Glen one of the things I like most about your videos is the way you come up such great tools and trinkets with minimal tools no power hammers or presses! Most especially you tools have such basic uses! Also watching your skills progressing is a real kick! I think your greatest appeal at least to me you don’t profess to be some expert, just a guy that enjoys beating hot metal into submission Please keep them coming Be Safe
about the vice - you say that you're used to it and you think you cut faster - but a rock solid vice is just one of those things you can never appreciate until you have one. You just can't imagine how much extra energy goes into rocking the vice around that could be going directly into the work. Smart guy like you - if you wanted to - could figure out a way to secure that vice :) and its worth it. Take it from me - i worked with a wobbly setup for MANY years before i just decided to buck up and properly anchor my bench and vice. Now - i could NEVER go back.
Erik, I think I made that comment to mostly try convince myself. I realize that a lot of energy is lost by having my vise rock like that but where I'm located, I can't secure my vise stand to the floor and have to have it free standing. I know this isn't ideal but I've gotten used to the rocking motion and so can work with it. Thanks for watching and for your suggestion.
You da man Glenn -- looking like nice weather at your place - I am sitting through another nor-Easter - the forth in just a few weeks....sigh.... I may have to move closer to you...
Rick, My family (in NY) have been telling me about the late year snow storms and overall unusual weather. Weather here is also a bit wacky and I imagine we're in for a sweltering summer. Thanks.
Glen, You don't need a new vise stand; you need a hacksaw that takes batteries or plugs into something! Another saying that is good in all cases; "Don't mean nuthin'." Making a swage like that is so simple, even I could make one. Thanks. Jerry
sorry last comment for this one lol - just wanted to add - i watch a lot of youtube blacksmiths and i have to say you've become my favorite. Just the whole simplistic/minimalist approach you have is admirable - and you just make the whole thing seem so not complicated which is really nice. Between that and the fact that you've got the nicest hand tools lol - all of your hammers, even the your anvil, your fullers/top tools with those signature handles - the signature tong styles - all of it is just insanely simple, functional, and so pleasant to look at -- just thought i would throw that in since i gave a bit chat about the anvil situation! lol
Erik, I'm glad you like my channel. I know I need to improve my video content and quality but progress for me is slow. I like simplicity and do everything with a minimalist approach. Whatever tools I have, I use. Blacksmithing originally appealed to me since it doesn't need to be complicated. Thanks again.
Glen, reading some of the comments there seem to be some people, that have never experienced the satisfaction of working with handtools ie hacksaws and files, they need to go and spend 15 or 20 hours at the vice to appreciate that sometimes its just fun to do things old school, well done on the swage tool
You're right. There's a certain satisfaction that comes with using proper hand tools. I understand why folks get into all manner of power tooling and I appreciate these machines. But I like to keep my blacksmithing simple. Thanks.
Glen, can you do a video on a bottom fuller for hammer making and maybe a top tool to go with it? I'd like to see and learn from your process. Hey by the way I would like to invite you to a wonderful Facebook group called Forging it Forward. It is an awesome group that I think you would have an interest.. Martin
Martin, I dont yet have Facebook. I've been meaning to open an account for a long while. Someone told me it would help my CZcams following... Hammer top and bottom fullering is definitely not easy. My standard guillotine tool is too small for hammers past a certain size. I'll see what I can come up with and check out Forging it Forward when I have Facebook. Thanks.
Roger, I'm very happy to know you enjoy watching. I'll do my best to keep making videos. Things didn't go too smoothly in the next video I will post so hopefully you stick around after watching that one! Thanks.
Oh Ill stick with you ride or die. I really Love my tongs I got from you a few months back I'll need to get larger ones now also. I want to get one of your hammers next just cant make up my mind which one to get.
and by the way - nice work with the file - i have a larger rough file like that - its one of those tools that once you become handy with it - you couldn't live without!! loved the vid as usual
Hi Glen I received my self adjusting tongues about a week ago and have been trying them out. UK customs wanted their pound of flesh but I expected that. I’ve got to say they are the most versatile pair of tongues I’ve ever used. They are awesome. I’ve used them for holding flat stock from 1/16” to 1,1/4” square stock from 1/4” to 1” and round stock from 1/4” to 1,1/4” The tongues held everything very securely and because they’re only 11” long I have much better control over the part I’m making and, as I expected, they have been made with great attention to detail. I can tell, just from the neat and tidyness of the tongues, you take a lot of pride in your work and it really shows in the craftsmanship in the finished product. I’m not blowing smoke up your ass but I like good tools and to get good tools you have to pay a premium for them. Snap-On is a good example. Your tongues are a quality premium product. Compared to my other tongues, and I have lots, these feel like a premium, Snap-On like quality of tongues but at an unbelievably reasonable price even after Queen Lizzy took her share. I can’t recommend them enough. If you want to use my “review” for and ads etc then go ahead. Thanks very much again Glen Best regards Gary.
