Hi I am new to blacksmithing, but i am in the process of getting my first anvil and forge and was wondering just as a beginner what type of tongs to get and what hammers to get. Wanting to get a couple of each to start.Thanks

Leave the stock u r work'n with long[to practise hammer control].
The hammer is more important ,get a ball pein 1-2 lbs.

when your hammer control is how ya like it get a wet rag,then practise some more.
Tongs are like women; all are fine BUT what job R they gonna do? :)

Ball peen, cross peen, drilling...all OK right now, you will need to dress the face of many because there will be swirl marks from manufacturing, or the edges are too sharp and need rounded some. Between 1 and 3 pounds is likely where you want to be.

When you get ready to make tongs, then there are several sets of directions, most can be made without tongs by slightly altering the directions so the stock for both halves are attached together. You forge the reins out first, one side at a time letting cool before working the other side. Then you cut them apart and you should have left stock to make the pivot and jaw. The jaws are identical, so working them side by side is easier.

Phil

if u have a welder and a grinder you can make some pretty ugly yet very use-able ones