Tinsmithing at Sanborn Mills!

Sanborn Mills Farm has added a beautifully renovated Tinsmithing Studio, now open on the second floor of the historic Horse Barn. Once home to horses, sheep, and chickens, the 1850s barn has been carefully restored and reimagined to house the farm’s woodworking and tinsmithing programs.

The renovation and setup of the tinsmithing space have been a true labor of love. Studio Manager Craig Mabie shared that outfitting the shop’s specialized equipment was a fascinating and collaborative effort. “Procuring the hand tools and fixing the tinsmithing machines that we purchased has been an interesting journey,” he said. “Many of the hand tools had to be ordered from eBay as they are vintage!”

That collaborative spirit came alive during the very first Tinsmithing Workshop, when one enthusiastic student stayed late into the evening working side-by-side with instructor Olof Jansson to fine-tune the restored machinery. During the sold-out, three-day workshop, students explored both the history and hands-on practice of tinplate work. Under Olof’s guidance, they learned to use shears, stakes, swedges, and rotary tools while mastering techniques like riveting and soldering. Over the weekend, participants created wall sconces, chamber sticks, and cylindrical candle boxes.

Helping guide the studio’s setup was consultant Richard Eckert, a tinsmith with a distinguished career at Sturbridge Village in Massachusetts. His expertise was invaluable in designing the shop’s layout and preparing the equipment, and Sanborn Mills Farm hopes to welcome him as an instructor in the near future.

The project also received generous support from the League of NH Craftsmen, whose $1,500 grant helped outfit the space with high-quality tools and safety equipment to ensure an inspiring and functional environment for future classes.

Director of Operations Joe Poisson oversaw much of the physical transformation. The studio features a thoughtful blend of restored vintage tools and modern upgrades: existing equipment from Peck, Stow, and Wilcox Co. has been polished and oiled back to life, while new “American Beauty” solder irons, voltage regulators, and “Fume Clear” extractors with charcoal and HEPA filters maintain a safe workspace.

New workbenches, crafted by Ray St. Pierre from reclaimed wood once part of the old tin shop, add character and history to the room. A propane Rinnai heater now keeps the studio warm in winter, while new LED lighting and electrical work—installed by longtime collaborator “Rock”—ensure bright, efficient illumination. Even the stair treads and handrail were made from white oak sawn right here at Sanborn Mills Farm, bringing the renovation full circle.

The completion of the Tinsmithing Studio marks not only a physical transformation but also a continuation of Sanborn Mills Farm’s mission to keep traditional crafts alive. With the clang of hammers and the shine of new tin creations filling the space, the legacy of craftsmanship at Sanborn Mills Farm grows brighter than ever.

Pathfinder Oxford & Advanced Blacksmithing

Step into the age-old craft of shoemaking in this hands-on workshop, where you’ll create your own pair of Pathfinder oxfords using original 1920s patterns, traditional tools, and beautiful hand-selected leathers.

Build on your blacksmithing skills in this advanced workshop focused on refining technique, mastering heat control, and creating a handcrafted taper candle holder from start to finish.

Sanborn Mills Farm | www.sanbornmills.org

Sanborn Mills Farm | 7097 Sanborn Road | Loudon, NH 03307 US