a am a jeweller by trade for 63 years therefor as years goes by you have to make or reshape your tools from time to time and that's where people like you come in which helps me to to modify my existing tools because most jewellery tool makers do not know the real needs of jewellers tools so your contribution is appreciated CHEERS
There are many videos on tong-making, usually assuming the enthusiast has a wide range of tools already. But this "Lateral Thinking" approach is unique, and an eye-opener to me, as I'm thinking "That's a good idea, I can do that . . . " Thank you for demonstrating the use of scrap steel as jigs and tools, use of common woodworking clamps and a novel thinking approach to upsetting (bending instead), and rivetting (bolting instead).
I appreciate your videos. I am a "self taught" blacksmith. I picked up Alex Bealers "Art of Blacksmithing" and got busy. I didn't know about "forge councils", and there certainly wasn't CZcams back then. I felt like the only blacksmith in the world, engaged in a dead skill. Needless to say, I taught myself some bad habits. Gained a decent amount of skill in some areas as well. Now that I'm getting back in to smithing, and with the wealth of information available, I'm learning things I should have learned 25 years ago when I started. Your videos are wonderful. I love that you demonstrate with "unpretentious" tools. I've noticed some folks use the latest and greatest, not that there is anything wrong with that but I like simple. Thanks again for great videos. I'd love to talk with you sometime. Byron "Shooby" Hudson "Ironheart Forge"
Thanks alot for making another great video. Lots of people dont appreacite hot hard making a set of tongs is when you are just starting out but i feel like these are ones that pretty much anyone can make
i like how you gave options for someone who doesnt have a lot to get started. I can think of many variations and like you suggested drawing out the reins would bring them together nicely. Thanks!
Thanks for keeping it simple and using everday tools to get the job done i did this alot in the beginning vice grips were my first tongs until i made and bought better ones.
Excellent video, thank you!Another option on measuring with wire is to either measure the wire with a tape before bending and then subtract the cutoff piece, or cut a second piece the same length and subtract the cutoff piece. Just another way to do the job.
these would be great to hold anything like ball bearings or bolt shaped before you rivet and fuller them and very chunky but extremely useable ...and also there is plenty of meat to them if you happen to leave them in the fire too long
This is Great! I'm teaching the metalworking meritbadge to some scouts in my area and I was trying to find a super simple cheap way to get tongs. The ones I use are rebar, but I like the flat bar design better.
Dennis, I really appreciate all of the videos that you make. You do an excellent job at teaching in simple terms, so that I've been able to understand and apply at the anvil. Thank you!
Really liked your wire "calipers"! This little technique would be useful in any place where you need to extract a reasonable measurement, let's say from a pipe or shaft diameter that you can hardly reach or have no access to the ends. Lots of possibilities here.
well done think you explained well I was actually expecting to see the simple bolted together and twisted bits they always show or demonstrate in old blacksmithing books oh well maybe next time thanks for the video
I think that's the type I was thinking of as well (anvilfire.com/iForge/tutor.php?lesson=jd_tongs/demo). Link for anyone interested. But there is some (other) useful information on this page.
Most people starting out don't have a welder or a descent vise. This option can be made even if you have no experience and just a hammer and a block of steel for an anvil.
That was...interesting. A good example that there is more than one right way to do this. I'm puzzled by the folded jaws, since simply flattening the jaws would be simple, and equally effective. But who am I to argue, if it works?
Folding the ends gives you the width you need for jaws without reducing the cross section. Hammering down the jaws would give you much lighter weaker jaws.
I just make it a little longer than the bar is wide but you do have a lot of room with this design. I would also suggest not making pairs. forge a bunch of half tongs and match them up latter. try to make them as accurately as possible just for practice but assemble the ones that look good together.
I was thinking that they look like drawing tongs/pliers for pulling wire through a draw plate. www.amazon.com/Serrated-Jewelry-Drawplate-Best-Supply/dp/B01M2CDVRT/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1481948467&sr=8-3&keywords=wire+draw+plier+tong a classic heavy duty ugly tool.
It won't damage the steel but you will need to grind away any slag or torch cuts before you start forging because the rough edge could from cold shuts that will weaken the cross section.