Gary, Hi, I really appreciate your feedback of the tongs. You're being way more than generous with your praise but hey, I'll take it! My rivet-less adjustable tongs still need improving and the range you mention seems a bit overstated... I emailed you but your mailbox is full so clear out some space and I'll resend. Thanks for taking your time to comment in such depth. All the best. Glen
i like the idea of the rubber mounted vice . i use a sawzall a lot and have cleaned off the bench several times . whats a good thickness to use. do you think it would burn up welding close to it.
Scott, Where I'm located, I can't secure my vise stand to the floor. Having it free standing is not ideal but having it on rubber mats helps. I think welding too close would eventually wear the rubber away. Thanks.
Hugh, I could definitely find uses for a band saw but I honestly don't have enough space. Plus, my steel supplier will cut anything to length for free. Otherwise, I would definitely find space for one. Thanks.
Awesome job as always Glen. Btw my new tongues will arrive on Friday now they’ve cleared customs. Really looking forward to using them. I’ll let you know how I get on.
Vincent, I'm glad you like my tools, etc. I once visited France many years ago. A beautiful country that I would love to visit again. I studied French in college but can barely speak, never having practically used the language. Thank for watching and for your support. Glen
Franco, I rarely cut such thick stock and don't have a lot of room for a metal bandsaw. So I don't mind using a hacksaw when necessary. Thanks for watching.
Great work, glen. I like to cut out some of the mass myself rather than draw out a whole bunch of material. Is there a reason you prefer to hacksaw rather use power tools? Either way it doesn't bother me. I like making the Hacksaw Jim Duggan call. HOOOoooo!!!
Christopher, I just like to keep my blacksmithing simple. Plus, I don't really have any space for power tooling like a band saw. My steel supplier cuts everything I need to size for free otherwise I would definitely make space. So, a hacksaw is good enough for the odd cutting job here and there. Hacksaw Jim Duggan was a classic character and would be proud... Thanks.
I noticed that you cleaned up the piece with an angle grinder. Is there a particular reason that you chose to remove the material with the hack saw rather than using a cut off wheel?
I often use cut off discs on my angle grinder but just have an aversion to that loud noise and so use the hacksaw when possible. I suppose I could have cleaned the piece up with files only but the flap discs are much less noisy than the cut off discs. Thanks for watching.
hey Glen, I first watched ur anvil vid which was good too. I like the hammer u are using,I modified an old 5lb railroad sledge hammer into a rounding hammer 3.5lbs that looks identical to yours and I love the way mine feels in hand and the ease of use and the quality work it produces.i was wondering where u got yours,how much it weighs and if u really enjoy using it like I do mine.?oh and I don't sub often but I subbed u.greetings from the South in U.S.A.
Hi, I made the hammer you see me using here. It weighs 3 pounds. And the block style anvils I use are my designs which I had made here in Taiwan. I appreciate that you subscribed. Thanks for watching and commenting. Glen
Gee man, you do such fine work in an incredible neat workspace on an amazing anvil block and then you use a tool that can measure down to thousands of an inch as if it were a mild steel nail. I dont get it.
Roman, My workspace is so small that I have to keep things neat. Plus, I am pretty minimalistic and don't have too many tools. Thanks for watching. Glen
Since I'm blacksmithing in a big city, burning coal wouldn't go over well with the neighbors. But a lot of blacksmiths here do use forging coke or refined coal which doesn't smoke much. Still, it's just not convenient for me in my shop space. But securing my vise better is something I need to sort out. Thanks for watching.
The brand name on my calipers is Peacock. I think they are Japanese. I was tired of using cheap calipers and so spent a little extra for these. Thanks for watching.
