Bronze Axe Casting Class

The bronze axe is one of the most iconic artefacts of the ancient world — and in this class you will cast your own, using traditional sand casting techniques that have changed little in three thousand years. From preparing the mould to pouring the molten bronze and finishing the casting, this is a full foundry experience in a single day.

The day covers the complete casting process for a socketed bronze axe head — the form used by Bronze Age warriors and craftspeople across Europe. After the pour, you will clean, grind and finish the casting and fit an ash haft, leaving with a fully assembled bronze axe.

What's Included

• Bronze alloy
• Sand casting materials and equipment
• Ash haft and fitting hardware
• All finishing tools
• Full safety equipment
• Free refreshments all day

What to Bring

• Packed lunch
• Sturdy boots — steel-toe recommended
• Old natural-fibre clothing

The Day Step by Step

1. Introduction to bronze casting and Bronze Age axes
2. Preparing the sand mould from the pattern
3. Setting up the furnace and melting the bronze
4. The pour — casting your axe head
5. Knockout and initial inspection
6. Grinding, filing and dressing the casting
7. Fitting and hafting in ash
8. Final finishing