Couple notes on hammers. 1) Only use a wooden handled hammer. Don't bother with weird composites and such as the vibration will hurt, a lot. 2) The cheap engineers hammer from harbor freight works great for a starter hammer if you don't have a wooden handled hammer. But you will need to grind the face smooth. Don't go for the 4 pounder, as the handle size is awkward. But the 2 pounder is perfect to start with. 3) a larger hammer used poorly will be less effective than a smaller hammer used well. 4) your muscles, tendons, and arm will hurt and could become seriously damaged if you jump straight into a larger hammer. Learn how to swing, how to hit, and how to control the metal with a 2 pound hammer first. Extra info: don't start forging rebar. It's weird stuff and is hard to move. Buy some small mild hot rolled steel from a local steel supplier (not a box store) and you'll find it moves like butter or clay under a 2 pound hammer. This is where it gets fun
Is it me or would anyone else kill to have this gentleman as their neighbor... A) He seems to be the kindest, politest person, a good human being B) He's a blacksmith.
It's part of the popular myth around blacksmiths that they're these super strong goliath men who can slam into a piece of metal with the force of a train But it really doesn't require massive strength at all, just persistence Well, persistence and good aim, can't do much if you're hitting the wrong place
My 14 yr old son has taken a liking to blacksmithing and Duluth MN is fortunate to have a "Forging Community" where he has been taking lessons. Today is his birthday and he is being gifted more lessons and a small forge of his own here at home. So proud of him!
I know “Keep up the good work” has been the send off for several episodes now, but I just want to say how much I love it. It perfectly expresses the spirit of the channel.
My grandfather was a blacksmith and i guess that's all i ever wanted to be after hearing so many stories my dad told me about the forge when he was in the mood. Thanks for making it so straight and simple. God bless you
Hey man I think what you're sharing here is just tremendous. You're doing a great public service posting on youtube and many of us really appreciate it, myself included. I've been a professional welder in the Alberta Oilfield for 15 years and your forge building video was the one that inspired me to dive in and dive deeply I have. Please keep producing content, and from one Craftsman to a Mentor, top respect and I can't wait to hear what you have to say next.
I'm glad we aren't loosing this knowledge! When I was a kid I was given some instruction by an old feller in an apron at a great forge who still used BELLOWS! I would have hated to see his art lost...
I have a niece that is taking "introduction to trades" at my local community college. She already built an electric guitar in high school and she is very interested in blacksmithing. I have connected her to your channel and am scrounging around for tools that I might be able to assemble for her. I'm also teaching my daughter to weld (flux-core wire) so she can make her own shelving unit for her new apartment!
i just recently started learning about the art of blacksmithing a few weeks ago at the age of 16, and my setup is just an anvil, a 16 ounce hammer, and a cutting torch to heat up my metal at my school's shop. my friend and i are trying to make enough money where we can buy the materials to build a forge, it is a very old, very timely craft that im proud to be a part of
Mine too Thunder Chicken---and my second forge also. It worked wonderfully---but I soon tired of bending over. Never did learn to squat like they do in the East
@@5x535 for my second i cut the seat off of a metal chair to use as a tray on top of another metal chair. Cut a hole and added in a brake caliper for a fire pot. Actually prefered the hole in the ground. I now have a small propane forge i built similar to what Scott made in his video.
So much warmth, compassion and positivity in these videos. I want to say again how truly grateful I am for what you're providing here. It's almost hard to admit, but the moment the paint started shedding off the Trenton and the music swelled, it brought a tear to my eye. Nate you're staying sharp with the editing, keep it up! :)
I am currently a hobby woodworker, been wanting to start blacksmithing for a while but the noise is my biggest restriction, still I got a piece of railroad track and a nice torch, it is extremely handy to know how to shape metal in a basic form
Judging from the excitement in your voice, it sounds like you are just as, if not more excited about your daughter in law giving it a try. Really cool. I plan on giving it a try after me and my wife buy our first house next year, unfortunately there's no where for me to do it at our apartment
I'd love to get started too, but my apartment environs are so close-set there's no way I'd get away hammering at metal like that. I'd have a dozen noise complaints in about an hour, lol...
I'm beginning to begin smithing as a hobby. I've set it up to where I can roll the forge & anvil to the carport. Downside... it's usually quite windy. The moving air will be nice but 40 mph wind is not unusual. Anvil stand is four 6"x6" bolted together with 4 retractable casters. The forge is on a metal work cart.
A good friend is a farrier. He works magic with metal. I've learned a lot too - who knew that a farrier can make orthopedic shoes for horses?! I'll stick to wood, but I always appreciate the workers of metal. To each their own art and an appreciation of it. Another great video!
Wow. My 1923 145lb arm & hammer anvil was the exact color and shape as that anvil. I got mine for free. Was in a shop used and in perfect shape. so I asked about it. The guy said I can have it. I cleaned the paint off and oiled it up. Made a stand out of 9-6x6’s and loving it.
Thanks for this Scott, I got started cause of you and the videos you put out back in the day. In my country anvils are hard to come by so I got a piece of railroad track back when we use to have sugarcane trains and that works well. What I've discovered is that once you want to do something, you will find a way.
Anything one would want to get into. The first thing to do is to get the tools. There's a heap of places to get information from very good people in their fields. You got me into some things. I never thought I'd be able to get into. Motivation tools and action. You are a wise man sir. Thanks for the videos and all that come with them.
I've been blacksmithing for about 20 years, have no real shop of my own. Just set up in the driveway, backyard, the local blacksmith club. Hence the name of my forge Shadetree Forge! and I started with the crudest set up! BBQ grill, hair dryer, chunk of RR track vise grips and a claw hammer!
