Glenn

Find what fuel is cheap and available in your area and build a forge to use that fuel. Solid Fuel Forges Gas Forges READ THIS FIRST TPAAAT - Applied Anvil Acquisition Technique A collection of improvised anvils Bladesmithing Pack a lunch and a cold drink and then read the rest of the site.

We tell folks that YouTube has a lot of material that is misleading or incorrect. On IForgeIron the information self corrects in a post or two so you get correct information. Glad you have built up enough knowledge in your data base of reading that you can recognize junk when you see it.

Figure out what type hole you want to make. Then make that punch from mild steel. It should work for a limited punch run if you hit it 3 times, remove the punch from the hot metal and cool the punch. This will improve your hammer skills as well as your punch making skills. That way when you get tool steel for the punches, you will know what to do, and what shape you want the punch to be.

BP001 Easy to make tongs then scroll down to the bottom of the page.

What ? No old welding rods or electrical wire? No copper grounding wire?

A jig is a tool to accomplish a repeated task. They can be simple to complex, depending on the task at hand. A swage block is a tool that has a variety of inside shapes that can be used when needed. They usually consist of different size half circles, V's, half hex, and square or round holes through the body. Each can be used as needed. Other swage blocks have dimples, half cones, shovel impressions, etc. The swage block can be used as an upsetting block for the end of a piece of metal. Many times the swage block will sit on the shop floor as a door stop or as a hard stop for a

One of the more interesting swage stands was constructed so it could be positioned flat, or edge up, or other edge up if it is a different dimension. There was a goesinta attached to one corner of the stand so a 7 shaped arm could inserted and a winch attached to hoist the swage block for turning to the section you needed for the work at hand. Attach, crank, lift, turn, and then lower into place.

You were simply given a gentle reminder that IForgeIron is a G rated family forum.

The IForgeIron store carries all the supplies you will need to build your gas forge. Gas Forge Refractories and Supplies

Keep moving, doing what you can, when you can. There's no rush. Thank you for the update and keeping us informed.

Congratulations on your 1A, 1G, and 1F certifications. What is not to like about you working toward and achieving a certification?

That is not how welding works. Your suggestion results in 5 seconds of a bad weld that will not pass inspection. Following established welding techniques is the way to go. They test, certify welders, and x-ray welds for a reason. And it is not just one certification, but a different certification for each type of welding.

To start read the READ THIS FIRST at the top of the forum page. Not knowing where in the world you live, it is difficult to recommend a blacksmithing group or organization near you. IForgeIron has sections on most forges such as solid fuel, gas, electric, and oil forges. One of the easiest forges to make is the JABOD (just a box of dirt). Cheap as dirt and I do suppose that you have dirt where you live (grin). The JABOD forge works and can be configured and reconfigured to what ever you want for the project at hand. To start you need something to hit with (2 pound hammer) s

What type of tape and or glue do the manufactures use? You may want to find a source for that product.

Build the JABOD forge. Cheap, easy and works. It will answer most of your questions while teaching you how to get metal hot. Besides no one said you could have only one forge. The next forge will usually be better anyway. You will need a fireball about the size of a melon, so anything to hold a 4-6 inch or so ball will work. The sweet spot of the fire is about 1/2 to 2/3 of the way up the fireball. This is where the metal goes to get hot. I prefer something to lay the metal on that is at that height so there is no guessing where the sweet spot is located. Fuel does not make th