tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-47559576708722942112024-02-20T05:56:16.654-05:00Hammer and TongsHammer and Tongs provides inspiration, instruction and art from our studio at Ridgeway ForgePatrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11264778106591873867noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4755957670872294211.post-27738344906487542882021-01-04T18:20:00.002-05:002021-01-04T18:21:54.252-05:00Blacksmithing 101: How to Build a Coal Forge<h3 style="text-align: left;"> Blacksmithing 101: How to Build a Coal Forge</h3><p><br /></p><p>Building a coal forge is a very simple task. With a few basic tools and minimal material cost, you will be burning a healthy fire in a few hours.</p><p>A coal forge needs just a few things:</p><p>1. An inflammable table top</p><p>2. A 4-6" deep pot to hold the heart of the fire</p><p>3. Airflow to inside the pot</p><p><br /></p><p>This is the basis of a coal forge. Manufactured coal forges are heavy cast iron firepots, with a T-shaped pipe underneath to let the ashes fall straight down and provide airflow, either from a mechanical blower or a hand-powered blower.</p><p><br /></p><p>I began my new forge by cutting 2x4s to around 36" tall, with the sides being measured by eye. I then screwed it all together with a battery powered drill until I had the basics of my table.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjJSPijqPICH3eR6B7cu34KTcjji_KrQoZgau3jWNGV6rnvqfbGNe1aHmPzlqRE5JRFeGzI88f3gIlxUqkSeLlnjf_mGiKfoXlRrmcqxv5WIW8fWGhAi-P8nuRG8RfN_E7zsrQcgNbGXS-/s2048/20210104_114154.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjJSPijqPICH3eR6B7cu34KTcjji_KrQoZgau3jWNGV6rnvqfbGNe1aHmPzlqRE5JRFeGzI88f3gIlxUqkSeLlnjf_mGiKfoXlRrmcqxv5WIW8fWGhAi-P8nuRG8RfN_E7zsrQcgNbGXS-/s320/20210104_114154.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Because I use an antique Champion 400 blower and Whirlwind firepot, I added a 4x4 with bracing to the far right corner.<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe24DP_QfJSpcEMf817wF0D-Lo6eIw-qsyzKi3YmGv_xBuncgkifKacoQduCDSzIvyeQ6w6FbQrcV_wEz1_WuCMNLrO3RAHS012lVQ1BEbeI-l9sMzEdqD9zOVaJSln2uJZedX3DdfGJPf/s2048/20210104_125311.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe24DP_QfJSpcEMf817wF0D-Lo6eIw-qsyzKi3YmGv_xBuncgkifKacoQduCDSzIvyeQ6w6FbQrcV_wEz1_WuCMNLrO3RAHS012lVQ1BEbeI-l9sMzEdqD9zOVaJSln2uJZedX3DdfGJPf/s320/20210104_125311.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The blower is attached to the 4x4, which is braced laterally and diagonally to the forge body. Its strong enough to hold the 75lbs blower assembly.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I then cut notches in the wood along the short side, about 5/8" deep and wide, in which I inlaid two bars of square stock 5/8".</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOny2Qx7U5vSV1gXc7bdJPwzkgV4UFC-ene1q4d3Y-qab5i9gUMrYXw_YcFQExnJtwJtn898RRtDzjhDCnipWuVMDLyaAFBmqHME-WAIFWmdGEGyGOi4ssluxbw0DIV8wIkLMWf07sc5KD/s2048/20210104_130633.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOny2Qx7U5vSV1gXc7bdJPwzkgV4UFC-ene1q4d3Y-qab5i9gUMrYXw_YcFQExnJtwJtn898RRtDzjhDCnipWuVMDLyaAFBmqHME-WAIFWmdGEGyGOi4ssluxbw0DIV8wIkLMWf07sc5KD/s320/20210104_130633.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The firepot sits on these two bars of square steel, which keeps the heat away from the wood. Soaking the wood in dissolved borax can also help mitigate any danger of fire.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The next step is to cut and install sheet metal for the table top, making sure that nothing is galvanized or painted. I then set in the firepot, and the forge is ready for its inaugural fire.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy8aHbFWU1VL1cLb6w9rgd7lEUcAMe2vJyfOLYkcaTxUknq-T-yGOKV3pUJPUW-F1peDc3mUOvoJ_895spfp-cojg621aLC9WVIPLFi-d7LIuQuzFdjGPP5ZjM__T5mwV5XAVqiO-rVGQo/s2048/20210104_141050.