brianbrazealblacksmith

I could show you how to do that even thou I have not done that exact piece. I don't know how to post this on this site, but if you come by my shop at a time that I could show you , I'd welcome the opportunity to show you how I would approach it.

I know what you mean about the chicken or the egg! The shorter drift with the punch end is the egg. The complete set of tools is the chicken. I've only had to make the egg first when I fly somewhere and don't take my hammer making tools, so I'll make a hammer eye punch with the short drift with the punch on the end to punch a hole then grind the punch off then use it as a drift. The other drifts I have are longer, but they are not quite as you described. I don't usually take measurements so let's see of I can explain this. I like pill shaped eyes for my hammers and top tools because I lik

That's a lot of questions. The round swage should accommodate whatever size hammer you plan to forge. I have made different sizes for different size hammers, but my large one will do every hammer rounding hammer I would care to forge by hand and striker. I've done up to 2 1/2 inch stock, but don't recommend larger than 2 inch. My largest round swage has an inside diameter of about 2 3/4 inches. The top and bottom fullers for dividing the cheeks from the faces and drawing out the cheeks vary to whatever you like or choose, and the hump tools need to match. I usually suggest the 1 1/2 inch as

Thanks for posting this, Bruno C.!

Thanks for posting this, Bruno C.!

I have, a few times, but we don't know how to put them on the internet.

You make some pretty tools, Tubbe! We're going to be in Devon, England in August at the IBF. I hope you can show up and work with us.

FlyingXS, I don't know how to link any info or attach photos on this site, but several of the young smiths that I have worked with would be able to help explain everything, especially Alec Steele. Forged to finish is the most efficient way to make the tools. The "rounding fuller", which is actually a swage, only takes about fifteen minutes to make, and there are some videos out there of us making that tools. The fullers for making the cheeks and trough lines can be any size you choose as long as your hump tools are the same. There are two people in Australia that have been here and done the "T

All good responses, especially Forgemaster and JNewman. The fact is forging is the most efficient way to get what you want or need to do the job and will last or hold up better than any other technology that man has ever come up with. We are in the Steel Age!. We have gone to the moon and are going to go further because of forging technology. Forging is not a lost or dying art. It is the technology that has enabled man to do what he has done, and we have continued to improve and advance because it is the best way that gives the best result. It is a good day to be a blacksmith!

Dan P, I stated what I stated, and I've shown both steel and clay, and I have never attacked anyone's methods or tools! You, sir are incorrect. Maybe you should read all of this over. Now let's talk about better methods of skinning a cat. What did you all think bout all those examples?

Thanks, Alec S! I just reread all of this again. The pictures say all I was trying to say. There are no ill feelings on my part, especially towards any associations like someone mentioned earlier. I do believe it is a disservice to teach people this without understanding it's limitations. Look at what a commotion a simple question started. I wasn't attacking anyone's pokers. I think we should talk about the how's and why's of forge welding without getting defensive or offensive.

Paul17, not a single one of those welds are the one I specifically brought up in this conversation. I know some of them have been brought up on this thread. Your photos are very nice examples of different types of forge welding.

Very nice tongs, Gerald!

Alright, ForgeMan32! You should get with trinculo, like he suggested, also? You guys can help each other out. Josh, will do!

I did not say you can't make a poker that can fit your purposes! I said you cannot make a sound weld! Basher now put it in a vice and see if you can pry it apart, and then show us.