You've probably learned in the last two years' time, but salvaged rebar can be iffy for tongs. Occasionally you'll have some high or mid carbon rebar, and if you quench those tongs to cool them... snap. I stick with known mild steel for tongs.
David Tauriainen I did figure out the *snap* part of your description! Haha thanks for replying! (Sorry, different account logged on. This is Rick97266)
For these tongs I just bolted them together. There is no real fitting going on. They are really just meant to be used until you can make a better pair. I've shown in my other videos how to adjust for the bar sock so I didn't bother doing that here.
Those are damn ugly pair of tongs but this is a truly interesting lesson about aproaching any kind of situation in a way that will get the job done. other than that, in this particular case, maybe adapting an old pair of pliers/knipers/tongs/articulated tool for grabbing or cutting stuff, cold or using the forge, could provide a better tool overall with less effort at least you have the hinge/boss area and handles, just need to adapt the jaws and afterthat replace the rivet.
Liviu e but then you don't get practice and learn how to forge symmetrical bits and bosses, to slit and drift, to customize the bits to fit the stock, etc... It's about the process of becoming a better smith who can make his or her tools at will when needed. Instant gratification in this arena leads to a person who might use a forge and anvil but isn't really a smith.
Louis Lestini I agree and i said it, is an interesting lesson about different approach about solving an issue BUT it is also about being creative and do whatever necessary to solve the problem...from this perspective using an old tool is just anither effective and simple alternative, that is my point. as far as learning techniques and using tools, is true but for me in this particular case, seems like scratching left ear with right hand that meaning this solution is allmos as difficult as making a proper pair of tongs from flatstock or even round stock... anyway, for me personally the beauty is in thinking little different than obvious ways which is a good exercise for a blacksmith.
Liviu e I absolutely can't disagree with you! Creativity is the smith's best tool. But, seriously, one could use the very basic technique to make much more effective (and attractive tongs). You could forge weld the bit to one solid piece and then shape it as you desire or you could square up the bit instead of bending it and create a bit that wraps around the work piece. I think it is a great place to start for tong making...easy and upgradeable.
a am a jeweller by trade for 63 years therefor as years goes by you have to make or reshape your tools from time to time and that's where people like you come in which helps me to to modify my existing tools because most jewellery tool makers do not know the real needs of jewellers tools so your contribution is appreciated CHEERS
these are unquestionably the best blacksmithing tutorials on youtube for beginners
There are many videos on tong-making, usually assuming the enthusiast has a wide range of tools already. But this "Lateral Thinking" approach is unique, and an eye-opener to me, as I'm thinking "That's a good idea, I can do that . . . " Thank you for demonstrating the use of scrap steel as jigs and tools, use of common woodworking clamps and a novel thinking approach to upsetting (bending instead), and rivetting (bolting instead).
Wish i built these first so to have a safer start than vise gripes and channel locks which drops to much.We need a tight hold to hot metals ...thanks
Alot of guys are forging on a bit of rail track and using a brake drum forge. I think this is a great, pragmatic video. Thanks
FB
I like how u showed the tool in use after u made them. good narration as well
Awesome tutorials, thank you. As an aspiring CZcams blacksmith, these simple yet functional lessons are super useful.
Thank you dear sir 1 year into blacksmithing and this is such a great method to get a job done
You should've named this series "Smithing From Nothing". This is EXACTLY what I wanted to see & needed to know, thank you!!
This is the simple construction i was searching for. Thanks sir
I appreciate your videos. I am a "self taught" blacksmith. I picked up Alex Bealers "Art of Blacksmithing" and got busy. I didn't know about "forge councils", and there certainly wasn't CZcams back then. I felt like the only blacksmith in the world, engaged in a dead skill. Needless to say, I taught myself some bad habits. Gained a decent amount of skill in some areas as well. Now that I'm getting back in to smithing, and with the wealth of information available, I'm learning things I should have learned 25 years ago when I started. Your videos are wonderful. I love that you demonstrate with "unpretentious" tools. I've noticed some folks use the latest and greatest, not that there is anything wrong with that but I like simple. Thanks again for great videos. I'd love to talk with you sometime.
Byron "Shooby" Hudson
"Ironheart Forge"
im going to try this today, thank you, never would have thought of doing it this way
Your videos are useful, to the point, and informative. thank you.
