Intro to Iron Casting

Selected date

Thursday July 25

Selected time

4:00 PM  –  7:00 PM

Iron casting is a community workshop experience! Intro to Iron participants work with experienced Rivers of Steel teaching artists to learn the basics of foundry work and an overview of the iron casting process step by step. No prior experience necessary. This 3-day workshop covers multi-part mold and pattern design, lost wax casting, resin-bonded sand molds, and iron smelting. The course results in your own unique design cast in solid iron!

All items for the workshop will be cast on Saturday October 7th, 2023 during the Festival of Combustion 1-9pm. Cooled castings can be picked up on the following Sunday between 10 a.m. – 3.p.m.

Intro to Iron workshops include up to 250 lbs. of sand and corresponding chemical. Sand and chemical needs beyond this allotted amount are available for $.31/lb. Waste removal and foundry consumables are included in this price.

By purchasing tickets for a tour or event at Carrie Furnaces, you consent to the terms of our liability waiver which can be found on our website

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

As a former industrial site, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure an enjoyable visit.

  • What to wear: Clothing you can get dirty.  If you would like to participate in the casting portion of the workshop then work boots are required footwear. We have all other necessary safety gear on site. The workshop space is not temperature controlled; please dress for the weather. Additionally, the ground is uneven – sensible shoes are a must. Open-toed shoes and high heels are prohibited. 
  • Restrooms & concessions: The rawness of the site is certainly part of its charm. However, that rawness also limits the creature comforts many of us are accustomed to, like running water. Portable bathrooms, hand washing stations and hand sanitizer are available. Food amenities are not available (with some exceptions, such as food trucks at festivals).
  • Photography: Photography is permitted. For safety reasons, videography and drones are prohibited.
  • Accessibility: Handicapped parking is available, and there is an ADA ramp into the Power House where workshops are held. The surrounding grounds are not wheelchair accessible, but some assistance is available. Inquire for details.
  • COVID-19: Please be advised of our current COVID-19 policies. 
  • Liability: By purchasing admission tickets, all visitors consent to the terms of our liability waiver and consent to be photographed (PDF).
  • Admission: Site access is limited to guided tours, workshops, and events. Unless otherwise noted, all admissions are ticketed.
  • Location: The Carrie Blast Furnaces are located in the communities of Swissvale and Rankin in the Monongahela River Valley. The address for the National Historic Landmark is 801 Carrie Furnace Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA 15218.

Thank you for following these guidelines. We wish you to have the best visit possible, and appreciate your patience as we continue to improve the visitor experience.

$285.00