Rob Browne

You are off and running if they are your first try. As I said before, getting the two halves identical is the hard bit and even though its not essential as they still work the challenge to get them even is one worth taking up. You are very lucky to be getting help from another smith :)

Been making them for a while but still make the same mistake. I try to make both pieces at the same time instead of making one step of one piece then the same in the other to keep them the same. That way you end up with the curves different in both pieces Works but not the most efficient method. I really have to keep it a step at at time. Don't know what you are worried about with your tongs though. They look as though they are practical and, like mine, not too ugly. Great effort! That is why I like making tongs, they are a real challenge to make a set that works AND look good.

They want a log in :(

Really nice. I like the usefulness of the kitchen knives, we use them every day!

Grant, If you knew how long it took me to make those tongs you wouldn't say that. To make them viable I would have to charge a couple of hundred dollars for them! Cheers

Thanks to those who have replied. I know I don't really need an extra hand BUT it sure feels like it. When you practice it cold you can do it in no time flat BUT when its hot and you are trying not to let it cool too much you have two left hands! More practice when the weather cooperates.

Like I said in my thread about needing a third hand to do a tong and drop weld I made some tongs. They are not too ugly so I thought I would actually post them here for comment. As usual there are a few problems: The hinge is thicker at the ends where I was drawing down the reins and jaws so they don't close as easily as they should. Heating them and working them is the next step. The jaws need to be creased so they will hold rods, etc. Next time the forge is lit. They are a bit light, I got carried away with the drawing out so next time ease off the hammer. Will adjust them next weekend hopefully. Its too hot and windy here to light the forge, don't want a visit from the local fire brigade. Cheers

Thanks for all your "advice" fellas The anvil helper may be the next project but I still think an extra hand would be good. Cheers

With all that gear and some practice you could be happy for life :)

Been on a bit of a break from work lately and have had time to string together several days of mangling metal in a row. Can almost remember which end of a hammer to hold now. Finally finished a pair of bolt tongs I have been "working" on for quite a while now and thought I would have yet another go at a drop and hold weld, fagot welds and billets are no problem. Now I know why I was not much of a ladies man. I just don't have enough hands No matter how many times I practice the moves cold I have yet to get a weld to stick and always feel like I need an extra hand. The powers to be have declared a total fire ban tomorrow in a lot of NSW so that puts an end to my practice sessions for a while but, one day I'll get it! Now I feel better after that rant.......................................

You're right there :)

Would love to be worried about heating my shop. Its been 43 degrees C here (about 109 F) for a few days and the forge is a test of my endurance. Can only manage a couple of hours at a time. Cheers

What great news I go bush for a couple of weeks and come back to this news - fantastic. Keep on keeping on digger.

Nice work Dale.

I just tried AnvilFire and the links worked for the 139, 140,145 & 149 demonstrations. They are really great and have even helped me make a "working" lock, not pretty but it works :)

Impressive. I really like your tongs :)

Make sure you heat the metal slowly so it is the same temperature all the way through.

Get that cover up. I haven't fired up for nearly a month now as I have been trying to get my lean to built before the heat of summer forces me indoors.

Great repair job. Nice to see someone at the forge with safety specs on!

No need to get rid of the old girl. As already said a plate across the bottom of the forge bolted in, some straps or a plate across the crack, also bolted, connect the tuyere to the new plate and you have a functional forge. Much easier than starting from the beginning.

We have plain butchers knives we use to kill pigs with. They are used to stab the pig after it is shot with a pea rifle. I have never had one stick in the wound because it does not have a fuller groove. Old wives tail......................

Those ones are not even ugly! I've still to produce a nice looking set with matched halves. Mine are funcitonal but ugly. Nice work :)

Just don't breath the coal smoke. Problem solved. I use a coal forge only because coal is very cheap here and I have only ever really been exposed to solid fuel forges. However, I have used a friends gasser and its really handi to be able to go in and just turn it on. After saying that its MUCH noiser and expensive to run. I think both have a place in any serious setup but then I'm not serious, I only forge for fun so one forge does it all.

If you don't have a BIG forge and power hammer it would be too much work to be worthwhile to work. OTOH it would have some scrap value so you can use the proceeds to buy more suitable metal for your projects.

That pipe is not galvanised is it? If so be careful of the smoke, heavy metal poisoning. Another thought, why don't you have a go at a Lively forge. Check out this thread for some info.