Tool recommendations for new smith.

B

barnett25

Joined
Sep 18, 2008
Messages
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I am getting ready to attend a knife forging class and need some advice on what tools to purchase to take with me. I do plan on doing some forging at home down the road, so I want decent tools, but right now price is also a big deal. There are 4 tools I have been told are recommended to bring.

1. Hammer
I understand about 24oz is good to start with, but all I can find locally are 3-4lbs.

2. Tongs
I was hoping to just get one set for now, is there a good universal design?

3. Files
What files should I have at a minimum?

4. Apron
I assume any leather apron would work, but does anyone have any recommendations?

I am looking to purchase these online, but the class is in about 2 weeks, so I need someplace that ships pretty quickly.
 
I started with a 3 # hammer then bought a 4 # hammer. Then I bought another identical 4# hammer and cut the face of one side with an angle grinder to make an angle peen. I use them all regularly.

I was getting by with a big (10" or 11") pair of linesman pliers until today, about 10 months. I finally made a set of tongs out of some rebar. As for the type, you'll want ones that will hold the material you will forge. I would go with duck-bill, I think they're called, for holding flat stock in 3/16" or 1/4".

I picked up a variety pack of regular sized files and another variety pack of needle files. A couple or three chainsaw files couldn't hurt as well.

I wear clothes that are expendable when I forge
 
As Rusty said, safety glasses. Ive had an ember actually land in my tearduct when I removed my goggles to clean them. Had a blister for about 3 weeks because it wouldnt heal due me blinking! Now I only remove my goggles when Im facing away from the forge.
I dont actually wear an apron, I just wear a cotton shirt, never been burnt.

I would suggest checking you local tool shops, antique shops and flea markets, yard sales are good too (if they are anything like the british car boot sales). Nearly all my tools are second hand and most were dirt cheap. The most money I have spent on a hammer was £2.

Tongs can be costly so just get the type 69 knives mentioned for now then search ebay and junk shops etc.

Jamie
 
Thanks for the great info! I already have welding gloves and safety glasses and I will be sure to take them with me. One other quick question. I know any hammer I get needs to be dressed, but what should it look like when it's done? Should it be almost flat with just the corners radiused, or should it have a pronounced crown?
 
Depends what your gonna do with it,Acrown with a sight radius will move metal in all directions,almost flat will flatten out your other hammer marks. to start a nice crown is good also dress the face because any dings and dents in the hammer face will transfer to your work surface.
Stan
 
I guess I was a little off in my terminology.

These are the ones I made on the weekend... I made them to hold the 3/16" material I use a lot of.

The closest model on blacksmith depot are called 'Flat Bit' tongs.

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Dont over look saftey equipment , glasses /goggles gloves . Garage sales pawn shops some times have great deals. All the good stuff is gone when I show up but my neighbour had a garage sale this year and I hit the jack pot got a simmons 3x9 scope and a bushnel 30x spotting scope for 10 bucks both almost new lol.
 
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