3 Day Bronze Sword Casting

The most ambitious bronze casting class we offer. Over three days you will plan, mould, cast and finish a full Bronze Age sword — one of the most challenging and rewarding castings in the ancient metalworker's repertoire. Bronze sword casting requires mastery of mould design, gating systems, alloy temperature and finishing — all of which are covered in full over this three-day course.

This is a rare opportunity — very few places in the UK offer bronze sword casting as a taught experience. The swords produced in this class are genuine, functional cast bronze blades following archaeological Bronze Age typology. By day three you will have something truly extraordinary — a sword cast in bronze by your own hands, finished and fitted with a handle.

What's Included

• Full bronze alloy for a large sword casting
• Sand casting materials and all equipment
• Handle materials — wood, leather wrap
• All grinding, polishing and finishing tools
• Full safety equipment
• Free refreshments all three days

What to Bring

• Packed lunch all three days
• Sturdy boots — steel-toe essential
• Old natural-fibre clothing
• Camera — the pour is unforgettable

The Day Step by Step

1. Day 1: Sword design, typology and mould planning
2. Building the two-part sand mould
3. Gating, risers and venting for a long casting
4. Day 2: Final mould preparation and furnace setup
5. The pour — casting the sword
6. Knockout and initial cleaning and inspection
7. Day 3: Grinding the blade faces and bevels
8. Polishing the blade
9. Fitting the grip and handle materials
10. Final finishing and inspection