I'm 18 and am a apprentice welder right now and I'm hoping to become the best welder I can possibly be someday good thing I have a great mentor with lots of knowledge love your channel btw I'm really interested in forging looks like lots of fun!
I have a pair of 16# sledges with cross peins. We used them to dress drilling bits when my grandfather was drilling gas wells in Western PA. We had the forge and had to heat and dress 6" and 8" drilling bits many time a day.
Yeahh, more blacksmithing videos! Last Saturday, I worked for the first time in the forge of the „home Museum“ in my hometown. There they have many workshops built up from a houndred years ago and I worked in this beautiful old Blacksmiths Workshop, it was wonderful. Greetings from Germany!
Great advice. Today we (including me at times) think we need a tool store to do things. My dad built many houses in the 60s & 70s with a few hand tools and a old sidewinder skill saw.
Kudos to your daughter-in-law for having the courage to display her first attempt at blacksmithing on a camera! I, myself, despite this day and age, do not like being in front of cameras. It took a looong time to get comfortable for the videos I upload.
Thank you Scott. You are an inspiration. I’ve done woodworking for decades and make furniture. Learned (started) welding about 6 months ago. You have inspired me to take up the blacksmithing craft. I love to work with my hands and make something. Keep up the great work!
I have to say you were spot on with your suggestion to keep your eyes out for different equipment. I recently decided to take up blacksmithing thanks to your videos. I have been doing all the research I can and even found a great mentor with a huge shop and equipment here local to get started. I decided to run by my local pawn shop in Granbury, Texas on Saturday (2-22-20) to see if there was anything worth while. Low and behold, leaning in the corner in the tool section was standing a used post vice in great condition. I had to do a double take on label with the price. $40...are you kidding me! I grabbed that along with a 4 inch table vice for $20. A worker there said they were just brought in that morning and pawned. I would include a picture of the vice and receipt if I could. Too good to be true...but you just have to take the time to look.
I got my anvil at the thrift store where I work for about 65 USD a few years ago, 90lbs and made in 1911. It had some wear and tear but nothing a bit of elbow grease and patience couldn't take care of. The most costly bit of equipment I have forge-wise, is the forge itself. Charcoal burning forge about 14x14 inches (internal measurements) that my dad helped my put together, actually based of an old viking age design.
I truly enjoy and appreciate your sincere Love & Passion for the art of Blacksmithing! Thank you for sharing that with us & being a a true inspiration!
i just made an outdoor work area next to the shop i built last year in my yard (roof with brick flooring under it) with the intention of getting into woodcraft and blacksmithing and i feel very inspired by your introductory videos like this. thank you for the direction.
I think Jesus smiles whenever you post a video man... you encourage and teach so much more than craft. A million souls will watch and grow from your example. Now of course our brother was a “carpenter” but I bet he knew his way around a hammer and anvil. Bless you.
The greatest thing I get out of this video is the perfect advise given. "You dont need the best tools to do this" .... this gets back to the days of start small and work your way up. The harbor freight vise is what it is, but it's enough to start. Great advise, thanks for sharing
Scott, have you ever thought about teaching a high school carpentry class one day? I took the class when I was in school and after seeing your videos I would’ve been ecstatic to have a teacher like yourself.
I absolutely love how you pointed out that with a small set to tools your shop will be one of the best smithy shops in all of history. Its so true and we all too often forget that.
If you guys are looking for a piece of steel to hammer on, check around local convention centers, theaters, high schools, etc. You'll often find pig weights (theatrical term) but all they are, are flat pieces of steel, usually an inch or more in thickness and 15-45lbs on average. They are traditionally made with a pair of 45 degree corners and generally torch cut, so you have nice clean edges. Newer ones might even be plasma cut! You get two nice flat surfaces you can beat on, or turn it on edge. You can weld to them. You can use the U-shaped notches to bolt them down or bend things or hold a tool like a hardy hole. If they're old, chances are good the tops will be somewhat work hardened, but you can always light a torch, and heat the top yourself and quench it to make it harder. And these things get left out, used as door stops, thrown in piles to rust away. Take a look around and see if someone will let you grab a couple. At the worst, you can always take on and put it on top of a Harbor Freight Anvil for more weight and a better working surface.
Good idea! I have worked in the entertainment industry for 25 years. Even ran a flyrail and rigged for many of those years. I have been blacksmithing for about a decade and have never once thought about grabbing a few arbor weights. Sometimes the obvious answer is laying at your feet or even in your hands.
This idea has been on my brain for a few days. I don't have a weight available to test this out and won't be gigging anywhere near one to test the theory. I wonder if the notches in the end of the weight can be used as a hardy hole. My memory says they are too big but I honestly can't remember. I was thinking of welding one flat side to the end side of another and filling the notches with weld until they are the right size. Any thoughts?
@@mixman4hire I think they might be a little large. You might have to shim it to keep tools from spinning. They're usually 3/4" Might be fine, guess it just depends on what you're trying to do.
i have the yost 750-D vise from amazon for $189 and i love it the head spins both ways and has pipe jaws i recommend you pick one up just dont use the spot on the back as an anvil it will bend the casting of the body a little just use it for very very light stuff
Not going to lie, as a X-ray Pipewelder and metal worker, this is all facts, and a VERY GOOD VIDEO for a beginner or intermediate to watch. You do not have to spend thousands of dollars to make great metal products or Knives in my case. Great video as always.
