Hello all,
I am brand new to bladesmithing. I have 1 knife under my belt and I'm hooked. However it is pretty easy to get overwhelmed buying tools and I'm trying to be smart with my money. Currently I have a hammer, knifemakers anvil, single burner propane forge, and a pieced together 2x72. As far as tongs go, is it better to buy 1 set and then build others or should I just jump in and try to build some first? If building, what steel should I use? If buying, what do you recommend? I currently am using vise grips, but I'm looking to get something longer. Also, I was wondering about file guides. Do I need the carbide surface for a filing guide or am I good without the carbide?
I have tried to search the forum with answers to these with little luck. If I have missed something please let me know.
Thanks,
Travis
I would say if you want to improve your forging skills, forge your own tongs. Its not quick. It took me like 4 hours to forge my first pair of tongs. Just make sure you keep it hot and hit it hard. Also if you don't have anyone to teach how to make them as I didn't, YouTube is your best friend. All mine are made of mild steel(junk yard variety). I think mild steel is the best because if they get hot (which they will) you can quench them in water with out risk of hardening them.
As for file guides: You get what you pay for. Carbide is the best and it will out last a file guide made from steel (any kind of steel even if its harden steel). If I was to buy 1. I would get a carbide 1 in stead playing with a all steel 1. A file is not going to even put a dent on a carbide surface but it will on a steel surface.
Anyway I am by know means an expert. These are just some things I have learned along the way. Some the hard way. <img src=' http://www.americanbladesmith.com/ipboard/public/style_emoticons//dry.gi f' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='<_<' />
Good luck
Jason
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|quoted:
I would say if you want to improve your forging skills, forge your own tongs. Its not quick. It took me like 4 hours to forge my first pair of tongs. Just make sure you keep it hot and hit it hard. Also if you don't have anyone to teach how to make them as I didn't, YouTube is your best friend. All mine are made of mild steel(junk yard variety). I think mild steel is the best because if they get hot (which they will) you can quench them in water with out risk of hardening them.
As for file guides: You get what you pay for. Carbide is the best and it will out last a file guide made from steel (any kind of steel even if its harden steel). If I was to buy 1. I would get a carbide 1 in stead playing with a all steel 1. A file is not going to even put a dent on a carbide surface but it will on a steel surface.
Anyway I am by know means an expert. These are just some things I have learned along the way. Some the hard way. <img src=' http://www.americanbladesmith.com/ipboard/public/style_emoticons//dry.gi f' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='<_<' />
Good luck
Jason
Thanks for the info Jason. I’ll also give the frogs lube a look.
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