Tongs for swordmaking?

[SBranson]

I'm trying to find a good set of tongs for making Japanese style swords. I recently worked on a wakizashi and I always have trouble controlling it while forging the middle part. The ends are easy as I hold onto the opposite end of the sword but it's too hot for the middle and I end up making hammering mistakes.

I use these, OC blade tongs but I find that the shape of the "grip" causes pieces too thick to rotate and fall out.

I have been looking at CJ Forge, specifically the flat box jaw tongs but at sizes set to 1/8" increments, I am having trouble deciding which sizes.
http://www.cjpatterns.com/mm5/merch...reen=PROD&Category_Code=TFB&Product_Code=1204

Also contemplating GS Tongs, specifically the Blade Tongs but I'm not sure how well they will work for longer pieces.
http://www.gstongs.com/id9.html

Any other great ideas? Maybe I just need a better glove?

I'm not really into making my own.. I just don't have time and it's way more economical for me to pay someone else with more skill.

Thanks.

 

[Brian Ayres]

I'd e-mail Glenn at GS Tongs and ask if he can make you a set of his blade tongs that are offset for longer blades?

 

[SBranson]

That's a good idea. I am still hesitant about a design that is set for a specific thickness of material. If the material gets thinner then I either have to have a death grip on the tongs or the piece flops around. Can anyone corroborate my suspicions with GS tongs? It's the main problem with the OC blade tongs.

 

[Cody Hofsommer]

Sam is making some good stuff. I'm sure he could set you up. As far as the tongs coming in 1/8" increments, they are easy to adjust. Heat them up, grab the size stock that you want them to fit, light hammer blows on the jaws while holding the size stock you want the to fit... If the reins get to close, more heat, hold the jaws with the stock you want in the vice and open the reins up a little. If you look there should be lots of info adjusting tongs. They really not that hard to make.... If you know how!! It's really good forging practice. Bumping, drawing, punching( I drill) bending...it's all there.

 

[Sam Salvati]

Stuart, bolt tongs will give you good control, ideally you'll want to grab the end (tang or tip) then use tong rings to lock the tongs on, makes it act pretty much like a longer bar. The blade tongs from GS ROCK, I also make a version of his tongs that are a little more stout.

One pair can hold usually a 1/4" larger or smaller then what it is set for and multiple thicknesses, as well as odd shapes.

Box tongs are $hit, all around, they are for very specific material dimensions and very specific processes and once you are out of that dimension they are the worst.

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

I like Z-box tongs for swords. You can work whatever section you wish with good control. No need to grip the blade a couple feet away from where you want to work.

 

[SBranson]

Thanks.. I'm rethinking my thoughts on this..

Maybe the Z-box tongs work better because the wings are longer and parallel..? Similar to the OC blade tongs but the OC ones with the multi-function jaws and the almost diamond shaped hole cause my work to twist while I'm hammering.

It's this twist I'm trying to avoid.. I have a really crappy set of box jaws and had liked using them (until they broke) hence my attraction to the design. Add to that, that Walter Sorrells uses them so I figured there was some real world experience..

Hmmm.

Thanks for the ideas and thoughts guys.

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

The Z-box tongs allow the blade to be gripped farther up than just the tang. If properly matched as to blade width and thickness, they offer a rock solid grip that won't twist or slip.
For gripping by the tang, I use U-box tongs.

 

[stabber]

How bout the Tom Tongs? They are the best gripping style for regular work, Not sure if they would be suitable for long sword type material?

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

Tom Tongs Z-box forging tongs ...that is what I am talking about. ( Tom Tongs isn't a shape, it is a maker).