Thank you so much for this video. I am assembling everything I need to begin blacksmithing, and have been stressing about how to make it all work with the space I have, and this really pulled the rug - in an exceptionally good way - out from underneath my expectations as to what I needed to make to get going. I was worrying about building an outdoor workbench while still keeping everything mobile (my tools and forge will need to be stored indoors after use, as I do not technically have a dedicated work space), and seeing those two saw horses with the plank was such a relief. I still need to build some shelving and a small workbench in the basement to store my tools and the belt grinder I will eventually be getting, but the fewer steps I have to take to start forging (while still remaining safe and sensible), the better. Again, you have been and continue to be such a wonderful source of encouragement as I inch closer to the day where I strike iron for the first time. Thank you so much, and may God bless and keep you always.
Scott, new subscriber here. I just wanted to say thank you for what you are doing. I'm a prior service USAF machinist/welder, and I've always been fascinated with ironworking. I'm just getting started putting together a modest home machine shop behind my house, but I'll be adding a forge and an anvil to my list of things to procure. Your positive attitude and the way you approach the craft is genuinely inspiring. Again, thank you!
Love it! For what it's worth, I'm one of those who has a "more primitive and dangerous" setups. My forge is a brakedrum out of an old dump-truck. I have two that I picked up for the simple (and cheap) price of "getting them out of the way" when the truck was being stripped down for junk. My anvils (both of them) are different lengths of railroad I found in a ditchline on the side of the road... The city was getting rid of the old railroad, and these were just left behind presumably on accident... but they won't be missed. The key is they're both "dead flat" where they have to be (thanks to a Miller Falls 10" angle grinder without a guard), imminently repairable when (and if) the need should arise... AND the most dangerous damned foolish thing I've ever tried was running the forge on charcoal... Never doing it again (in this forge)... The blower (an old electric leaf-blower) kicked on and literally filled the air with fiery embers... {story for noob's who might think of it like I did}... Normally I run on coal... plain old coal, since it's a small setup and coal is reasonably priced (for the time being)... BUT I will be sketching out a design for my own gas (propane or acetylene) forge at some point... You can make a damn fine "forced air injector" from a vacuum cleaner motor, and almost any of them will do the job... I have a thing for Hoover uprights, but legitimately, any decent vacuum motor will work... and it beats the hell out of hand-cranking a squirrel cage... BUT there are times when you just have to have a hand-cranked squirrel cage (turbine) blower to keep from burning up the project metal. Yes, btw... You really can BURN iron if you get it hot enough... and even charcoal WILL get hot enough. I just don't recommend a charcoal forge being WIDE OPEN... don't do that. If you need to run on charcoal, cover the thing so the sparks and embers can't get away from it... That was my original mistake, and looking back... it won't be repeated (by me). In any case, Scott, Thanks... I love this kind of content. AND no, I don't think you're patronizing at all. You're pointedly showing that the craft CAN be started on very little... and it's why I'm sharing my own primitive start-up for the hobby here. You inspire hope for so many who may not think it's reasonable or even possible to get into the craft with no more resources than they have... or can justify spending on it. ;o)
I bought the recommnded the devil forge for 300$ can and it's working like a charm, bought a few hammer and some steel and modified a railroad track piece. Tahnk you I got started for 400 $
I started with a very small hobby vise a brake drum hair dryer and a hard peace of steel from the scrape yard. 3yrs later I have a old time rivet forge a gas forge a ok anvil 2 leg vise all from flea market rummages and just talking to people. Oh yeah some money.😄
I just want to thank you for your videos! You and a few others have gotten me interested in trying this out (which as of now I haven't yet due to being just swamped at work) and videos like this are such a big help in figuring out what I need to get started!
I started with a bucket forge burning charcoal and wood, borrowed anvil then made my first ASO . Outside for 2 years but now in a 10x10 gravel floored shed
Thanks for sharing as always! I've seen some excellent videos on making tongs without tongs. One of them involves making a really long punch as well (really long because you don't have tongs to make a short one) I like the idea of starting with a hammer, forge, and anvil and making everything from there! I'll let you know how it goes. I got an anvil. Going to build a forge next time I have an afternoon free! Almost everything. Can't forge an angle grinder!
As always "GREAT JOB" that is how I started forty eight years ago and let me say my set up was a lot more primitive than your starter kit. How fantastic it must be that your daughter in law wants to have a go at the craft,. there are only two pieces of advice I would like to share with her. After forty eight years (and still going ) I would say, #1 Stand up straight, for two reasons "BE PROUD" blacksmithing is the oldest of crafts, take the heritage and the history own it and be proud of it. #2 In the long run you will save your lower back. Adjust the height of the anvil if need be, stand straight and let your wrist,elbow and shoulder do the work for you, not using your back as a fulcrum. But apart from that, find every moment you can to get to the forge, take some iron heat it up, hammer on it, make something and above all enjoy the passion Cheers Rod Old time Blacksmith in New Zealand.
Great information for a beginner. The price of an anvil might be a barrier for some, so here's what you can do: go to a machine shop (even a scrap yard might do) and see if they've got a scrap piece of heavy steel plate, round stock, anything. A few inches thick, weighing in around 80-100 lbs should do, as long as it's got a flat surface. It's not ideal, but it's something to START with. Flea markets and estate sales are also good places to look for tools.
I love how he thouhght about what he said mid video, and made sure to PSA everyone to not burn the complex down be setting a hot tool on the wood se said the forge could directly sit on.
That looks a lot like my setup, which compresses into the space right in front of my car in the garage when not in use. I have a couple buckets for oil and rags too. I have to roll it all out to my backyard so I got a dolly for my anvil and the forge sits on top of a big rolling toolbox.
That Kidde Fire Extinguisher! Depending on the year stamped on the bottom, I could have actually made that. That is an 82 cubic inch model, a 2 and a half pounder. It began with a slug of aluminum the size and shape of a hockey puck and in less than half a day, became what is on that bench. A fascinating process to say the least.
