It's official, I've been bitten by the forging bug!

[A.McPherson]

So last week I went over to Tom Lewis' house and watched him forge some San Mai. He then taught me how to forge a Brute D'forge knife, which I did with some success, with a bit of assistance from Tom.

I've since tried some forging on my own and it's pretty dang fun! My first project?

Tong tong-tong tong tongs(yeah you know the song!!!)

So, let me see your tongs!!!

I'll show you mine if you show me yours!!!

Pics to follow!


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[Matt Rochester]

I have been doing stock removal for a little while now and have started trying to round up an anvil. I have a lead on a few so we will see how that turns out. I have a few local fellas that get together on Friday nights and forge so I believe I'm going to stop in one night and check them out. I'm not planning on forging as my main way of making knives but I do want to learn. It will also be a useful skill around the farm.

I also plan on heading down state to Jason Knight's place for some instruction and classes once I get a little experience. I shared a booth with him a while back and he was very nice and very knowledgable.

 

[Tom Lewis]

A. McPherson, I have never made tongs and have the greatest respect for those who do make them. You may need to go ahead and show yours to get others to post pictures.

 

[A.McPherson]

Oh I will! I just haven't been home long enough to go snap pics yet.
I found a couple really good videos on YouTube that explain the process pretty well. I'll probably just drill the holes, as I don't have a Pritchett? Hole and an appropriate punch....

Pics as promised!

First attempt, accidentally cut the end about halfway through, fell off while forging the other end.

Second attempt, so far so good!

Forged out the "reins" a bit so I could get enough length to not burn my hands while working with no tongs.

Half way through forging the second end. It got to dark, and I was too tired to continue last night so I went to bed.

I hope to get to work on 'em a little tomorrow, but I've got jury duty tomorrow, hopefully I don't get selected, so I can get on with it!!!

 

[A.McPherson]

Ok! They are done! My first object forged all by my little lonesome! My forge, home made anvil and crappy modified hammers!
Yes, I know they look like crap, but they work!

Yeah, the riveting leaves much to be desired. I tried to kinda wing it, but I really need some better accessories to hot rivet things...

Anyway, thanks for looking!

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

Cut of the excess rivet and work the nub with a ball peen.

 

[Tom Lewis]

Thanks for the pictures, having never made any tongs, I am impressed.

 

[A.McPherson]

Thanks Tom! Brian Baezel(sp?) on you tube has a great video on how to make them. I think I could probably make a WAY better set if I went at it again, which I'm sure I will at some point!

Stacy, I plan on it. I "finished" them last night and was just too tried to deal with it! Lol!


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