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy8aHbFWU1VL1cLb6w9rgd7lEUcAMe2vJyfOLYkcaTxUknq-T-yGOKV3pUJPUW-F1peDc3mUOvoJ_895spfp-cojg621aLC9WVIPLFi-d7LIuQuzFdjGPP5ZjM__T5mwV5XAVqiO-rVGQo/s320/20210104_141050.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Cutting the sheet steel</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhno_mb7yz2C2HAcC7iMDQIKFDZ8TbGrmdQq6cr6_WnmeFTeEYh20bPl8q99LN7bEkDe_oun2A9F4K_2jJTd-NuUMaQ10fY2Hy4bcX3lOM2x4ReiD8ajJM4h269KxKWM3ZyhFxKdgEA9AT_/s2048/20210104_151938.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhno_mb7yz2C2HAcC7iMDQIKFDZ8TbGrmdQq6cr6_WnmeFTeEYh20bPl8q99LN7bEkDe_oun2A9F4K_2jJTd-NuUMaQ10fY2Hy4bcX3lOM2x4ReiD8ajJM4h269KxKWM3ZyhFxKdgEA9AT_/s320/20210104_151938.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Forge is all set up!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy6wZr5xyXy6iI1VNodYimAjSbZLTdo6xeeNsQJklr3DLJBUHoNk6PQwKnqXS9zUD1hPCVUm3ISoKrk4aWFJL-8H8ogKYafraFZz1jMWYrxeL74H580ZStFmbe7SaxGMtF9NrZDkFOGSUM/s2048/20210104_151957.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy6wZr5xyXy6iI1VNodYimAjSbZLTdo6xeeNsQJklr3DLJBUHoNk6PQwKnqXS9zUD1hPCVUm3ISoKrk4aWFJL-8H8ogKYafraFZz1jMWYrxeL74H580ZStFmbe7SaxGMtF9NrZDkFOGSUM/s320/20210104_151957.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The top is now fireproof, ready for the first fire.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">That is all it takes to build a forge. Just four 2x4s, some sheet steel, screws, nails and a whole lot of fun!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Happy Hammering!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ridgeway Forge Studio</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Instagram: @Ridgeway_forge </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHtHJuCSxmk6hyoj8Mku1rPnLOZR4fxgxlLKSwwyNYifpFFk9Z_euuNENWESvItu95LtgTj4L-YeAC3OCOPKzR6wTC_sIowHkNVzfb5E0vcaPKD13ZlV5xufKinUgOwQbyWHn98iSIMepw/s527/IMG_20210102_180402_822.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="527" data-original-width="527" height="189" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHtHJuCSxmk6hyoj8Mku1rPnLOZR4fxgxlLKSwwyNYifpFFk9Z_euuNENWESvItu95LtgTj4L-YeAC3OCOPKzR6wTC_sIowHkNVzfb5E0vcaPKD13ZlV5xufKinUgOwQbyWHn98iSIMepw/w189-h189/IMG_20210102_180402_822.jpg" width="189" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /> </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Patrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11264778106591873867noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4755957670872294211.post-55878286283348249792013-07-28T18:59:00.002-04:002021-01-03T09:35:18.001-05:00Blacksmithing 101: Beginner Tools<br />
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In this first instructional post of many, I seek to enlighten my dear readers, armchair blacksmiths and curious parties on the first step to starting your own forge. Once you begin, there is no turning back. The first forge fire you start creates a spark within you that is nearly impossible to kill. The love of mashing hot metal sticks with you forever. <br />
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Are you ready to begin? In that case, welcome, friend, to Blacksmithing 101: Beginner Tools. <br />
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<strong>Opening Remarks: </strong><br />
So, you've decided to build a forge and start hammering away! That is a good thing. You will not likely regret entering into an honored and age tested craft. Before you get any ideas of sword making, or making a million dollars off your metalwork, let me quench both ideas now. You will not make swords for a long time, if ever. <br />
Second, they say the only way to make $1 million at blacksmithing is to start with $2 million. <br />
