What kind of tongs? and other forging questions

Disco Stu · Jun 27, 2001

I just got a forge last week (it's a really nice propane deal) and now I need something to grab those hot pieces of steel outta the fire. What kind of tongs should I buy and from where? I need something with a long reach as coming within a foot of the forge burns all of the hair off my arms. No, seriously. It's already happened.

Also, what kind of safety equipment should I have? Goggles? Gloves?

Is a 3 pound hammer enough weight?

Are there any good books out there on forging?

Thanks,
Disco Stu

Dangus · Jun 26, 2001

3 pound hammer may even be too much. I do all my swords with a 3 pound for the first bit of hard working, and then finish with a smaller 1.5 pound cross-peen...

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I twist the facts until they tell the truth. -Some intellectual sadist

The Bill of Rights is a document of brilliance, a document of wisdom, and it is the ultimate law, spoken or not, for the very concept of a society that holds liberty above the desire for ever greater power. -Me

Gwinnydapooh · Jun 26, 2001

I'm not really a bladesmith yet but I really prefer a full face shield to goggles. I don't know if it's really much more protection, probably not considering how thin my face shield is, but I find it a lot less annoying. Also I tend to take goggles off, set them down, and spend half an hour finding them.

Bugs3x · Jun 26, 2001

I'm pretty sure I recall recent thread on exactly the same subject.

I suggest you do a search on tongs, and welding.

One thing I do know, is that some bladesmiths weld a long bar of iron/steel to the billet/bearing they're forging. Like 3' plus. This enables them to keep a safe, and comfortable distance from the forge itself.

Also, am sure I recall the other thread with teh same object had some posts containing blacksmith supply outfits. So, you could use a search engine for that. I like 1blink.com, and I know quite a lot of folks favor Google.com.

Hope this helps,

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Asi es la vida

Bugs

Nikk · Jun 26, 2001

Now that you have a forge,make the tongs yourself! You'll learn a lot making most of your own tools. There are lots of good books. Try your public library, amazon.com and anvilfire.com. Good luck!

Bruce Bump · Jun 26, 2001

You can buy those big horse hoof trimmers at antique stores in the tool section. They look like long handled side cutter pliers but the snippers are turned straight as if they could cut the head off a nail. I dont know the right name for them evidently. Anyway just cut the snips off and weld on any special ends you like. The handles may be lengthened also. I use a small sqirrel cage fan that blows the hot air away from the door of the forge. Its like an air dam. I can reach into it at welding heat with short sleeves on.

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ABS Journeyman Smith, Bruce D Bump

Dangus · Jun 27, 2001

Why cut them off when you can flatten them out?

Disco Stu · Jun 27, 2001

That's a good idea Bruce. I'll have to try that. The singed arm hairs look worse than the bald spots from testing edges.

BTW, I think I will try to make my own tongs. It should be good practice on some scrap steel before I start banging on my good toolsteel.

Gwinnydapooh · Jun 27, 2001

I believe those are called "nippers." Go to the local flea market and you can get several pairs for a buck or two.

I like the welded handle idea, but I don't have a welder so I still have to get it heated for a forge weld to do so.

Bruce Evans · Jun 27, 2001

Centaur Forge has everything you could possiably want and then some.But when you look at there prices you will really decide to head for the flea markets and junk stores around town first.Also watch for estste sales that are in the country and you might be suprised at what you will find.Making the tongs yourself is very gratifying also...
Now about the hair on your arm---You are a knife maker and we ain't supposed to have any arm hair since we always shave it off

Just watch out for the hot scale and Borax as it does tend to burn pretty good,But you will get used to it after awhile and people will think you are crazy as the sparks bounce off you and you don't even flinch.
The fan in front if the door is a definate must,and a long handle or long tongs are also needed for gas forges.
Another good place to find supplies and forging tools is the local scrap metal yard,just ask if you can go pilfer through there piles of junk and you will be suprised at the stuff you will find.
Bruce

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Bruce Evans Handcrafted Knives
The soul of the Knife begins in the Fire!!!!!
Member of,AKTI#A000223 and The American Bladesmith Society