[TheForge] tools

[Bruce Freeman]

Great!   You've already learned rule #3:  Don't tell 'em what you're
making till you're done.

Rule #1 is "Get it hot."  So you need a forge.  Coal, charcoal or
propane are the usual choices of fuel, though there are others.  If you
need to build a forge, then you want to know about Lindsay
Publications.

Rule #2 is "Hit it hard."  That's partly technique, but starts with a
good hammer and "anvil."  Any big heavy piece of steel with some flat
surface can be your anvil for starters.  Heavy I-beam would work for
light work (it's not really massive enough).  I've heard of using
individual links of caterpillar treads.  Even a cheap Chinese anvil will
get you started.  (The late Roger Duncan used to take his "double ought
iron" to shows and let folks try it out on a Chinese anvil.  His
comment:  "That's a better anvil than you are a blacksmith!"

As for tongs, learn about "twist tongs."  There's probably a website
that shows you how to make them.  Simple and easy, and the'll let you
hold hot metal until you learn to make better ones.

You will need a vise.  A heavy machinist's vise (which you can
sometimes get cheap) will do for starters, but keep looking for a leg
vise.

Best of luck.

Bruce
NJ

>>> jsguardian at hotmail.com 7/11/2006 2:55:55 AM >>>
To answer your question:  Right now I just want to take raw metal, heat
it 
up, and shape it.  In to what?  Well, I'll tell you when I'm finished
what 
it is that I made. :)  What I make is not important to me right now. .
. 
making it IS.  I have alot to learn, and I have found I learn best by
doing. 
  I guess in the near future I'll be hunting down a hard surface, a
means of 
holding hot metal, a hammer of sorts, and using my BBQ as it was never

intended. :)

As I mentioned, if anyone has extra tools the would be willing to sell
or 
give away, please let me know.

Also, I have a limited amount of space in my yard, and was hoping
someone 
might have a good idea as to making a contained fire to heat metal.  
Something roughly 4 foot cubed.

Thank you,
~Jesse


>From: "Jerry Frost" <frosty at customcpu.com>
>Reply-To: Sponsored by ABANA <theforge at mailman.qth.net>
>To: "Sponsored by ABANA" <theforge at mailman.qth.net>
>Subject: Re: [TheForge] tools
>Date: Mon, 10 Jul 2006 20:44:18 -0800
>
>Welcome aboard Jesse:
>
>It's been a while since anyone asked the minimum tool list question.
There 
>isn't one best answer, so much depends on what you want to do.
>
>The shortest list some think I'm being flipant giving is, you need a:
fire, 
>something heavy to beat against, something to hold hot metal and a
hammer. 
>It's the bare truth.
>
>On the other hand you may want to get into forging wagon or gun parts
and 
>need a goodly list of tools.
>
>For the beginner the list is closer to the former than the latter. You
need 
>something for an anvil, a couple feet of RR track makes a decent
anvil. 
>Vise grips were invented by a blacksmith tired of dropping work from
tongs. 
>A selection of ball pein hammers can be had from Harbor Frieght for
around 
>$15 +S&H. A 2lb. cross pein is a good addition too. Don't try swinging
much 
>more than a 2lb. hammer till you've developed good technique, even
then 
>it's not a great idea.
>
>The forge can be as simple as an old BBQ and a hair drier or as
complex and 
>space age as you like. Coal, coke, charcoal and propane are the most
common 
>forge fuels. Once we know more about what you intend you'll be
showered 
>with ideas, pics and forge plans.
>
>So, tell us more about what you want to do and we'll be more than
happy to 
>tell you all about it. <grin>
>
>Again, Welcome Jesse.
>
>Frosty
>-------------------------------
>If it ain't forged
>it ain't real.
>Wrought iron is.
>The FrostWorks
>
>Meadow Lakes, AK.
>
>http://www.artmetalradio.com/ 
>
>From: "Jesse Seipel" <jsguardian at hotmail.com>
>
>
>>Does anyone have any recommendations on specificly what type of 
>>Hammer/Tongs/Anvil a beginer should be using?  Also, does anyone have
and 
>>of these items they would be willing to sell or give away?
>>
>>
>
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