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Now, this primer is about the tools you need to set up. It is the bare bones. I will list them in the order that I see fit. <br />
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<strong><u>#1 Forge</u></strong><br />
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A forge is a fire. There is nothing complicated about it. <br />
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You can have a fancy set up with a $500 firepot, or you can have a hole in the ground. Both work. I began in a campfire, fanned with a 5-gallon bucket lid. <br />
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A good start would be to acquire a brake-drum from an automobile, and set it up with some black pipe underneath. AVOID GALVANIZED METAL AROUND FIRE. It will kill you. (perhaps safety should have been first! Ah, water under the bridge, right?) <br />
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Let me show you a couple of different ways you can do things, if you feel inclined. <br />
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<strong>1) Purchase a pre-made forge</strong></div>
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Here is one I bought for $75 or so. It is a small rivet forges. These will typically run you about $100-300, depending on where you are. The pan is cast iron, and is freestanding. More on the blower later. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5PDmAaLEjkT_AKS19ox0serpyZ0x6qkyGNjqX13ZgaPzaHYaD2EgAP9oNQCdmLWntKyZ5qzIvxwmRdHqKqHMdOSo1odgZ4LOqGbNHcbsRFTbl6pYHRwEW1qxOICDP7spFfvJ2PKumayUj/s1600/photo_1.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5PDmAaLEjkT_AKS19ox0serpyZ0x6qkyGNjqX13ZgaPzaHYaD2EgAP9oNQCdmLWntKyZ5qzIvxwmRdHqKqHMdOSo1odgZ4LOqGbNHcbsRFTbl6pYHRwEW1qxOICDP7spFfvJ2PKumayUj/s320/photo_1.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Not my image. Please no one sue me. I'm not getting any money out of this.</span></div>
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<strong>2) Build a forge</strong></div>
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(photo from Ebay.com)</div>
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You can build a forge from a brake drum, piece of sheet steel, pile of cinder blocks, etc. etc.</div>
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This one below is build out of a wood frame with sheet metal as a top. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhESiY6hCTIegITw9d6qcAsqE1fuzd_hlTMGHlabvo6UwqDX4poOBfnKVxozWz6qV0ZChv-ka-hTDsU_IEite8G5Hdwfg0ztEQOzBhT433p9C7e7f4fWVIA9duNigZYL35I94Bn0iWMY_Kk/s1600/Wooden+Forge+2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhESiY6hCTIegITw9d6qcAsqE1fuzd_hlTMGHlabvo6UwqDX4poOBfnKVxozWz6qV0ZChv-ka-hTDsU_IEite8G5Hdwfg0ztEQOzBhT433p9C7e7f4fWVIA9duNigZYL35I94Bn0iWMY_Kk/s320/Wooden+Forge+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Not my image. Please no one sue me. I'm not getting any money out of this.</span></div>
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This was my first forge (below). It was a firepot set on top of a tower of firebricks. You could do the same with a brake drum or a steel baking sheet with a conical clay sculpture on top. You could even just use the firebricks to contain the fuel, if you wanted. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvKm4vasW67NFh61m78IUyRaZ7sMF7wnUSgBau4jBib-2l-iYQoG9h1214dpFczEa6Pe-3-sEQgSU8y2YEw1N0szCB0wmZGuEVpJdgGbzqhG_aIOBQkMMRbd9AK9DrvZkKuKstyFrSK2Jr/s1600/IMG_0082.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvKm4vasW67NFh61m78IUyRaZ7sMF7wnUSgBau4jBib-2l-iYQoG9h1214dpFczEa6Pe-3-sEQgSU8y2YEw1N0szCB0wmZGuEVpJdgGbzqhG_aIOBQkMMRbd9AK9DrvZkKuKstyFrSK2Jr/s320/IMG_0082.