Blacksmithing Classes

Designed for those with an interest in learning the fundamentals of blacksmithing, and/or continuing their education.

Students will learn to light and work with a coal forge to heat metal to more than red hot and then to use hammers and other tools to forge, bend and twist the hot metal to desired shapes.  Students will work hands-on with a coal burning forge and learn to forge iron into useful and decorative items.

The classes are intended for adults. However, responsible and well-behaved youth are invited to participate with accompanied, paid adult supervision, after confirming possible registration with staff.

2026 Blacksmithing Classes

Step into Nevada’s mining past with hands-on blacksmithing classes at the Tonopah Historic Mining Park, where participants learn traditional forging techniques using authentic coal-burning forges.
Classes are limited and we only have about 6 slots for every class date. The schedule is as follows:
June 6th and 27th
July 25th
August 1st and 29th
September 5th and 26th
October 3rd and 31st

These are single day classes. However, you do have the option of scheduling separate dates for private classes depending on instructor availability.

To get on our schedule please call

Contact us at (775) 482-9274 ext 6 or email us at tonopahminingpark@gmail.com 

Sign up for the email list

Email us at tonopahminingpark@gmail.com to be added to our blacksmithing distribution list.

Introducing

Ramon Fagundo
Blacksmithing Instructor

At the Tonopah Historic Mining Park

We are very excited to welcome Ramon Fagundo to the Tonopah Historic Mining Park Blacksmithing Program. Ramon is an extremely talented individual, who brings a unique style, approach, and enthusiasm to the blacksmithing program.

Born and raised in West Virginia, Ramon relocated to Nevada over ten years ago. Ramon became interested in blacksmithing from a historical and cultural perspective in his early teens. As a birthday gift in 2004, he attended the Appalachian Blacksmith Association’s Fall Conference/Hammer-In.  Returning with an anvil, leg vise, and a handful of tools; Ramon started learning from books, the internet, and the school of hard knocks.

After 14 years of hobby status, blacksmithing, and pursuing other crafts and trades, in 2018, Ramon met a lifelong Ferrier named LeRoy “Doc” Dains. LeRoy became Ramon’s metal-moving mentor, and dear friend, pushing Ramon’s skills to a new level and giving him the confidence to show and promote his craft.

Ramon made the move to full-time blacksmith, craftsman, and artist in 2023 after finishing his education as the lead welder/fabricator at a large-scale production art company. He now teaches blacksmithing classes and demonstrates at several historic parks, such as the old Mormon Fort State Park in Las Vegas, Nevada, where he is the Lead instructor.

Working from his home shoppe, Ramon produces small to medium size home goods, décor, and outdoor art. His collaborative architectural blacksmithing work can be found throughout the Las Vegas area. Most notably, the entrance gate to Absinthe the Musical at Caesars Hotel and Casino.

Photos of past Blacksmithing Classes can be found on our Facebook page.

Copyright (c) 2026 Tonopah Historic Mining Park and its representatives. All rights reserved.
The Tonopah Historic Mining Park Foundation is a Nevada 501(c)3 non-profit organization, whose purpose is to preserve Nevada’s mining history, heritage, and the life surrounding it at the Tonopah Historic Mining Park. Contributions may be tax deductible pursuant to the provisions of section 170(c) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, 26 U.S.C. § 170(c). All contributions made to the Tonopah Historic Mining Park Foundation become its sole property and will be used as determined by the Board of Trustees.
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