Ball end punch

Some times you need to make a tool to make another tool. In this case I want to make a 3/8 rivet header but need a ball punch the size of the rivet head. So today we make the ball.

Thank you for watching. Black Bear Forge is a small one person shop located in Southern Colorado.
If you would like to take a more active role in the production of these videos, you may provide financial support through one of the two links below.
Or you may set up a monthly contribution through Patreon
I have set up a Facebook group just for my YouTube channel.
If you would like to share your work that was inspired by my videos
This is the place to do that
Find my shop on line at:

If you have something you want to send my way you may do so at:
Black Bear Forge
P.O. Box 4
Beulah, CO 81023

The following list provides just a few resources to help you find supplies and equipment for blacksmithing.

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.

[williambalint]

LOL. I was looking at your Quench bucket thinking 'he has one bucket inside the one with the lid. great idea'. Two seconds later you explained it like you were responding to my thought.

[JarlSeamus]

Even though it's a super simple tool, it was a terrific refresher on heat treating "old school" without an oven. Fundamentals matter and should be refreshed periodically.

[Sally]

We moved into a house that has scrap sucker rod in abundance…..the property fence is made with it! While I’m disappointed to learn it’s not good for knife making, I am very happy I can make a bunch of forging tools! Thank so much for this….of to the shop I go!

[jhawk]

John, thanks for all of your great videos. You explain things so clearly, and take time to demonstrate a lot of little details that others often omit. I've learned a lot from watching your content. I'm glad I didn't try to get started blacksmithing based on that one very popular knife forging show. You're awesome!

[troycorliss]

This technique applies to any variety of punches needed in the shop. Well explained! Thanks for a short and tasty video.

[JacksonDunnoKnows]

You never fail to be a great help Mr bear! I've been slowly growing and growing and now I'm in need of more tools! Who would have guessed huh? Ha! I've been doing alot of mjölnir pendants and have gotten really good. But now I want to start adding more detail to em that just a flat planished look. That and I want to get better at animal/demon heads and skulls. Need some better ball and eye hole punches. What I'm using now for ball punches are some old center punches that I had and ground to shape. But they be getting a bit beat up. As always, thanks you John!

[thealicemonster]

1k likes 0 dislikes... Just the way it should be on this channel. 😊 Keep up the good work.

[BIGDOGFORGE]

Thanks John I have never used sucker rod before Its not available in my part of the country
But a viewer sent me a bunch of it. Thanks for the info and the demo.
Keep up the good work and I look forward to the next one.

[joshuaprice]

Good video John! You did a great job explaining the heat treating process in this one.

[ChristCenteredIronworks]

Things get really interesting when you pair this with air tooling :-) and loud LOL great video John God bless you and thank you for the post...

[Ekanselter]

Excellent tutorial on working with sucker rod.

[Bobsutubes]

Very good & quick course in heat treatments. Thx.

[steelpennyforge]

Always love the make a tool videos! Looking forward to the rivet tool videos!!

[johnjude]

I will get my rivet punch tool today if I am not rain out for my little " shed shop" Also has my compass cut out ready to forage and shaped and ready for nice job on rivits.
Again Thanks you Sir.You are great at what you are doing.

[OuroborosArmory]

Good point on the color differences. Even the outside sunlight can change your video colors for us to see :)

[lenblacksmith]

I really enjoyed this, and the heat treating is a good reminder on how heat treating was done, I do it this way all the time and it serves me well.

[MrDgproctor]

Always enjoy your vids.... That "insect" you mention is commonly called a "Grasshopper" in Texas where in the panhandle where I grew up were quite common.

[DaysHours]

A great simple tool for a beginner like me to make Thanks for the video Black Bear!

[jeffsandling]

Great video John! Love the tip on using the safety rag bin. Think I'll go that route. I keep a piece of 16ga scrap sheet next to mine for that purpose and have often worried about knocking the oil can over if you happen to panic a little. I hear you on the lighting, just changed my fluorescent lights to Led's and cracked 3of 5 chisels I made being used to the colors I used to see...thanks for your time John...really looking forward to making my calipers!

[KelseyWildstone]

Sir, your videos are excellent! I appreciate you making them :)