MosinRob 1 Posted August 30, 2014 I recently Started blacksmithing. I have a couple friends in the hobby and decided I wanted to try. Built my own forge out of material that were around. Total cost was about $30. Bought a anvil a little later. I've made a couple things so far. I took a railroad spike and just put a curl on it and then took one and flattened the end. Just to warm up. Next I made a couple lantern holders. Then I made a RR spike knife. Still needs a little work but mostly done. I'm working on a small tomahawk for my son now. Just thought I'd share. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CMJeepster 2,780 Posted August 30, 2014 Cool! I've always wanted to take a class for that. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MosinRob 1 Posted August 31, 2014 you don't need a class. read a couple books, watch some youtube, talk to a guy that has done it and start forging. I didn't really have any training other than watching my friend do it once. You learn quick Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Candyman87 10 Posted August 31, 2014 Very cool! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
checko 180 Posted August 31, 2014 Sweet looking blade dude Sent from my XT1080 using Tapatalk Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
302w 83 Posted August 31, 2014 I'm quite jealous. Your forge looks interesting for sure. I guess that hand crank looking thing is an air pump? Blacksmithing is something I messed around in highschool metal shop and unfortunately didn't continue. We had a small propane or maybe natgas forge that I would block the vents on to try to get it hotter. I would up making a bunch of stuff, screwdriver shafts, punches, and my favorite was a really nice crowbar made from 1" hex stock. The bend on it I cheated on though since I used a bender, an oxy/actelyene torch, and the Canadian girl in class to help me bend it. I loved using the torch because I was able to get it BRIGHT orange quickly. The forge only got it to a low-medium orange. Try making nails from 1" flatstock if you have a good anvil. Doesn't take long and it is pretty fun. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pbkid6974 1 Posted August 31, 2014 Shovel ak time? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MosinRob 1 Posted September 1, 2014 I'm quite jealous. Your forge looks interesting for sure. I guess that hand crank looking thing is an air pump? Blacksmithing is something I messed around in highschool metal shop and unfortunately didn't continue. We had a small propane or maybe natgas forge that I would block the vents on to try to get it hotter. I would up making a bunch of stuff, screwdriver shafts, punches, and my favorite was a really nice crowbar made from 1" hex stock. The bend on it I cheated on though since I used a bender, an oxy/actelyene torch, and the Canadian girl in class to help me bend it. I loved using the torch because I was able to get it BRIGHT orange quickly. The forge only got it to a low-medium orange. Try making nails from 1" flatstock if you have a good anvil. Doesn't take long and it is pretty fun. Yes its a hand crank air blower. Old school. Gas forge's don't get as hot a soft coal forges. I can go from a cold forge light some newsprint, cover with coal and in about 4 min I'm= at forge welding temperature. That's between 1600-2000 degree's Fahrenheit. I've made nails before. I have a cheater tool for it too. I just got a bunch of files and lawn mower blades to I'm going to make some knives and tomahawks Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
302w 83 Posted September 1, 2014 Have you considered going electric? I mean it is a little redneck but people have had success using hairdryers, shopvacs, and the like. What are you using for fuel? Straight anthracite? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MosinRob 1 Posted September 1, 2014 I have means any time I want I could hook one to it but I really like the blower on it. Don't get me wrong after a hour or so your arm gets tired but it don't take much cranking to get the steel to critical. I use soft coal Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Smokin .50 1,907 Posted September 1, 2014 Nice job Rob! Can't wait to see it in operation some time! GREAT pix too! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MedicYeti 96 Posted September 2, 2014 Very cool. Blacksmithing is one of those things I'd like to try but haven't. Your doing a good job from what I can tell. Enjoy. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites