[TheForge] Scrolling Tongs from Tinsnips?

Sun Jul 22 18:51:27 EDT 2018

I have worked in consulting in an engineering field for over thirty years for my day job.  I always make two good attempts to give the customer what I think they honestly need, then I stfu and give them what they want if I can do so ethically.  

I am just thankful for the opportunity to hear from everyone again.

Charles

Sent from my iPad

> On Jul 22, 2018, at 3:19 PM, J. Petrila <jlpservicesinc at gmail.com> wrote:
> 
> Hi sorry, i think my point was missed..
> 
> There is no reason the group cant make their own scroll tongs.
> 
> The reason I didnt elaborate on conversion of tin snips into scroll tongs
> is it's my belief they will be inferior to a real pair and wouldnt waste my
> time on such a thing..
> 
> For the amount of time to take them apart, forge the blades down and then
> refit them.  I could basically make a whole new pair..
> 
> Giving you a lesson would give you 2 pair..
> 
> Sorry, but I have nothing more to offer than that..
> 
> 
> 
>> On Sun, Jul 22, 2018, 3:23 PM Bruce . <freemab222 at gmail.com> wrote:
>> 
>> Well thanks for the offer of a lesson, and especially for the pointer to
>> your videos.  (I didn't find the tong-making videos yet, but I've only
>> glanced at the long list of them that you have on YouTube.)
>> 
>> But I'll pass on the lesson because you're really missing my point.
>> 
>> I am not, at this juncture, interested in increasing my knowledge of
>> forging.  I have no intention or interest  in forging scrolling tongs from
>> bar stock.  I could probably do that now, but don't have the time to try it
>> out and improve my technique enough to get a product worth including in our
>> toolboxes.
>> 
>> (Nor am I, as you imply, teaching anyone how to forge tongs.  The teaching
>> I do is mainly to novices:  starting and maintaining a coal fire; basic
>> forging operations; a few simple projects they can try.)
>> 
>> My current interest is *only *in getting two pair of scrolling tongs
>> finished and into our toolboxes by Aug. 6 (our next public demo) and all
>> six finished and into our toolboxes by October (our next remote open forge
>> meet).  The issue is *having the tongs available for use*, not my learning
>> to make them.  And since NJBA operates on a slim budget, purchasing them is
>> out.
>> 
>> I never asked for info on how to forge scrolling tongs from scratch, only
>> how to forge them from tinsnips -- which has way fewer steps.
>> 
>> So I reiterate -- if anyone knows of an article, video, or other
>> instructional material for making scrolling tongs from tinsnips, I'd
>> appreciate hearing of it.
>> 
>> Bruce
>> NJ
>> 
>> On Sun, Jul 22, 2018 at 11:52 AM, J. Petrila <jlpservicesinc at gmail.com>
>> wrote:
>> 
>>> Well if your up for a drive, I'd be happy to give you a lesson or 2 on
>> tong
>>> making..
>>> 
>>> As for mediocre forging skills, the only way to get better is to do it..
>>> 
>>> Doing it with someone who has a great understanding makes it even easier.
>>> 
>>> Learning to make tongs from someone who can barely make them is not a
>> great
>>> way to learn it..
>>> 
>>> As for Peter Ross..  or any other of the lifetime Smith's, why would you
>>> make a comparison to them....     this is their life story and have
>>> developed the skill set so they can do it..
>>> 
>>> 
>>> A good friend of mine, said to me after asking me about making a bracket
>>> for an old BMW motorcycle and me offering to "help" him make them...  "
>>> I've got people for that"...
>>> 
>>> He has no interest in blacksmithing or fabrication work, but has the
>> money
>>> to purchase or barter for the items he wants.
>>> 
>>> 
>>> To ask the question " How to do something".. or " What's the best way"
>>> infers there is a desire to learn..
>>> 
>>> So, what if it takes you 3days to forge 1 pair..  the second set might
>> only
>>> take you 2days..
>>> 
>>> Only sticking to what you are good at , because you are good at it would
>>> eliminate many, many, many needed skill sets in blacksmithing.
>>> 
>>> 
>>> Instead of supplying the group have a scroll tong forging day and have
>> them
>>> make the tongs for the group..
>>> 
>>> "No one skilled enough to forge scroll tongs in the group" invite someone
>>> who can and offer something in return...
>>> 
>>> Blacksmiths for the most part are doers..
>>> 
>>> Use this to your advantage..
>>> 
>>> Come see me in MASS and I'd be happy to "GIVE" you a lesson or check out
>>> the jlpservicesinc youtube video channel there are 4 or so videos on tong
>>> making different kinds..
>>> 
>>> Or hit me up at any of the demos I do and id be happy to give you a
>> lesson
>>> there..
>>> 
>>> Practice makes perfect and it's the only way to get better..
>>> 
>>> Even if there is a physical limitation sometimes this can be addressed to
>>> the point where forging can become possible.
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