hammers and tongs

[Evan Martin]

alright got I got to give forging a try as far as hammers and tongs what just what really give me all the info you got will the ten dollar hammers work or do I absolutely need better and I have heard the janzt thirty dollar tongs such where can I find good equipment at a fair price

 

[Will Leavitt]

Here's some links on how to make your own tongs, should be able to get the steel just about anywhere including lowes, home despot... it's also good smithing practice

http://www.blksmth.com/tong_article.htm

http://www.instructables.com/id/Make-steel-Forging-Tongs/

I use some HF hammers that I've dressed the faces on.

 

[Evan Martin]

thanks will I thought about that the hammers just grind them flat and clean them up and those HF hammers need it bad

 

[DAMNENG]

Try these, you can add on guides, heat and bend them to get them where you want them.
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=38598
At $14 for two pair, its real hard to beat. You will need to cut the cushion grips back so they aren't so close to the hot end or they will burn and they don't smell real good.

Jim Arbuckle

 

[Evan Martin]

does anyone have any where else to buy hammers and tongs for bladesmiths

 

[RUJOCO]

Try : w.w.w.gstongs.com

Prices are resonable and good looking stuff.

 

[COAL CREEK FORGE]

I've always found some really good deal's at Flea market's and yard sale's ocasionally at the weekly sale barn

 

[A C Richards]

Might try this outfit. http://www.blacksmithsupply.com/catalog.aspx?Merchant=Blacksmith_Supply&DeptID=146746

There prices are at the $30 level for tongs and hammer also. Not bad for a set nice tongs and decent hammers. The hammer can make a huge difference in your work. I would recommend getting the best hammer you can afford. Skimping will only be frustrating. I know, someone uses the $5 HF cheapo's and they work fine. Once you get gong and use someones quality hammer the difference is just plain staggering. My personal favorite is one one of Ed Caffrey's angle peens. A bit more expensinve ($125) but worth the investment.