I'm going to make those. Thank you for the simple and in depth instructions
Thanks alot for making another great video. Lots of people dont appreacite hot hard making a set of tongs is when you are just starting out but i feel like these are ones that pretty much anyone can make
i like how you gave options for someone who doesnt have a lot to get started. I can think of many variations and like you suggested drawing out the reins would bring them together nicely. Thanks!
Thanks - It's easy to forget how much of a problem making tongs can be when you don't know how to forge anything
Thanks for keeping it simple and using everday tools to get the job done i did this alot in the beginning vice grips were my first tongs until i made and bought better ones.
Great video. Just made my first forge. Now I can make my first tongs.
Excellent video, thank you!Another option on measuring with wire is to either measure the wire with a tape before bending and then subtract the cutoff piece, or cut a second piece the same length and subtract the cutoff piece. Just another way to do the job.
Yep, they work and are so simple to make any novice could manage! Better than a pair of electrical pliers.
thank you for putting metric measurement
love this video --using this approach, wire calipers- next please make rail spike tongs to hold the head and shank,
Just found this channel! Love it! Thanks for the time you put in making these videos, really inspiring me!
I like how you used a tube instead of your hardy hole so people with ASOs know that they are not limited
Thanks for the vid Denis Kobe your vids and when I get my forge running again I’ll try a set
Great Video man I love seeing unique ways to forge.
these would be great to hold anything like ball bearings or bolt shaped before you rivet and fuller them and very chunky but extremely useable ...and also there is plenty of meat to them if you happen to leave them in the fire too long
Excellent video!! I'll make my first smithy tools using your technique..... As soon as I build me a forge, that is.
I’d rather have, make, and use something that works over something that is just stylish. Thanks for the video :)
This was very helpful, thank you for posting. I really enjoy your posts, they're extremely beneficial.
Thx for the great content!
Very nice. Been struggling with v bit tongs, definitely going to try this method.
Brilliant.
Thank you. What a great time saver.
Good fundamental concept 👍
This is Great! I'm teaching the metalworking meritbadge to some scouts in my area and I was trying to find a super simple cheap way to get tongs. The ones I use are rebar, but I like the flat bar design better.
That's great that you are doing that - let me know if there is any way that I can help.
DF - In The Shop just keep making awesome videos! I learn a lot from them, and I can teach better because of it.
Dennis, I really appreciate all of the videos that you make. You do an excellent job at teaching in simple terms, so that I've been able to understand and apply at the anvil. Thank you!
Thanks - it's all about getting started and wanting to be out in the shop
Really liked your wire "calipers"! This little technique would be useful in any place where you need to extract a reasonable measurement, let's say from a pipe or shaft diameter that you can hardly reach or have no access to the ends. Lots of possibilities here.
Quick and dirty. Excellent.
well done think you explained well I was actually expecting to see the simple bolted together and twisted bits they always show or demonstrate in old blacksmithing books oh well maybe next time thanks for the video
I try to put other approaches out there as much as I can. Anyway these tongs will outperform the twisted type all day long.
I think that's the type I was thinking of as well (anvilfire.com/iForge/tutor.php?lesson=jd_tongs/demo). Link for anyone interested.
But there is some (other) useful information on this page.
nice tutorial. I would have thought to weld the overlap but the rivet was a good idea too
Most people starting out don't have a welder or a descent vise. This option can be made even if you have no experience and just a hammer and a block of steel for an anvil.
Great video...thanks! 👍
Hi Dennis, love your video's and this one was very interesting on another way to make some tongs.
Excellent video. Well done.
This video helped all I have is a peace of railroad iron and a antique coal forge. Lol
Very Clever!!
That was...interesting. A good example that there is more than one right way to do this. I'm puzzled by the folded jaws, since simply flattening the jaws would be simple, and equally effective. But who am I to argue, if it works?
Your commentary was pretty good. Forgot to put that in the original comment.
Folding the ends gives you the width you need for jaws without reducing the cross section. Hammering down the jaws would give you much lighter weaker jaws.
Butt ugly dosen't come close but they are simple and do work. Thanks for the upload.
Can you possibly make a video on brands of machinery you use, such as anvils, sanders, etc.
Good video Dennis.
Nice work!
