Your first TOOLS - Affordable Blacksmithing part 2

Setting up your first blacksmith shop doesn't have to break the bank. last week we looked at some budget friendly tool including a single burner propane forge and small anvil from Vevor. In todays part 2 video, I want to look at a few more tools you might want to get started as a blacksmith and then make your first tools, a punch, chisel and bolster.

00:00 - Intro
00:29 - Cheap hacksaw blades
01:13 - Wolf jaw tongs
02:45 - Safety concerns
05:09 - Making your first tools
14:07 - Bolster
18:03 - Additional thoughts

Basic blacksmithing Tool list:
From Vevor use code: VVPRO
From Blacksmith Supply use code: bear5
Other supplies found online or locally
Hacksaw frame
Hacksaw blades 18tpi
8" - 10" half round file with handle
Propane cylinder 20lb or larger with propane
3/8" hot rolled mild steel 40 feet (usually sold in 20 foot lengths)

Use discount code "bear5"

Use code "Blackbear10" for a discount on your next order

Anvil provided by; Fontanini Anvil

Precut blanks for forging available from:
use coupon code John at checkout.

My blacksmiths apron

Music sourced through Epidemic sound

Some of my most used gear*
*Links include affiliate links

Mailing address:
Black Bear Forge
P.O. Box 4
Beulah, CO 81023

Below you will find useful links that will help you in your journey as a blacksmith.

To find more information in blacksmithing in the US or to search for your local ABANA affiliate group visit.

Blacksmithing tools and supplies

Blacksmithing and related activities can be hazardous. These videos are not a substitute for competent professional instruction. Your safety is your sole responsibility. Always use appropriate safety equipment including eye and ear protection when working in the shop. Follow manufactures safety guidelines for the use of all equipment. In the event something shown in one of these videos seems unsafe, it is up to you to make the appropriate changes to protect yourself.t yourself.

[redlionforge]

I started watching Blackbear Forge videos 4 years ago when I set out to start forging. I started with the basic setup you see in this video. I started making hooks and other simple projects. Now I have a Bridgeport mill, hydraulic press, multiple anvils and much more. My projects range from hooks, axes, warhammers, hammers, knives and much more. Just stick with it and listen to John he’s a good teacher! Lol

[wesleymccravy]

Don't be afraid of learning the skill folks. All you can do is practice and it becomes easier. I made tongs, punches, and chisels for a few months piddling few hours after work. Then I started making hammers. After that i made hundreds of hammers and quit my job for an enjoyable few years of self sustaining livelihood.

[keepcalmandfarmon]

Love this series!!! You are breaking down barriers for a lot of people that want to get into blacksmithing. I have heard many times..."I want to start blacksmithing, but I can't afford an anvil".

[vegardbratteng]

Thanks for putting together these videos (and the rest of them). I've finally scraped prioritized thworing cash at starting my own small home forge. Was at a blacksmithing course over a weekend some weeks back, and I'm hooked. In a month's time, I'm getting my own forge, tongues and hammers, and I'm off running. From now until that time, I'm gonna have to get myself something resembling an anvil.

Thanks for the inspiration, and the clear(!) instructions.

For those of you wanting to start out: A local blacksmithing course is the way to go. You meet with others in the environment, and learn whether this is for you. Blacksmithing looks easy, and the fundamentals are. Hit hot metal with hammer. It really doesn't take much out of you to get started. However! Getting them looking the same every time is hard. The blisters will be there, and the work can be physically draining for those of us sitting behind a keyboard all day. The veterans make it look so easy, and with time and practice, so will we.

Looking forwards to continue binge-watching your videos over the next months as I'm getting started with my own blacksmithing journey.
Much love from Norway.

[Bangalangs]

Starting small is still a start. Really enjoying the “budget-friendly basics for beginners” videos. A good measuring tool for a beginner to get acquainted with is a set of dividers, they’re pretty cheap at Harbor Freight.

I’d be curious to see if some cheap neodymium magnets stuck to the underside of that anvil would help with the ring.

Another excellent video sir.

[gregkovas]

I'm another beginner that's been learning from your videos for years. I've always admired and been grateful for your focus on teaching skills that don't require special tools. I love this new series, and while I'm growing beyond what you're teaching now, I applaud you for continuing to focus on beginners.

[timberanvil]

Been doing this for 9 years - still a fun series to watch!

[matthewtracy]

This is a great series! I can't tell you how many people ask how to get into forging. I have little to no answers as a novice myself, so I revert to your channel now.

[remuskynsaber]

This is amazing, I personally learn best when someone breaks down and shows even the small stuff. I feel like I could start from the beginning and work beside you. Thank you 😊

I was a mechanic in the military and I can vouch for the glove detail. We only wear gloves when there is a pinching hazard.

[colvinwellborn]

On the topic of gloves, I've settled on a setup where I have a hot mill glove on my tong hand (left) and I tape my index finger and thumb with sports tape. I'm not in the shop every day, so the tape really helps cut down on blisters that make my day job more difficult and might keep me out of the shop. The glove on my tong hand helps with radiant heat when I'm holding a top tool and it helps to cushion the vibrations in the tongs or, especially, when I'm holding the end of a long work piece.

[leonardmettlach]

I've been forging for 15+ yrs and still come to John to learn, love your videos Brother great teacher

[Lockecole]

On the clothing, one I'd not considered till I heard about it happening to another Smith... Clothing like flannel that has a knap to it can be dangerous even being a natural material. A fluffy surface. The added surface area made it readily combustible and the Smith had to have a skin graft.

[robsonsantosOSO]

It's great to see that you're already working in this new space and I have great expectations for when the coal forge is installed. Only the experience of a lot of work provides the empathy to teach in an objective and accessible way and that you own very well. Thank you very much!

[geoffallert]

As an OSH representative in my workplace, I was impressed by your explanation of what to wear, when to wear it and why you need it. Well done.

[chewyakarieckenicholas]

John you are a plethora of knowledge thank you for sharing everything that you do share and hope to see more projects from you soon

[MannoMax]

Just some pointers as a tool and die maker:
1. there are blades for a hacksaw that will cut hardened steel, i usually use the Sandvik ones. Its slower than a grinder of course, but its cheaper, and you don't have to worry about sparks or drawing a tools temper.
2: Make sure that your vise is as steady as possible, every little bit of rocking is wasted energy on your part

[AbbyTaylor-yjwn]

Love this content John!! Thank you! This is the main style of my forge setup and thrills me to see you going this route for us! Been a fan and follower of yours for a while now- please keep it coming!

[andromedajacobson]

I like to hot rasp my round tapers. I anchor the piece on the anvil or on a vise, anything that will prevent the piece from moving against the rasp. Spin and rasp, spin and rasp. I usually use H13 and I can make round punches without grinding. Cool video, John. Thank you!

[johnritchie]

I love this series on setting up shop. You’re a great instructor and wonderful resource. You really drill down into the nitty gritty. I mean, what boots do you wear? Seriously down and dirty on the details. Love this and I don’t even want to be a blacksmith.

[onemanarmy]

I didn't think I'd find this so soon, I'm currently interested in blacksmithing once I buy land, thanks for the videos ✌