I got shut down by complaining neighbors and my landlord... no grinding after 5pm. Makes it very hard to get anything done as I work till 5 most days at my day job. The hammering doesn’t seem to bother them though.
Love your videos, long-time viewer, way before the house was even an idea... Love the house series for real... Making comment to help with the whole TH-cam engagement deal... best of luck!
Thank you Sir! You truly inspire. I was recently gifted a 1848 William Foster anvil because I stopped by to have a truck bed chat with my ex Father-in-law. I mentioned that I had been dabbling at blacksmithing and using a piece of railroad track as an anvil. He said I have my Great Grandfathers anvil......would you like it? Lets just say that I said yes!! Sorry to ramble but I knew that you of all people would appreciate the story. Take care...
I have always been driven to education, study texts and have worked my way up to the top of my profession yet when I watch this I'm drawn to working with my hands and changing my profession altogether
Thanks for this video! I don’t have a garage and was want to build a spot to practice forging. I think this is a great set up for a beginner like my self.
Nate done a very nice video! Isn't it worth to post a dedicated video on that cleaning job??? I'd love it! Also, so many insights and experience in this video! That course should be awesome!
Thanks so much Scott and Nate. I've always wanted to get into blacksmithing but it always seemed like the up front cost would be too much. I appreciate y'all putting this together and all the effort y'all put into your videos. Have a great day!
I’m gonna give you a piece of advice that I learned from experience the hard way. Having a lighter that close to a heat source can cause it to explode. I had one explode next to my barbecue with me standing right there. Luckily, I didn’t get anything in my eyes, but it could have been bad.
Thank you I enjoy everything thing you do on Essential Craftman. Yes I did get in on the blacksmith class. I have not looked to hard for the anvil yet I will.
Scott good video here in Australia we have a big hardware chain called Bunnings they have a 10 kg Craftright cast steel Anvil for AU$87 which is 50 bucks US in fact if you search TH-cam there’s a video and the title is “Bunnings Anvil” there’s a 24 second clip of somebody using one and holding up pretty good check it out that makes your 88 pound hundred-year-old Trenton Rolls-Royce equipment The point is you don’t need much gear at all..... Specially if you already do a bit of DIY and you’ve got a bench some pliers a MAP gas torch you can get an Anvil at $87 that will do the job for hobbyists
❣❣❣❣❣❣❣❣👍 Scott you sir are definitely a master of Trades !!! You truly deserve the spoiling of yourself and all the spoiling of loving gratitude coming your way !!! I love TH-cam the real information Highway !!! Much loving gratitude Scott for all that you do !!! A great master never stops being that hungry student !!! HHBpHhelps Happy Happy Bee pH helps Henry
Wow, your daughter in law is very pretty. Scott, you my friend are a very knowledgeable, sophisticated individual and I love listening to you and your experience. Thank you for what you do and keep the fantastic videos coming.
I wholesomely suggest a piece of rail track or a harbor freight anvil if you are just starting cheap and effective, and if it turns out it isn't for you or you lose interest, you wont be out potentially hundreds of dollars. I highly encourage smithing, but with caution. I wish you luck and hope you pick it up
I found both of my vintage Wilton bullet vises at antique stores, one was $25 and the other was $30. Found them within a month of each other and hasn't happened since lol
Can we pause a moment and appreciate that monster of a tree behind Scott? That thing's gorgeous
I'll bet there's some beautifully figured wood within that tree.
Maple?
She's a beaut!
Looks like a Mulberry Tree
I noticed that thing almost immediately. Damn that thing is wonderful to look at.
Couple notes on hammers.
1) Only use a wooden handled hammer. Don't bother with weird composites and such as the vibration will hurt, a lot.
2) The cheap engineers hammer from harbor freight works great for a starter hammer if you don't have a wooden handled hammer. But you will need to grind the face smooth. Don't go for the 4 pounder, as the handle size is awkward. But the 2 pounder is perfect to start with.
3) a larger hammer used poorly will be less effective than a smaller hammer used well.
4) your muscles, tendons, and arm will hurt and could become seriously damaged if you jump straight into a larger hammer. Learn how to swing, how to hit, and how to control the metal with a 2 pound hammer first.
Extra info: don't start forging rebar. It's weird stuff and is hard to move. Buy some small mild hot rolled steel from a local steel supplier (not a box store) and you'll find it moves like butter or clay under a 2 pound hammer. This is where it gets fun
I got a 4 lb cross peen hammer from dewalt at home depot with a fiber glass handle it works really good and vibrations aren't a problem
@Huginn Bodgaedir yeah it does depend on who is using it
honestly though given the free materials available in construction site dumpsters, you shouldn't have to buy much.
Is it me or would anyone else kill to have this gentleman as their neighbor... A) He seems to be the kindest, politest person, a good human being B) He's a blacksmith.
No, you right.
It would out weight the cost but you only think living next to a blacksmith would be good. Bang bang bang bang :)
Wooo paint remover job on the tailgate, brave man!!
I know, right?
That's someone who couldn't wait to see...
Please excuse my ignorance, what could have gone wrong? I've never used paint remover before.
😐 I suspect you're trolling, but I'll bite anyway
If you get the paint remover on the trucks paint... its going to remove the trucks paint
@@beachboardfan9544 Oh, thanks
"If you're having to play the game to justify that sort of an outlay..." great insight, great line!
I know it's a small thing but it genuinely is nice and meaningful that you remind everyone that women can do this too. So lovely. Great video.
They just don't want to :-)
@@roar40s Not true. Just your limited experience with craftswomen.
No they can't because they bears are attracted to their menstrual cycles. Are you trying to put the whole shop at risk!?
It's part of the popular myth around blacksmiths that they're these super strong goliath men who can slam into a piece of metal with the force of a train
But it really doesn't require massive strength at all, just persistence
Well, persistence and good aim, can't do much if you're hitting the wrong place
@@adamkendall997 nice anchorman reference :p
My 14 yr old son has taken a liking to blacksmithing and Duluth MN is fortunate to have a "Forging Community" where he has been taking lessons. Today is his birthday and he is being gifted more lessons and a small forge of his own here at home. So proud of him!
I know “Keep up the good work” has been the send off for several episodes now, but I just want to say how much I love it. It perfectly expresses the spirit of the channel.
My grandfather was a blacksmith and i guess that's all i ever wanted to be after hearing so many stories my dad told me about the forge when he was in the mood. Thanks for making it so straight and simple. God bless you
Hey man I think what you're sharing here is just tremendous. You're doing a great public service posting on youtube and many of us really appreciate it, myself included. I've been a professional welder in the Alberta Oilfield for 15 years and your forge building video was the one that inspired me to dive in and dive deeply I have. Please keep producing content, and from one Craftsman to a Mentor, top respect and I can't wait to hear what you have to say next.
I'm glad we aren't loosing this knowledge! When I was a kid I was given some instruction by an old feller in an apron at a great forge who still used BELLOWS! I would have hated to see his art lost...
I have a niece that is taking "introduction to trades" at my local community college. She already built an electric guitar in high school and she is very interested in blacksmithing. I have connected her to your channel and am scrounging around for tools that I might be able to assemble for her. I'm also teaching my daughter to weld (flux-core wire) so she can make her own shelving unit for her new apartment!
We love hearing stories like this!
i just recently started learning about the art of blacksmithing a few weeks ago at the age of 16, and my setup is just an anvil, a 16 ounce hammer, and a cutting torch to heat up my metal at my school's shop.
my friend and i are trying to make enough money where we can buy the materials to build a forge, it is a very old, very timely craft that im proud to be a part of
My first forge was a pile of dirt with a hole in the middle and pipe through the side. Build a fire and add a hair dryer.
Mine too Thunder Chicken---and my second forge also. It worked wonderfully---but I soon tired of bending over. Never did learn to squat like they do in the East
@@5x535 for my second i cut the seat off of a metal chair to use as a tray on top of another metal chair. Cut a hole and added in a brake caliper for a fire pot. Actually prefered the hole in the ground. I now have a small propane forge i built similar to what Scott made in his video.
@@jollyjiggler Where there is the will----we find a way. Good for you!
Right now mine is 4ftx4ftx8in deep, filled with cob (clay/sand/straw) from my farm with a black steel pipe and a hand-crank blower haha
So much warmth, compassion and positivity in these videos. I want to say again how truly grateful I am for what you're providing here.
It's almost hard to admit, but the moment the paint started shedding off the Trenton and the music swelled, it brought a tear to my eye. Nate you're staying sharp with the editing, keep it up! :)
As someone who recently started blacksmithing as my profession your videos have kept me going during the times I've fond myself doubting myself.
I am currently a hobby woodworker, been wanting to start blacksmithing for a while but the noise is my biggest restriction, still I got a piece of railroad track and a nice torch, it is extremely handy to know how to shape metal in a basic form
Judging from the excitement in your voice, it sounds like you are just as, if not more excited about your daughter in law giving it a try. Really cool. I plan on giving it a try after me and my wife buy our first house next year, unfortunately there's no where for me to do it at our apartment
I'd love to get started too, but my apartment environs are so close-set there's no way I'd get away hammering at metal like that. I'd have a dozen noise complaints in about an hour, lol...
I'm beginning to begin smithing as a hobby.
I've set it up to where I can roll the forge & anvil to the carport.
Downside... it's usually quite windy. The moving air will be nice but 40 mph wind is not unusual.
Anvil stand is four 6"x6" bolted together with 4 retractable casters.
The forge is on a metal work cart.
A good friend is a farrier. He works magic with metal. I've learned a lot too - who knew that a farrier can make orthopedic shoes for horses?! I'll stick to wood, but I always appreciate the workers of metal. To each their own art and an appreciation of it. Another great video!
Wow. My 1923 145lb arm & hammer anvil was the exact color and shape as that anvil. I got mine for free. Was in a shop used and in perfect shape. so I asked about it. The guy said I can have it. I cleaned the paint off and oiled it up. Made a stand out of 9-6x6’s and loving it.
Thanks for this info and for teaching us all so much!!
Thanks for this Scott, I got started cause of you and the videos you put out back in the day. In my country anvils are hard to come by so I got a piece of railroad track back when we use to have sugarcane trains and that works well. What I've discovered is that once you want to do something, you will find a way.
We screwed a Steel plate on a wooden Log.
Anything one would want to get into. The first thing to do is to get the tools. There's a heap of places to get information from very good people in their fields. You got me into some things. I never thought I'd be able to get into. Motivation tools and action. You are a wise man sir. Thanks for the videos and all that come with them.
I've been blacksmithing for about 20 years, have no real shop of my own. Just set up in the driveway, backyard, the local blacksmith club. Hence the name of my forge Shadetree Forge! and I started with the crudest set up! BBQ grill, hair dryer, chunk of RR track vise grips and a claw hammer!
I'm 18 and am a apprentice welder right now and I'm hoping to become the best welder I can possibly be someday good thing I have a great mentor with lots of knowledge love your channel btw I'm really interested in forging looks like lots of fun!
I have a pair of 16# sledges with cross peins. We used them to dress drilling bits when my grandfather was drilling gas wells in Western PA. We had the forge and had to heat and dress 6" and 8" drilling bits many time a day.
Yeahh, more blacksmithing videos! Last Saturday, I worked for the first time in the forge of the „home Museum“ in my hometown. There they have many workshops built up from a houndred years ago and I worked in this beautiful old Blacksmiths Workshop, it was wonderful.
Greetings from Germany!
Best videos on the internet. Thank you, Scott.
Great advice. Today we (including me at times) think we need a tool store to do things. My dad built many houses in the 60s & 70s with a few hand tools and a old sidewinder skill saw.
Kudos to your daughter-in-law for having the courage to display her first attempt at blacksmithing on a camera!
I, myself, despite this day and age, do not like being in front of cameras. It took a looong time to get comfortable for the videos I upload.
Thank you Scott. You are an inspiration. I’ve done woodworking for decades and make furniture. Learned (started) welding about 6 months ago. You have inspired me to take up the blacksmithing craft. I love to work with my hands and make something. Keep up the great work!
I have to say you were spot on with your suggestion to keep your eyes out for different equipment. I recently decided to take up blacksmithing thanks to your videos. I have been doing all the research I can and even found a great mentor with a huge shop and equipment here local to get started. I decided to run by my local pawn shop in Granbury, Texas on Saturday (2-22-20) to see if there was anything worth while. Low and behold, leaning in the corner in the tool section was standing a used post vice in great condition. I had to do a double take on label with the price. $40...are you kidding me! I grabbed that along with a 4 inch table vice for $20. A worker there said they were just brought in that morning and pawned. I would include a picture of the vice and receipt if I could. Too good to be true...but you just have to take the time to look.
I got my anvil at the thrift store where I work for about 65 USD a few years ago, 90lbs and made in 1911. It had some wear and tear but nothing a bit of elbow grease and patience couldn't take care of. The most costly bit of equipment I have forge-wise, is the forge itself. Charcoal burning forge about 14x14 inches (internal measurements) that my dad helped my put together, actually based of an old viking age design.
I truly enjoy and appreciate your sincere Love & Passion for the art of Blacksmithing! Thank you for sharing that with us & being a a true inspiration!
i just made an outdoor work area next to the shop i built last year in my yard (roof with brick flooring under it) with the intention of getting into woodcraft and blacksmithing and i feel very inspired by your introductory videos like this. thank you for the direction.
I think Jesus smiles whenever you post a video man... you encourage and teach so much more than craft. A million souls will watch and grow from your example. Now of course our brother was a “carpenter” but I bet he knew his way around a hammer and anvil. Bless you.
The greatest thing I get out of this video is the perfect advise given. "You dont need the best tools to do this" .... this gets back to the days of start small and work your way up. The harbor freight vise is what it is, but it's enough to start. Great advise, thanks for sharing
Scott, have you ever thought about teaching a high school carpentry class one day? I took the class when I was in school and after seeing your videos I would’ve been ecstatic to have a teacher like yourself.
I absolutely love how you pointed out that with a small set to tools your shop will be one of the best smithy shops in all of history. Its so true and we all too often forget that.
If you guys are looking for a piece of steel to hammer on, check around local convention centers, theaters, high schools, etc. You'll often find pig weights (theatrical term) but all they are, are flat pieces of steel, usually an inch or more in thickness and 15-45lbs on average. They are traditionally made with a pair of 45 degree corners and generally torch cut, so you have nice clean edges. Newer ones might even be plasma cut! You get two nice flat surfaces you can beat on, or turn it on edge. You can weld to them. You can use the U-shaped notches to bolt them down or bend things or hold a tool like a hardy hole. If they're old, chances are good the tops will be somewhat work hardened, but you can always light a torch, and heat the top yourself and quench it to make it harder.
And these things get left out, used as door stops, thrown in piles to rust away. Take a look around and see if someone will let you grab a couple. At the worst, you can always take on and put it on top of a Harbor Freight Anvil for more weight and a better working surface.
Good idea! I have worked in the entertainment industry for 25 years. Even ran a flyrail and rigged for many of those years. I have been blacksmithing for about a decade and have never once thought about grabbing a few arbor weights. Sometimes the obvious answer is laying at your feet or even in your hands.
This idea has been on my brain for a few days. I don't have a weight available to test this out and won't be gigging anywhere near one to test the theory. I wonder if the notches in the end of the weight can be used as a hardy hole. My memory says they are too big but I honestly can't remember. I was thinking of welding one flat side to the end side of another and filling the notches with weld until they are the right size. Any thoughts?
@@mixman4hire I think they might be a little large. You might have to shim it to keep tools from spinning. They're usually 3/4"
Might be fine, guess it just depends on what you're trying to do.
i have the yost 750-D vise from amazon for $189 and i love it the head spins both ways and has pipe jaws i recommend you pick one up just dont use the spot on the back as an anvil it will bend the casting of the body a little just use it for very very light stuff
Not going to lie, as a X-ray Pipewelder and metal worker, this is all facts, and a VERY GOOD VIDEO for a beginner or intermediate to watch. You do not have to spend thousands of dollars to make great metal products or Knives in my case. Great video as always.
You have a kind soul to go with your wealth of knowledge
Thank you so much for this video. I am assembling everything I need to begin blacksmithing, and have been stressing about how to make it all work with the space I have, and this really pulled the rug - in an exceptionally good way - out from underneath my expectations as to what I needed to make to get going. I was worrying about building an outdoor workbench while still keeping everything mobile (my tools and forge will need to be stored indoors after use, as I do not technically have a dedicated work space), and seeing those two saw horses with the plank was such a relief. I still need to build some shelving and a small workbench in the basement to store my tools and the belt grinder I will eventually be getting, but the fewer steps I have to take to start forging (while still remaining safe and sensible), the better. Again, you have been and continue to be such a wonderful source of encouragement as I inch closer to the day where I strike iron for the first time. Thank you so much, and may God bless and keep you always.