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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This is my current forge (under construction. Its going to star in its own post one day!) It is a wooden frame with fencing pickets to hold the firepot, and it will be covered with mortar on top of the fencing. It stands waist high, maybe a little lower. It is ideal for me. You will end up building and rebuilding until you find what works for you. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLfHjFjm6velQx41YUT-zizs-VpZe_CCZ_NA5VOO3dSOzG7pt16FUiAu7II0K-n_vrTIBo2grkEFBeziJw_HJBUjw6jdrlZkHB-EY5CMgEN-V4lbkAM8XOzFvkUZ1BCKGRKOur6eyYQ3qK/s1600/IMG_0007.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLfHjFjm6velQx41YUT-zizs-VpZe_CCZ_NA5VOO3dSOzG7pt16FUiAu7II0K-n_vrTIBo2grkEFBeziJw_HJBUjw6jdrlZkHB-EY5CMgEN-V4lbkAM8XOzFvkUZ1BCKGRKOur6eyYQ3qK/s320/IMG_0007.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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So, simple. Right? Yes. It is. </div>
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KISS - Keep it simple, stupid. (but, don't throw a chair at me for calling you stupid.) </div>
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<strong><u>#2 Blower</u></strong><br />
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While some may lump this with forges, I say they are two different things. <br />
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I will keep this section short; there is not too much to say. <br />
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You can use anything that pushed air. A vacuum, a hairdryer, a car heating fan, a centrifuge blower, a blowpipe with younger siblings, a 5-gallon bucket lid, etc. etc. <br />
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I use a Champion 400 Blower that I bought with the firepot for $175. Expect to pay at least $200 for a blower, depending on your area. I liked the hand-cranked, because it did not use Electricity. <br />
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Aw, its me in my younger years! Oh wait, there is a Champion 400 blower in there too! </div>
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So, whatever route you choose, a blower is just air getting to the fire, which is held in the forge. (so, it could be a pipe stuck in a hole in the ground or a fancy all in one bit.) <br />
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Fancy all-in-one bit on my forge that I bought: </div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Not my image. Please no one sue me. I'm not getting any money out of this.</span></div>
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<strong><u>#3 Anvil</u></strong><br />
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Nothing quite says "Blacksmith" than the shape of a London pattern anvil! Yet, what is an anvil, exactly? Dictionary.com says: "A heavy iron block with a smooth face".<br />
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So, does it have to look like this? <br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Not my image. Please no one sue me. I'm not getting any money out of this.</span></div>
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Nope. It does not. It can be a block. It can be a chunk. It can be a boulder. The earliest anvils were granite boulders. The London Pattern (seen above) is a useful tool, but you can get by with others, as well. </div>
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The following are anvils. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6ICLw4ZppgMQLjQgIji3WjSwgJ7aiNseYRXugQRA3wgDpOLEVwqPL7UTbsPKIammXqYogPAsLlQ1tKNi8NjTSSTdVphVmTjpqWWgy8B2PzfhmTEmbz6NaEBGE4mz2mQX-9vHbwwQxNrZz/s1600/IMG_0001.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6ICLw4ZppgMQLjQgIji3WjSwgJ7aiNseYRXugQRA3wgDpOLEVwqPL7UTbsPKIammXqYogPAsLlQ1tKNi8NjTSSTdVphVmTjpqWWgy8B2PzfhmTEmbz6NaEBGE4mz2mQX-9vHbwwQxNrZz/s320/IMG_0001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp63kHtUACSR2-ZoELOp2bW2FgEDJVuEh_piro-7QRDKt-DLQzVNmR1pPWL7xKvgTdMhhCoHVKiNQjTl54y3NqCefrngnbJ0txGrXP26mBZx-a0gJ6c_0X1CvKs5iatqtf1CzcWMNtvsV5/s1600/027.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp63kHtUACSR2-ZoELOp2bW2FgEDJVuEh_piro-7QRDKt-DLQzVNmR1pPWL7xKvgTdMhhCoHVKiNQjTl54y3NqCefrngnbJ0txGrXP26mBZx-a0gJ6c_0X1CvKs5iatqtf1CzcWMNtvsV5/s320/027.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Don't fret over the 'right' one. Even a heavy rock will do it. </div>
