 1
Spring Valley, Minnnesota
55975
Tunnel Mill is located 20 miles south of Rochester Minnesota. Take Hwy 63 South out of Rochester to Stewartville, turn east on Hwy 30 to County Highway 1 (approx 5.5 miles).
Turn south on County Highway 1. Follow CO HWY 1 6.5 miles to Tunnel Mill on the left side of CO RD
Call about camping on the grounds. 507-378-4983 or 507-289-4189, Carol Adams.
Lodging available in Spring Valley, 5 miles further south on CO RD 1.
Shady Rest 507-346-2625---Spring Valley Motel & Suites-507-346-7788
Class Registration Form
Class Contact Information
Note: All Classes are taught at:
28036 County Rd 1, Spring Valley, MN 55975
For more information on any of the classes contact us at
jc-adams@msn.com, or call 507-289-4189 Carol Adams.
We are located in southern Minnesota. Tunnel Mill was an old water powered mill. Built in 1869.
Retired in the late 1920's..
Located on the Bear River north of Spring Valley, MN.
Wooded 50 acres with a stream that runs through it.
Now, it's a place for crafts people and friends to congregate, relax and learn some of our forgotten crafts.
Watch for more classes!!
