homemade forge tools

[J.McDonald Knives]

i was wondering, how do you make the stud for the homemade tongs that you use for a hinge? im was just thinking that after i make them just line them up and drill a hole thru both pieces and put a bolt and aircraft nut as the hinge.

 

[Elleipein]

a bolt will work. Or you could make a rivet, or you could make your own bolt.

I would just use a Bolt from a store and a washer.

 

[J.McDonald Knives]

cool. thanks Elleipein.

 

[scottickes]

I pierced mine hot with a hole tool that I had made. I then just used a bolt and nut. I tack welded the nut after I had it to the tightness (or looseness) that I wanted so that the tongs worked freely without being sloppy.

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

I drill the hole and make a rivet from 3/8 mild steel. If it ever gets a little sloppy, a few hammer blows tightens it right up. Making tongs is fun.Be sure and use only mild steel.The stuff at Home Depot is fine.
A good source for pre-made tongs is from Ozark Mountain Blacksmith Supply. Tom Clark's Tom Tongs are top rate. He regularly has buy one get one free. I highly recommend his "U" tongs for flat bar forging.
http://www.ozarkschool.com/cgi-bin/shopper.cgi?search=action&category=T000&keywords=all
Stacy