You are an amazing craftsman and a better teacher. Thank you sir!
Scott, new subscriber here. I just wanted to say thank you for what you are doing. I'm a prior service USAF machinist/welder, and I've always been fascinated with ironworking. I'm just getting started putting together a modest home machine shop behind my house, but I'll be adding a forge and an anvil to my list of things to procure. Your positive attitude and the way you approach the craft is genuinely inspiring. Again, thank you!
It was awesome to get the start blacksmithing emails these last couple weeks and now to have a video going over it all!
a gentleman and a scholar. love your videos. wolf jaw it is...thats exactly what i needed to know.
Love it!
For what it's worth, I'm one of those who has a "more primitive and dangerous" setups. My forge is a brakedrum out of an old dump-truck. I have two that I picked up for the simple (and cheap) price of "getting them out of the way" when the truck was being stripped down for junk. My anvils (both of them) are different lengths of railroad I found in a ditchline on the side of the road... The city was getting rid of the old railroad, and these were just left behind presumably on accident... but they won't be missed. The key is they're both "dead flat" where they have to be (thanks to a Miller Falls 10" angle grinder without a guard), imminently repairable when (and if) the need should arise... AND the most dangerous damned foolish thing I've ever tried was running the forge on charcoal... Never doing it again (in this forge)... The blower (an old electric leaf-blower) kicked on and literally filled the air with fiery embers... {story for noob's who might think of it like I did}...
Normally I run on coal... plain old coal, since it's a small setup and coal is reasonably priced (for the time being)... BUT I will be sketching out a design for my own gas (propane or acetylene) forge at some point... You can make a damn fine "forced air injector" from a vacuum cleaner motor, and almost any of them will do the job... I have a thing for Hoover uprights, but legitimately, any decent vacuum motor will work... and it beats the hell out of hand-cranking a squirrel cage... BUT there are times when you just have to have a hand-cranked squirrel cage (turbine) blower to keep from burning up the project metal.
Yes, btw... You really can BURN iron if you get it hot enough... and even charcoal WILL get hot enough. I just don't recommend a charcoal forge being WIDE OPEN... don't do that.
If you need to run on charcoal, cover the thing so the sparks and embers can't get away from it... That was my original mistake, and looking back... it won't be repeated (by me).
In any case, Scott, Thanks... I love this kind of content. AND no, I don't think you're patronizing at all. You're pointedly showing that the craft CAN be started on very little... and it's why I'm sharing my own primitive start-up for the hobby here. You inspire hope for so many who may not think it's reasonable or even possible to get into the craft with no more resources than they have... or can justify spending on it. ;o)
I bought the recommnded the devil forge for 300$ can and it's working like a charm, bought a few hammer and some steel and modified a railroad track piece. Tahnk you I got started for 400 $
I started with a very small hobby vise a brake drum hair dryer and a hard peace of steel from the scrape yard. 3yrs later I have a old time rivet forge a gas forge a ok anvil 2 leg vise all from flea market rummages and just talking to people. Oh yeah some money.😄
Thank you for this informative and passionate video Sr. You seem like a man of great character, you've certainly earned my subscription
A series with you teaching your daughter-in-law how to do blacksmithing be awesome!
That may encourage other young ladies. Great idea!
It warms my heart that your daughter-in-law started smithing! Thank you so much for making your videos!
I just want to thank you for your videos! You and a few others have gotten me interested in trying this out (which as of now I haven't yet due to being just swamped at work) and videos like this are such a big help in figuring out what I need to get started!
I started with a bucket forge burning charcoal and wood, borrowed anvil then made my first ASO . Outside for 2 years but now in a 10x10 gravel floored shed
Thanks for sharing as always!
I've seen some excellent videos on making tongs without tongs. One of them involves making a really long punch as well (really long because you don't have tongs to make a short one)
I like the idea of starting with a hammer, forge, and anvil and making everything from there! I'll let you know how it goes. I got an anvil. Going to build a forge next time I have an afternoon free!
Almost everything. Can't forge an angle grinder!
I am currently building you forge design and you have inspired me in ways unimagined thanks for sharing
As always "GREAT JOB" that is how I started forty eight years ago and let me say my set up was a lot more primitive than your starter kit.
How fantastic it must be that your daughter in law wants to have a go at the craft,. there are only two pieces of advice I would like to share with her. After forty eight years (and still going ) I would say, #1 Stand up straight, for two reasons "BE PROUD" blacksmithing is the oldest of crafts, take the heritage and the history own it and be proud of it. #2 In the long run you will save your lower back. Adjust the height of the anvil if need be, stand straight and let your wrist,elbow and shoulder do the work for you, not using your back as a fulcrum. But apart from that, find every moment you can to get to the forge, take some iron heat it up, hammer on it, make something and above all enjoy the passion
Cheers Rod Old time Blacksmith in New Zealand.
Great information for a beginner. The price of an anvil might be a barrier for some, so here's what you can do: go to a machine shop (even a scrap yard might do) and see if they've got a scrap piece of heavy steel plate, round stock, anything. A few inches thick, weighing in around 80-100 lbs should do, as long as it's got a flat surface. It's not ideal, but it's something to START with. Flea markets and estate sales are also good places to look for tools.
This video answered a lot of questions. Thanks for making this video.
GOD I LOVE THAT TREEEEE !!!!
