Bronze Casting for Marine Hardware
Join master craftsman Michael Saari at the Antique Boat Museum for an immersive, hands-on workshop in bronze casting for marine hardware. Whether you’re a boat enthusiast, a metalworking hobbyist, or simply curious about traditional craftsmanship, this class offers a unique opportunity to learn time-honored techniques in a working boatyard setting.
Throughout the class, you’ll explore the full bronze casting process—from basic patternmaking and sand molding to pouring molten bronze and finishing your castings. Michael will also demonstrate how to build an affordable furnace and introduce the essential tools and materials needed for home sand casting. You’ll learn about core making for hollow forms, important safety practices, and where to find reliable resources and supplies.
Each participant will:
- Create their own wooden pattern
- Use a sand mold for casting
- Pour bronze safely under guidance
- Clean and finish their final castings
Typical projects include cleats, row locks, hooks, chocks, fair leads, small hand tools, and more. Students are encouraged to bring items they’d like to replicate, favorite hand tools, and wear appropriate shop clothing. Most participants will leave with 3–4 completed bronze pieces.
Dates: September 26 – September 30
Times: 8 am – 4 pm
Instructor: Michael Saari
Cost: $450 members | $500 non-members
About the Instructor
Michael Saari is a master metalsmith with over 40 years of experience in forging, fabricating, and casting metals for both functional hardware and fine art sculpture. His deep knowledge and craftsmanship have made him a sought-after expert in traditional metalworking, particularly in maritime contexts.
Michael served as thelead shipsmith during the restoration of Mystic Seaport’s historic whaleship, the Charles W. Morgan, and was selected to crew on her 38th voyage along the New England coast in 2014. His maritime experience also includes time aboard the USCG Barque Eagle, sailing from New London, CT to Jacksonville, FL as part of the winter crew.
He holds a Master of Fine Arts degree, with studies completed both in the U.S. and abroad. His diverse body of work includes public commissions such as a 20-foot eyeglass sculpture honoring American Optical and the restoration of historic metalworkfor museums and institutions across the country. He has demonstrated traditional metalworking techniques at numerous educational conferences and heritage events.
As an educator, Michael has taught in craft schools across Scandinavia and the U.S., and most recently served as the Blacksmith for the NYC Parks Department. He now balances private commissions with his role as adjunct professor of art at Nichols College in Dudley, MA.
