Tongs ??

Joined
Apr 7, 1999
Messages
212
I have just recieved a propane forge and am looking for some tongs and don't know where to look and what to look for other than flat jaws. So if any of you could lead me in the right direction I would be greatful..
Thanks, Steve
 
Steve,

Fire that forge up and make some. www.anvilfire.com has some good tutorials on tong making and its good practice.
I've made several sets these last few years, because I've found I need different tongs for different size steels and for the different tasks in forging and heat treating. Short handles 12- 15" for forging
and I like 24-30" handles for heat treating , because it help keep me from the fire I get, when quenching. Old jack handles make good tongs but the old screw handle for jacks work better for me there not as thick. Just have fun doing it and before long you'll be able to make a set pretty darn quick.
If you still want to buy, E-bay under blacksmith tools usually has several listed. Anvilfire has several places listed that you can buy from also.
Good Luck and happy Forging
Bill
 
I recomend buying your first pair.
pliers get realy hot.

I'd like to keep my arm hair for other uses


I use wolf jaws,(but then I don't always forge knives)
 
Another question if I could please.

How many forgers/smiths weld bars onto the steel they'll be forging, instead of using tongs? Are those bars usually made from some particular steel?
 
Thanks guys
I purchased the forge to heat treat my blades maybe someday I will forge one out, So who sells them and whats a good price?

Steve45
 
Hi Steve,

You can try flea markets, though that's hit 'n miss. I passed on 3 pairs about 8 months ago at $10 each. Also, try the yellow pages and look for Farriers (horse shoe guys) or possible tack shops.

Hope this helps,

Mike
 
Offcenter Forge makes my favorite tongs. I use one of his v-bit, modified into a v-box, they are light and well made. Check on the anvilfire site for a link to some of the suppliers that carry them.

If you use a set of Offcenter tongs you'll let all those ebay tongs go to the collectors.

When I make damascus i use a pece of mild steel flat bar welded to a piece of pipe for the handle, some guys use rebar, it doesn't really matter because the weld and handle get cut off.

I forged a file recently by mashing a piece of tubing from a bike frame onto the tang of the file.
 
Steve, you might take a look at Centaur Forge, www.centaurforge.com they have a lot of tongs and other stuff. Hardcopy catalog also, phone 800-666-9175. They are good to deal with.

Like a couple of others have said, I've found some used ones at bargin prices in junk / antique shops.
 
I have an unnessisarily large selection of tongs, but like MikeS has found, when I am quenching large blades such as katana and wakisashi I prefer to jam the tang into a piece of flattened tube. This gives much better control than tongs.
 
Thanks for the info guys I will check out centaurforge out and then maybe I can put my channel-locks back in the tool bag...
Thanks again
S45
 
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