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J7nzmhFwGoM">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J7nzmhFwGoM</a></div>
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So. We have fire, air, something to put the metal on. How are you going to hold it, genius? (Okay, that one is snarky. My apologies.)<br />
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<strong><u>#4 Tongs</u></strong><br />
First and foremost, let me tell you, you CAN leave the metal long enough to hold and forge, but eventually you'll need a pair of tongs. <br />
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A tong is a hinged piece of metal which holds hot metal so you don't have to.<br />
The following are tongs: <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA-MHmx_HyB9zBwYxhU8C-MXcjAKCDEnvVgzXyzWHDU8ZjXQWrw7PtpR52RWo9qx0DKxtbsrTplV-yQhQyDG9ukxO6E2vL5Dxgy6OaEEcFc7rS39Q8XeWvyXLqjZMShHxsCVDawExVee35/s1600/IMG_0008.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA-MHmx_HyB9zBwYxhU8C-MXcjAKCDEnvVgzXyzWHDU8ZjXQWrw7PtpR52RWo9qx0DKxtbsrTplV-yQhQyDG9ukxO6E2vL5Dxgy6OaEEcFc7rS39Q8XeWvyXLqjZMShHxsCVDawExVee35/s320/IMG_0008.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEssTBt-nc55iocndRWMc4kFeqpOTb6a__FcqwRRsC4jvboKCuQPqkwSPtU2QkUC2F8Ue_OwQ6Y_v4rbyQ1zsGdJpZ7qFV62xFg7rO0MHvBbzh2j-Gr-1Czf1_hXkk_4yEyXb_ic34pm9w/s1600/IMG_0010.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEssTBt-nc55iocndRWMc4kFeqpOTb6a__FcqwRRsC4jvboKCuQPqkwSPtU2QkUC2F8Ue_OwQ6Y_v4rbyQ1zsGdJpZ7qFV62xFg7rO0MHvBbzh2j-Gr-1Czf1_hXkk_4yEyXb_ic34pm9w/s320/IMG_0010.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBW9q7izP9ZXeCeG3VSGAaO7eI6wlMwFzb0RGCY4WH-eLfFpkNP31gHWZBRuxg-pLoDEZRCeuqtU5k8jHwxthN-40YXF1uJrGLCGCyV9VY-REBAzIqKbH-Wy7-mmB_TIG4LQYqOqRaGC2M/s1600/IMG_0028.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBW9q7izP9ZXeCeG3VSGAaO7eI6wlMwFzb0RGCY4WH-eLfFpkNP31gHWZBRuxg-pLoDEZRCeuqtU5k8jHwxthN-40YXF1uJrGLCGCyV9VY-REBAzIqKbH-Wy7-mmB_TIG4LQYqOqRaGC2M/s320/IMG_0028.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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If you use vise-grips or pliers, make sure they are long handled. Also, grind off the teeth. They mar the work. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrxAgVdO7dlqvhox8lnNvkOhWDaVQ1rCv6Xs7tn_aBVggvaDQO_hVifclN1QAPC2iaA-2UvRiwecrgpjvKe9qKunwD_tVg9QDSHYk8XaunhOcM67m5dFak3kTdM964edG82eUUyG_vz2y3/s1600/IMG_0030.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrxAgVdO7dlqvhox8lnNvkOhWDaVQ1rCv6Xs7tn_aBVggvaDQO_hVifclN1QAPC2iaA-2UvRiwecrgpjvKe9qKunwD_tVg9QDSHYk8XaunhOcM67m5dFak3kTdM964edG82eUUyG_vz2y3/s320/IMG_0030.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Curious about the different type of tongs? Contact me for more info! Also, go to <a href="http://www.centaurforge.com/">www.centaurforge.com</a> for more info on purchasing and using!</div>
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So, Tongs. They hold metal. See? Its simple. You can find old tongs on craigslist, ebay, garage sales, estate sales, barn sales, flea markets, etc. However, make your own once you get started. Much cheaper. Just look up Brian Brazeal for a good video on how to make them. (No. I am not going to post the link. What do you want me to do, spoon feed you?) </div>
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<strong><u>#5 Hammers</u></strong></div>
