Blade Forging Equipment

[MilliePop]

Hey guys I don't have the funds yet but would just like to get an idea of what equipment/hardware/gear is needed in your typical bladesmithing shop. I wanna keep things as basic, simple and essential as possible.

I eventually plan on getting a NC Knifemaker's Forge. Obviously need an anvil, hammer, tong and gloves but what specifics and brands do you recommend?

Also what kind of stucture/shelter is needed?

Don't be afraid to get into specifics with lengthy responses. I enjoy reading. Any and all tips and input is welcomed and greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

[sunshadow]

plenty of ventilation
Anvils I reccommend HayBudden or Peter Wright.. Peddinghaus makes great hammers to get started the Sears straight pein engineer hammer is not bad for a cheap chinese made hammer, harbor freight hammers suck

-Page

 

[12345678910]

Have you read this book?

http://www.amazon.com/Complete-Bladesmith-Forging-Your-Perfection/dp/0873644301


The 50$ knife shop may give you some ideas on setting up with shop made , or make do equipment...
(but ignore -the heat treat methods and goop quench, forget about lawnmower blades and buy good known steel, do cable damascus after you have much more experience with forging and basic laminated damascus...)


See a preview of them here
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=603203



This book is good for basic hot shop setup-there is a new edition that is very cheap

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1592532519/ref=olp_product_details?ie=UTF8&me=&seller=

 

[NStricker]

You can likely build your own forge for a lot less than buying one. The money you save you can put toward a good quality anvil.

 

[hathegkla]

Have you read this book?

tp://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/510EW3t8IOL._BO2,204,203.jpg[/IMG]

http://www.amazon.com/Complete-Bladesmith-Forging-Your-Perfection/dp/0873644301


The 50$ knife shop may give you some ideas on setting up with shop made , or make do equipment...
(but ignore -the heat treat methods and goop quench, forget about lawnmower blades and buy good known steel, do cable damascus after you have much more experience...)


See a preview of them here
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=603203



This book is relly good for basic hot shop setup

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1592532519/ref=olp_product_details?ie=UTF8&me=&seller=

+1 for the complete bladesmith. just ignore his section about edge packing and sub critical forging and you'll be in good shape.

 

[Hesparus]

I was in the same boat as you with regards to keeping costs and equipment low. Here's what I did:

Tim Lively washtub forge:
$20 for 5 gallon washtub
$10 for a black steel pipe for the tuere (I capped the other end with aluminum foil and wire)
$10 for a hair dryer
$3 for sand (for adobe)
$3 for kitty litter (for adobe)

Anvil:
$4 for 80lbs concrete
$4 for 5 gallon bucket
$25 for 30lb dumbell

Tools:
$15 for stanley 2.5lb german blacksmith hammer
$9 for nicholson file
$10 for mild steel to make tongs
$3 for steel brush
$20 for hacksaw
$5 for safety glasses

(see pictures of my setup here)
I forge outside on the ground, then move my gear under cover when not in use.

- Chris

 

[Dmitry.M]

It may sound a bit rough but I would recommend to start with basic charcoal forge, some anvil, hammer and pliers. First what you must do is to forge all tongs you can imagine from the rebar stock.
You will get plenty of experience and good amount of tools for the cost of rebar.
From that point you may start to collect more tools. But you will know what you need.
At some point I stopped bying tools. I make them.