When it's hot here, it's off the charts humid. I sweat when just standing still. Luckily, we're heading into the cooler season. Thanks for watching. Glen
Glen one of the things I like most about your videos is the way you come up such great tools and trinkets with minimal tools no power hammers or presses! Most especially you tools have such basic uses! Also watching your skills progressing is a real kick! I think your greatest appeal at least to me you don’t profess to be some expert, just a guy that enjoys beating hot metal into submission
Please keep them coming
Be Safe
Glen I really like your style of smithing.. your designs are simple yet elegant with your level of smithing.. well done sir!
Anthony, I'm very glad you like this. Some projects turn out better than others. Thanks for watching. Glen
about the vice - you say that you're used to it and you think you cut faster - but a rock solid vice is just one of those things you can never appreciate until you have one. You just can't imagine how much extra energy goes into rocking the vice around that could be going directly into the work.
Smart guy like you - if you wanted to - could figure out a way to secure that vice :) and its worth it. Take it from me - i worked with a wobbly setup for MANY years before i just decided to buck up and properly anchor my bench and vice. Now - i could NEVER go back.
Erik, I think I made that comment to mostly try convince myself. I realize that a lot of energy is lost by having my vise rock like that but where I'm located, I can't secure my vise stand to the floor and have to have it free standing. I know this isn't ideal but I've gotten used to the rocking motion and so can work with it. Thanks for watching and for your suggestion.
Getting close to 20k subs. Congrats,Glen. Still one of my all time favorite channels.
Matt, It's been a slow climb. I'm humbled that you like my channel that much. Thanks.
Glen GS Tongs your work sparked my interest in forging. You had me at the rustic drawer pull
You are one of the reasons I'm going to start a blacksmithing
Pedro, I'm glad to know you can find some inspiration from my videos. Good luck in your blacksmithing. Thanks for watching. Glen
I appreciate you Glen. You seem to enjoy teaching and you are helping me a great deal as I am pretty much just starting out. Thanks again.
Jim, Thanks for watching and for your kind words. Comments like yours help me to keep going with the videos. Good luck in your blacksmithing. Glen
You da man Glenn -- looking like nice weather at your place - I am sitting through another nor-Easter - the forth in just a few weeks....sigh.... I may have to move closer to you...
Rick, My family (in NY) have been telling me about the late year snow storms and overall unusual weather. Weather here is also a bit wacky and I imagine we're in for a sweltering summer. Thanks.
Glen, You don't need a new vise stand; you need a hacksaw that takes batteries or plugs into something! Another saying that is good in all cases; "Don't mean nuthin'." Making a swage like that is so simple, even I could make one. Thanks. Jerry
Jerry, You make a good point - maybe I should accept that it's the 21st century. Thanks.
sorry last comment for this one lol - just wanted to add - i watch a lot of youtube blacksmiths and i have to say you've become my favorite. Just the whole simplistic/minimalist approach you have is admirable - and you just make the whole thing seem so not complicated which is really nice. Between that and the fact that you've got the nicest hand tools lol - all of your hammers, even the your anvil, your fullers/top tools with those signature handles - the signature tong styles - all of it is just insanely simple, functional, and so pleasant to look at -- just thought i would throw that in since i gave a bit chat about the anvil situation! lol
Erik, I'm glad you like my channel. I know I need to improve my video content and quality but progress for me is slow. I like simplicity and do everything with a minimalist approach. Whatever tools I have, I use. Blacksmithing originally appealed to me since it doesn't need to be complicated. Thanks again.
Glen, reading some of the comments there seem to be some people, that have never experienced the satisfaction of working with handtools ie hacksaws and files, they need to go and spend 15 or 20 hours at the vice to appreciate that sometimes its just fun to do things old school, well done on the swage tool
You're right. There's a certain satisfaction that comes with using proper hand tools. I understand why folks get into all manner of power tooling and I appreciate these machines. But I like to keep my blacksmithing simple. Thanks.
Great work Glen ! I always enjoy watchin you work the metal so effortlessly....a true jewel maker of the forge....inspirational!
I'm glad you feel that way. I like to keep things simple and so normally don't work on things that are overly complicated. Thanks for watching. Glen
Glen, can you do a video on a bottom fuller for hammer making and maybe a top tool to go with it? I'd like to see and learn from your process. Hey by the way I would like to invite you to a wonderful Facebook group called Forging it Forward. It is an awesome group that I think you would have an interest.. Martin
Martin, I dont yet have Facebook. I've been meaning to open an account for a long while. Someone told me it would help my CZcams following... Hammer top and bottom fullering is definitely not easy. My standard guillotine tool is too small for hammers past a certain size. I'll see what I can come up with and check out Forging it Forward when I have Facebook. Thanks.