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You need a hammer. Maybe even Maxwell's silver one. </div>
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<a href="http://youtu.be/MfnpZhJ8exQ">http://youtu.be/MfnpZhJ8exQ</a></div>
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(Yes. I give you this, but not the tong-making video. I am an evil tyrant for these brief moments you read this. You are under my control. You are now thinking of monkeys. And pineapples. You are in manual breathing mode. Mwahahahahah! )</div>
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Hammers are small rocks. At least, you can get by with them. The cavemen did. However, I recommend a small ball pein, or cross pein from the hardware store. Why not a claw hammer? They are soft. </div>
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Look closely: You can see the mushrooming and cracking. Not an ideal hammer. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwdoqpGqkIky-sN9LGm7n5DFKS_ifxt3VPK6QBrQIT7yzlb0lKFTPU3-qRLKs0qfCTjDwyeG8hQwI_vPtLYOIogBlZcJ6-q2K-DDxez6Ya5RnAREBVP33zh3l0FlGg68XrVLZlleBeQ8jg/s1600/IMG_0020.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwdoqpGqkIky-sN9LGm7n5DFKS_ifxt3VPK6QBrQIT7yzlb0lKFTPU3-qRLKs0qfCTjDwyeG8hQwI_vPtLYOIogBlZcJ6-q2K-DDxez6Ya5RnAREBVP33zh3l0FlGg68XrVLZlleBeQ8jg/s320/IMG_0020.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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This is my main 2 lb forging hammer. It is a straight pein. Guess why!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Fxdb-Eii-3HBQUbFTFCY_zy6ZWw3g5XfQ2BND1Zup_hLs-G10Yz8Tlm7GkAElaFmHdhBkGWNV7alYyao0pDiUlLRpRhX57bQgHh72pNgr825zRsjDyRXKuPvwtRunR2Da6eFoFRidMYv/s1600/IMG_0012.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Fxdb-Eii-3HBQUbFTFCY_zy6ZWw3g5XfQ2BND1Zup_hLs-G10Yz8Tlm7GkAElaFmHdhBkGWNV7alYyao0pDiUlLRpRhX57bQgHh72pNgr825zRsjDyRXKuPvwtRunR2Da6eFoFRidMYv/s320/IMG_0012.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNeeA5sHHu2V2V7VTBn1tBj9al0HqoF4d2SPKcuwUt54CTiZGxM_Ohek2qqQXF7dsg6-EtJkifpKm_pZ7fPsISuIECSStw1xnSXltY2N9rD7QXTH7y9hh5fMJEYLCgw5C7LAzikqFpkU1f/s1600/IMG_0015.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNeeA5sHHu2V2V7VTBn1tBj9al0HqoF4d2SPKcuwUt54CTiZGxM_Ohek2qqQXF7dsg6-EtJkifpKm_pZ7fPsISuIECSStw1xnSXltY2N9rD7QXTH7y9hh5fMJEYLCgw5C7LAzikqFpkU1f/s320/IMG_0015.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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This hammer is a 16 oz ball pein, for finishing and sinking spoons into swages. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Bq0C1kWNJeudavhlQmaaJYzfrJ7Mr5MYbUIimKoRZAmW_3wOMlm78oP4MApjCVL4gANVhzZkzknTvmHVzzHhVNsfAuz8bD7__4cs3wd7EMknLvDkBeqV99sA6LqNAPlCHQlTCNv2Pplb/s1600/IMG_0016.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Bq0C1kWNJeudavhlQmaaJYzfrJ7Mr5MYbUIimKoRZAmW_3wOMlm78oP4MApjCVL4gANVhzZkzknTvmHVzzHhVNsfAuz8bD7__4cs3wd7EMknLvDkBeqV99sA6LqNAPlCHQlTCNv2Pplb/s320/IMG_0016.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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My big boy! A 4 lb engineers hammer (double faced hand sledge).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ2OA6Nk76h1I-0XUir6AcfZOINlcMIZkZxudJ3VIIGzaFG-Em7SHzndMlxJ7lCtbZsQIyz0Axawz-BNascDSc0mMQsyxxjAMR5m29m1mg1H2_kU1XPG8WQfl_Ofg-fGp5yPJ8oySKEW8j/s1600/IMG_0018.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ2OA6Nk76h1I-0XUir6AcfZOINlcMIZkZxudJ3VIIGzaFG-Em7SHzndMlxJ7lCtbZsQIyz0Axawz-BNascDSc0mMQsyxxjAMR5m29m1mg1H2_kU1XPG8WQfl_Ofg-fGp5yPJ8oySKEW8j/s320/IMG_0018.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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And yes, you can use a claw. Just, not ideal.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7UvNmQMzhip8LP1MTHp2HjFg3ftTpiQt_WnbRrNYsEClU-5_DVp2dTEuZniZy34uyExXEIKr47ktNRCTC8mnD9ArEOUMmFXWFpa5p_wbI5ArIq5Cc4Q5OmldfUI0U0JUOd8p0cvX85tr6/s1600/IMG_0019.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7UvNmQMzhip8LP1MTHp2HjFg3ftTpiQt_WnbRrNYsEClU-5_DVp2dTEuZniZy34uyExXEIKr47ktNRCTC8mnD9ArEOUMmFXWFpa5p_wbI5ArIq5Cc4Q5OmldfUI0U0JUOd8p0cvX85tr6/s320/IMG_0019.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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So there. Little rock on a stick to hit metal on big rock that is anvil. Simple, right? Right. </div>