....YOU are a sooooo good man !!!! Thank You soooo much !!! kinde regards from Switzerland !!!!
My day always feels better watching a new video here. Thank you for what you do.
I love how he thouhght about what he said mid video, and made sure to PSA everyone to not burn the complex down be setting a hot tool on the wood se said the forge could directly sit on.
I think I found a new favorite channel
That looks a lot like my setup, which compresses into the space right in front of my car in the garage when not in use. I have a couple buckets for oil and rags too. I have to roll it all out to my backyard so I got a dolly for my anvil and the forge sits on top of a big rolling toolbox.
Thanks man, I’m ready!
That Kidde Fire Extinguisher! Depending on the year stamped on the bottom, I could have actually made that. That is an 82 cubic inch model, a 2 and a half pounder. It began with a slug of aluminum the size and shape of a hockey puck and in less than half a day, became what is on that bench. A fascinating process to say the least.
At the risk of sounding negative ... What about noise? Do neighbors complain about all the hammering?
if someone comes and complains while you're forging, look down at your workpiece and back up at them and say "but i was making this for you!"
Make the wife of that neighbor a trivet and you won’t get bothered again.
Only the jealous neighbors. >
They won’t complain after they see my hand made knife collection
I got shut down by complaining neighbors and my landlord... no grinding after 5pm. Makes it very hard to get anything done as I work till 5 most days at my day job. The hammering doesn’t seem to bother them though.
Love your videos, long-time viewer, way before the house was even an idea... Love the house series for real... Making comment to help with the whole TH-cam engagement deal... best of luck!
You Sir, are an inspiration! Thank you for what you do
I like the anvil stand!
this man is delightful, subscribing immediately
This is exactly what I needed to see. Thanks!
Thanks for your videos 👍 I've watched a handful of them and think your a very smart man and wanted to say thank you for educating me.
Nice to see your daughter in law taking it up. I would really like to see how she grows and learns as a smith from her perspective.
What an awesome video. Answered all my questions!
Thank you Sir! You truly inspire. I was recently gifted a 1848 William Foster anvil because I stopped by to have a truck bed chat with my ex Father-in-law. I mentioned that I had been dabbling at blacksmithing and using a piece of railroad track as an anvil. He said I have my Great Grandfathers anvil......would you like it? Lets just say that I said yes!! Sorry to ramble but I knew that you of all people would appreciate the story. Take care...
THAT Sir is a treasure! How many of us have ANYTHING from a Great Grandfather. Both of you gentlemen "done good".
I have always been driven to education, study texts and have worked my way up to the top of my profession yet when I watch this I'm drawn to working with my hands and changing my profession altogether
Thanks for this video! I don’t have a garage and was want to build a spot to practice forging. I think this is a great set up for a beginner like my self.
Nate done a very nice video! Isn't it worth to post a dedicated video on that cleaning job??? I'd love it!
Also, so many insights and experience in this video! That course should be awesome!
Always my favorite time of the week!
Thanks so much Scott and Nate. I've always wanted to get into blacksmithing but it always seemed like the up front cost would be too much. I appreciate y'all putting this together and all the effort y'all put into your videos. Have a great day!
I seen rebar cut and forged into throwing knifes. Might be a good project.
Thanks for your videos and advice.
The videos you guys make are a fantastic break after a tough day!
I’m gonna give you a piece of advice that I learned from experience the hard way. Having a lighter that close to a heat source can cause it to explode. I had one explode next to my barbecue with me standing right there. Luckily, I didn’t get anything in my eyes, but it could have been bad.
Keep that startblacksmithing.com web site warm for me -- once I get moved to my new house and workshop ...
As always nothing but inspiration thank you for what you do.
Thank you I enjoy everything thing you do on Essential Craftman. Yes I did get in on the blacksmith class. I have not looked to hard for the anvil yet I will.
Scott
good video here in Australia we have a big hardware chain called Bunnings
they have a 10 kg Craftright cast steel Anvil for AU$87
which is 50 bucks US
in fact if you search TH-cam there’s a video and the title is “Bunnings Anvil” there’s a 24 second clip of somebody using one and holding up pretty good
check it out that makes your 88 pound hundred-year-old Trenton Rolls-Royce equipment
The point is you don’t need much gear at all..... Specially if you already do a bit of DIY and you’ve got a bench some pliers a MAP gas torch you can get an Anvil at $87 that will do the job for hobbyists
Always wonderful.We all at tipper love this
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Scott you sir are definitely a master of Trades !!!
You truly deserve the spoiling of yourself and all the spoiling of loving gratitude coming your way !!!
I love TH-cam the real information Highway !!!
Much loving gratitude Scott for all that you do !!!
A great master never stops being that hungry student !!!
HHBpHhelps
Happy Happy Bee pH helps
Henry
Thank you Henry!!!!
Wow, your daughter in law is very pretty. Scott, you my friend are a very knowledgeable, sophisticated individual and I love listening to you and your experience. Thank you for what you do and keep the fantastic videos coming.
Isn't she though!!! Just an exceptional young woman in every way... And thank you Jaron!
Definitely peaked my interest! I’m keeping my eye open for an anvil now.
I wholesomely suggest a piece of rail track or a harbor freight anvil if you are just starting cheap and effective, and if it turns out it isn't for you or you lose interest, you wont be out potentially hundreds of dollars. I highly encourage smithing, but with caution. I wish you luck and hope you pick it up
I found both of my vintage Wilton bullet vises at antique stores, one was $25 and the other was $30. Found them within a month of each other and hasn't happened since lol
Wow! The gods of the forge were smiling on you!
Thanks for the the info and the inspiration to continue and not to give up on getting started
So glad I found this channel! So much knowledge and information!