I enjoyed this video more than usual as that's how I would make one! Elbow grease is cheaper than gas lol. Thanks bro Anthony Kent
Anthony, That's a good saying and I totally agree. Thanks brother.
Very nice clean work. You make it look easy.
This project is pretty straightforward. Removing some steel with the hacksaw does make it much easier to forge... Thanks.
Glen really like your videos. I look forward to each one. Keep up the Great Work and Keep Them Coming...
Roger, I'm very happy to know you enjoy watching. I'll do my best to keep making videos. Things didn't go too smoothly in the next video I will post so hopefully you stick around after watching that one! Thanks.
Oh Ill stick with you ride or die. I really Love my tongs I got from you a few months back I'll need to get larger ones now also. I want to get one of your hammers next just cant make up my mind which one to get.
Good Glen, these tools can be very handy have a few of them myself.
Len, Not a hard tool to make which has a lot of practical uses. Thanks.
You never disappoint! Love it
I appreciate you saying that but I think you might change your mind when you see my next video! Thanks.
and by the way - nice work with the file - i have a larger rough file like that - its one of those tools that once you become handy with it - you couldn't live without!! loved the vid as usual
Erik, I used poor files in the past. The files I have now are much better and the difference is night and day. Thanks.
Glen, Have you ever had much use for an old style cast iron swage block, and what can be done with one?....Dave
Hi Glen I received my self adjusting tongues about a week ago and have been trying them out. UK customs wanted their pound of flesh but I expected that.
I’ve got to say they are the most versatile pair of tongues I’ve ever used. They are awesome. I’ve used them for holding flat stock from 1/16” to 1,1/4” square stock from 1/4” to 1” and round stock from 1/4” to 1,1/4”
The tongues held everything very securely and because they’re only 11” long I have much better control over the part I’m making and, as I expected, they have been made with great attention to detail. I can tell, just from the neat and tidyness of the tongues, you take a lot of pride in your work and it really shows in the craftsmanship in the finished product.
I’m not blowing smoke up your ass but I like good tools and to get good tools you have to pay a premium for them. Snap-On is a good example. Your tongues are a quality premium product. Compared to my other tongues, and I have lots, these feel like a premium, Snap-On like quality of tongues but at an unbelievably reasonable price even after Queen Lizzy took her share. I can’t recommend them enough.
If you want to use my “review” for and ads etc then go ahead.
Thanks very much again Glen
Best regards
Gary.
Gary, Hi, I really appreciate your feedback of the tongs. You're being way more than generous with your praise but hey, I'll take it! My rivet-less adjustable tongs still need improving and the range you mention seems a bit overstated... I emailed you but your mailbox is full so clear out some space and I'll resend. Thanks for taking your time to comment in such depth. All the best. Glen
Well that turned out quite fine!
Hi, This is a pretty simple way to make useful hardy tools. Thanks.
could you do a video making a V fuller one time please Glen?
Very cool. That is really cool.
Bryan, Just a simple way to make what could be a very useful tool. Thanks.
Good fun. Thank you for sharing.
i like the idea of the rubber mounted vice . i use a sawzall a lot and have cleaned off the bench several times . whats a good thickness to use. do you think it would burn up welding close to it.
Scott, Where I'm located, I can't secure my vise stand to the floor. Having it free standing is not ideal but having it on rubber mats helps. I think welding too close would eventually wear the rubber away. Thanks.
I think it would be good for you to buy metal cutting ban saw, you do very good work
Hugh, I could definitely find uses for a band saw but I honestly don't have enough space. Plus, my steel supplier will cut anything to length for free. Otherwise, I would definitely find space for one. Thanks.
Awesome job as always Glen. Btw my new tongues will arrive on Friday now they’ve cleared customs. Really looking forward to using them. I’ll let you know how I get on.
Thanks for watching this and I appreciate your business and excellent communication.
I'm still fellin' in love about your shining tools and your know-how..
Are you coming in France ?