Great video as always. How do you estimate just how much offset will work when you're doing the s-bend/set-down for the boss?
I just make it a little longer than the bar is wide but you do have a lot of room with this design. I would also suggest not making pairs. forge a bunch of half tongs and match them up latter. try to make them as accurately as possible just for practice but assemble the ones that look good together.
i love your videos,could you make a video of making a touchmark stamp ?
..Thanks Mr Denis !! You have inspired me. now which pile do i have that 3/4"x1/4" in...
wow, this is what im supposed to do with my life!
Good
that's the way to think outside of the box :-)
I dunno, I don't think they're that ugly. I think with a few slight changes it would actually look really nice
That's great. My job is to give you ideas so you can build what you need for your shop.
I was thinking that they look like drawing tongs/pliers for pulling wire through a draw plate. www.amazon.com/Serrated-Jewelry-Drawplate-Best-Supply/dp/B01M2CDVRT/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1481948467&sr=8-3&keywords=wire+draw+plier+tong a classic heavy duty ugly tool.
Can you make a boot knife
Is there any seminar or workshop? Here at the Philippines??
Thank you sir
I live in Canada
Can you tell me if i cut the blanks out with a cutting torch would it hut the metal for the tongs
It won't damage the steel but you will need to grind away any slag or torch cuts before you start forging because the rough edge could from cold shuts that will weaken the cross section.
I have a request IF it has not already been done, horse shoes please.
How would I approach making those calipers?
can this be mild steel? I really don't have access to a lot of high carbon stuff except for online purchases.
These tongs ( actually all my tongs ) are made from hot rolled mild steel.
can you give me some advice for a first time smith
No problem - what are you having trouble with?
Curious if using rebar for tongs is good/bad/indifferent?
You've probably learned in the last two years' time, but salvaged rebar can be iffy for tongs. Occasionally you'll have some high or mid carbon rebar, and if you quench those tongs to cool them... snap. I stick with known mild steel for tongs.
David Tauriainen I did figure out the *snap* part of your description! Haha thanks for replying! (Sorry, different account logged on. This is Rick97266)
you skipped how you mated the tongs together ...ty
For these tongs I just bolted them together. There is no real fitting going on. They are really just meant to be used until you can make a better pair. I've shown in my other videos how to adjust for the bar sock so I didn't bother doing that here.
thanks great vids......
god, those are ugly........... I love them
First tong video i thought i could actually do...lol
Those are damn ugly pair of tongs but this is a truly interesting lesson about aproaching any kind of situation in a way that will get the job done.
other than that, in this particular case, maybe adapting an old pair of pliers/knipers/tongs/articulated tool for grabbing or cutting stuff, cold or using the forge, could provide a better tool overall with less effort at least you have the hinge/boss area and handles, just need to adapt the jaws and afterthat replace the rivet.
Liviu e but then you don't get practice and learn how to forge symmetrical bits and bosses, to slit and drift, to customize the bits to fit the stock, etc... It's about the process of becoming a better smith who can make his or her tools at will when needed. Instant gratification in this arena leads to a person who might use a forge and anvil but isn't really a smith.
Louis Lestini I agree and i said it, is an interesting lesson about different approach about solving an issue BUT it is also about being creative and do whatever necessary to solve the problem...from this perspective using an old tool is just anither effective and simple alternative, that is my point.
as far as learning techniques and using tools, is true but for me in this particular case, seems like scratching left ear with right hand that meaning this solution is allmos as difficult as making a proper pair of tongs from flatstock or even round stock...
anyway, for me personally the beauty is in thinking little different than obvious ways which is a good exercise for a blacksmith.
Liviu e I absolutely can't disagree with you! Creativity is the smith's best tool. But, seriously, one could use the very basic technique to make much more effective (and attractive tongs). You could forge weld the bit to one solid piece and then shape it as you desire or you could square up the bit instead of bending it and create a bit that wraps around the work piece. I think it is a great place to start for tong making...easy and upgradeable.
Ne pas confondre bricoler et véritablement forger.Ca ne s'improvise pas, ça s'apprend.Cette vidéo regroupe tout les défauts.
adds suck remove them
they are really ugly ..... but heyy if it works 😃
They work just as well as Real Tongs. I had a solid grip on the square bar I forged out - no problems at all