Basic tools needed for forging?

[BChou-E29]

Hey guys. This is a question for all the bladesmiths here. I've been really wanting to start forging for some time now, primarily hawks and maybe some knives. However, I'm not sure what kinda tools are needed. An anvil is kinda given but I'm not sure what kinda hammer and tongs I need...wolf jaw, cross peen, etc.. So my question is... what are the basic tools one needs for forging?

 

[sunshadow]

I start my students out with an anvil and a sears cross pein

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00938262000P?prdNo=24&blockNo=24&blockType=G24

It's a cheap hammer and it needs facing and polishing when you get it, but it is heavy enough to move metal, has a nice handle and if you break the head they will exchange it at the store for a new one (ask me how I know)

I always have at least two around the shop

the second hammer I usually have them get is a 2 pound straight pein

http://www.centaurforge.com/Centaur-H-133-2-Pound-Straight-Pein-Hammer/productinfo/H133/

I personally use a 4 pound straight pein for almost everything these days, that one was an auction find.

I have a 3 kilo straight pein for seriously moving metal, but I usually have my apprentice swing that one now

Of course you need a forge and a pair of pickup tongs. there are thousands of preferances on those, I modify antique tongs to what I need for specific things, I also have a pair of Centaur wolf jaws, and two box jaws

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[Steve Randall]

I agree a cross pein hammer is a must. tongs basically something you can hold onto you stock with. if you are going to make hawks a drift will help.....steve

 

[Mr. Bad Example]

I start my students out with an anvil and a sears cross pein

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00938262000P?prdNo=24&blockNo=24&blockType=G24

It's a cheap hammer and it needs facing and polishing when you get it, but it is heavy enough to move metal, has a nice handle and if you break the head they will exchange it at the store for a new one (ask me how I know)


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Pardon the hijack, but how does one properly "face and polish" the Craftsman crosspeen (one of which I have just recently acquired but not yet had the opportunity to use) for 'smithing use? Thanks!

 

[sunshadow]

Pardon the hijack, but how does one properly "face and polish" the Craftsman crosspeen (one of which I have just recently acquired but not yet had the opportunity to use) for 'smithing use? Thanks!

The first step is to grind the face to almost flat (slightly domed) across the entire width of the face, then "break the corners" meaning round all of the edges so that they do not leave sharp bottomed dents in your metal if you happen to catch an edge, then polish it as smooth and shiny as possible, an any irregularity in the hammer face will print itself on your metal

while you are at it break and polish the pein end as well

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[BChou-E29]

Yeah forgot about the drift. So the general consensus is that the cross pein is a good general purpose hammer? Also, I suppose box jaw tongs are more limited to use with flat stock while wolf jaw tongs are again more general purpose? Sorry if I have it all wrong, this is kinda confusing