Vincent
Vincent, I'm glad you like my tools, etc. I once visited France many years ago. A beautiful country that I would love to visit again. I studied French in college but can barely speak, never having practically used the language. Thank for watching and for your support. Glen
Buy a grinder or an electric saw to cut it Glen, it gives me the shivers to see you cutting stuff of that thickness with an hacksaw...
Franco, I rarely cut such thick stock and don't have a lot of room for a metal bandsaw. So I don't mind using a hacksaw when necessary. Thanks for watching.
i dont have an electric saw either and found that it really isnt too bad using a hacksaw for these sorts of jobs, if they are infrequent.
Great work, glen. I like to cut out some of the mass myself rather than draw out a whole bunch of material. Is there a reason you prefer to hacksaw rather use power tools? Either way it doesn't bother me. I like making the Hacksaw Jim Duggan call. HOOOoooo!!!
Christopher, I just like to keep my blacksmithing simple. Plus, I don't really have any space for power tooling like a band saw. My steel supplier cuts everything I need to size for free otherwise I would definitely make space. So, a hacksaw is good enough for the odd cutting job here and there. Hacksaw Jim Duggan was a classic character and would be proud... Thanks.
I noticed that you cleaned up the piece with an angle grinder. Is there a particular reason that you chose to remove the material with the hack saw rather than using a cut off wheel?
I often use cut off discs on my angle grinder but just have an aversion to that loud noise and so use the hacksaw when possible. I suppose I could have cleaned the piece up with files only but the flap discs are much less noisy than the cut off discs. Thanks for watching.
hey Glen, I first watched ur anvil vid which was good too. I like the hammer u are using,I modified an old 5lb railroad sledge hammer into a rounding hammer 3.5lbs that looks identical to yours and I love the way mine feels in hand and the ease of use and the quality work it produces.i was wondering where u got yours,how much it weighs and if u really enjoy using it like I do mine.?oh and I don't sub often but I subbed u.greetings from the South in U.S.A.
Hi, I made the hammer you see me using here. It weighs 3 pounds. And the block style anvils I use are my designs which I had made here in Taiwan. I appreciate that you subscribed. Thanks for watching and commenting. Glen
Thank you for that tip 😘💕🤙🤘👍😹
My pleasure. Thanks for watching. Glen
Very nice, thank you.
Gee man, you do such fine work in an incredible neat workspace on an amazing anvil block and then you use a tool that can measure down to thousands of an inch as if it were a mild steel nail. I dont get it.
Roman, My workspace is so small that I have to keep things neat. Plus, I am pretty minimalistic and don't have too many tools. Thanks for watching. Glen
Nice,
work smarter not harder👍👍
Ryan, While hacksawing may not be the easiest method, removing some steel before forging definitely make this much easier. Thanks.
Glen GS Tongs
Sorry glen I can see how that might come across,
I meant it was smart to remove the material first, so you didn’t have to forge it out.
Ryan, No worries at all. That's exactly what I thought you meant. Take care.
Great video!!
I appreciate your support. Thanks. Glen
Болгарка тебе в помощь:-)
Thanks for watching and for the help from Bulgaria...
Nice brotha
Glad you like it. Thanks for watching.
Sorry man, wehre can i get such a hornless anvil like yours?
Wolfgang, The hornless anvils I use are my own designs which I had made where I live, here in Taiwan.Thanks for watching.
Wow I didn't know that coal was in short supply.
Ah oh yes, your vise must be mounted on a coil spring; maybe you intended to ride it.
Since I'm blacksmithing in a big city, burning coal wouldn't go over well with the neighbors. But a lot of blacksmiths here do use forging coke or refined coal which doesn't smoke much. Still, it's just not convenient for me in my shop space. But securing my vise better is something I need to sort out. Thanks for watching.
What calipers do you use?
The brand name on my calipers is Peacock. I think they are Japanese. I was tired of using cheap calipers and so spent a little extra for these. Thanks for watching.
it's good in the hood
I wish everyone's hood is good. Thanks.
Ik it workshop its ok
Thanks for watching. Glen
🖒👍🖒👍
Thanks.
HI, GS looks like that hack saw and vise got you in a rhythm, Oh ,No whats the all over your head and face, Hummm, nice job my friend, See Ya
When it's hot here, it's off the charts humid. I sweat when just standing still. Luckily, we're heading into the cooler season. Thanks for watching. Glen