the_mad_hammer82

Is it good for chisels, drifts and hot tools?

Ok.  Thanks.  

Ever heard of m2 steel?

I don't really know.  I just assumed it was mild steel like 1018.  It's from a local hardware store with welding supplies.  Nothing fancy. 

Thanks guys.  Maybe I'll have better luck. 

So after you get both pieces made and pit together,  just let it cool down on it's own?  Do they need reheated or tempered?

Not since i learned you can over cook metal.

What steel is best for tongs.  I have acces to mild steel, but that broke while i was forging one side of tongs.  The jaw just hit the ground. Lol

I quenched one pair to try it out and one i didn't.  The process i use is first the jaw with half on half off blows.  Then 90 degrees half on half off for the part where the rivet goes.  Basic flat nose tongs.

That's 1/2 rebar.

I've just started in blacksmithing.  Watched a few videos on how to make tongs and I've made three pairs.  All of which broke at the jaw.  I've used mild steel, rebar and really cheap metal.  I try to keep them cooled off but it seems the shock of the hammer breaks them.  Any help would be appreciated.