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Good. Those are the tools you NEED. A following post in the BS 101 series will be the things you can make out of these. However, I am going to add an addendum. </div>
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<strong><u>#5 1/2 Chisel</u></strong></div>
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Eventually you'll need a hacksaw, chisel, or hardy. I am going to include these in the post because, they're not necessary, but will be the first thing you'll need beyond these. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihUGLhoJ2m83c_bP40ss-BWP3xL36UxgwyzJ5vRMPff1bZAmxqEvpEeNtQu74fnKgKuEwAV5Zj8plHqAOm4SgJBDZsgcsLO2g96AtJGhgjU5_wHUjqlUCF1LPjEc22YGuOVTgEqfDer38-/s1600/IMG_0022.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihUGLhoJ2m83c_bP40ss-BWP3xL36UxgwyzJ5vRMPff1bZAmxqEvpEeNtQu74fnKgKuEwAV5Zj8plHqAOm4SgJBDZsgcsLO2g96AtJGhgjU5_wHUjqlUCF1LPjEc22YGuOVTgEqfDer38-/s320/IMG_0022.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ8FPmDsmuA34apjWZ3dDnxo1SVApCOI3T7kqAtFit9G3jgnpwhPvuupYUOfEI3-ALeCsbmT25wdkWHwzj8EWwXw_pgLyT1dscE2qmHHg_jY1N0O_OJxPj1ikQNhp9jWbCaJRS45rUZIiI/s1600/IMG_0026.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ8FPmDsmuA34apjWZ3dDnxo1SVApCOI3T7kqAtFit9G3jgnpwhPvuupYUOfEI3-ALeCsbmT25wdkWHwzj8EWwXw_pgLyT1dscE2qmHHg_jY1N0O_OJxPj1ikQNhp9jWbCaJRS45rUZIiI/s320/IMG_0026.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7XkCI2JQrqTA_j5g_joqpkuiRFF4BvLkBO4y1-ju0FFMsv0khjV9gmF5d6R1JvPEH6L3XvdFxrjt7z7gDwM3LtJFziqgQ0rOtz4UM7JDidiyWCULyi_4gDA6ER2BO3-gFJYXsMSkDwahb/s1600/IMG_0023.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7XkCI2JQrqTA_j5g_joqpkuiRFF4BvLkBO4y1-ju0FFMsv0khjV9gmF5d6R1JvPEH6L3XvdFxrjt7z7gDwM3LtJFziqgQ0rOtz4UM7JDidiyWCULyi_4gDA6ER2BO3-gFJYXsMSkDwahb/s320/IMG_0023.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Last but not least, invest in a wire brush. </div>
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It'll help. TOTALLY NOT NECESSARY. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWfRvxFMNDD1gHkAHGi8ezbXdtlrdlqzLdK5M2Xl03tZddPPr7Yy1bfLk6U4md65iBIfe7SJkSpOuyCpDf6_I9_iiCYpDlw1o_HRKAmzDUpcD1r7ziT5yvCpVk27HvBdCy8WokbI6oNa_g/s1600/IMG_0024.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWfRvxFMNDD1gHkAHGi8ezbXdtlrdlqzLdK5M2Xl03tZddPPr7Yy1bfLk6U4md65iBIfe7SJkSpOuyCpDf6_I9_iiCYpDlw1o_HRKAmzDUpcD1r7ziT5yvCpVk27HvBdCy8WokbI6oNa_g/s320/IMG_0024.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<strong><u>Closing (snide) remarks: </u></strong></div>
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Think you can do it? I do. I know you can. As it says in the Good Book: </div>
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"Zillah, on her part, gave birth to Tubalcain, the ancestor of all who forge instruments of bronze and iron..." Genesis 4:22 a-b</div>
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So, we are descended from Tubalcain. And, with his and St. Eligius' intercessions, you'll be the master of the four ancient elements as you wright metal under your hammer and tongs. Welcome to the brotherhood! Let the spark never die, let the quenching of your inner fire never occur. </div>
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God bless y'all! </div>
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Patrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11264778106591873867noreply@blogger.com9