Gor Posted October 25, 2012 Share Posted October 25, 2012 I figured the first thing I made should be tongs, since I'd need them for most everything else. They're ugly, rough, and they could still use a lot of work, but I guess you have to start somewhere. Thanks to all of you for answering questions and pointing us new guys in the right direction. You have all helped so much in getting me started. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daniel.85 Posted October 25, 2012 Share Posted October 25, 2012 I see your toe. Nice job tacking tongs, just keep making them and you'll learn a ton as you go. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HandsomeRyan Posted October 25, 2012 Share Posted October 25, 2012 Nice! After using the "real" tongs at my blacksmithing class, I am especially cognizant of how terrible it is to try to use a pair of plumbers channel lock pliers in my home forge. I'll have to make or buy some appropriate tongs soon and your picture gives me hope that I can make them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve Sells Posted October 26, 2012 Share Posted October 26, 2012 where is the ulgy set ? those look very usable Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chinobi Posted October 26, 2012 Share Posted October 26, 2012 Nice! After using the "real" tongs at my blacksmithing class, I am especially cognizant of how terrible it is to try to use a pair of plumbers channel lock pliers in my home forge. I'll have to make or buy some appropriate tongs soon and your picture gives me hope that I can make them. truer words are rarely spoken! im looking forward to being able to join the ranks of people with tongs soon :) Fine work Gor, they look like you will get plenty of service out of them :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1forgeur Posted October 26, 2012 Share Posted October 26, 2012 My first pair were "ugly, rough and could still use a lot more work". But you know what, they're still my favorite to use. Keep at it, yer doing good! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Everything Mac Posted October 26, 2012 Share Posted October 26, 2012 They are a hell of a lot better than my first several attempts. It wasn't until my third or fourth go I got a decent working pair of tongs. Those look pretty good mate. All the best Andy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daniel Lea (AKA 99pppo) Posted October 26, 2012 Share Posted October 26, 2012 For a first pair they are quite good. It is usable, my first wasn´t, my second neither. Now I can make most of the tools I need myself. It is great, you start with very few and make more and more tools and become very well equipped with the time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frosty Posted October 26, 2012 Share Posted October 26, 2012 I'm with Steve, what ugly tongs? Those look perfectly serviceable and that's what counts. My first few were complete messes, I was already too good a smith so I tried for a nice looking finished set and ended up with almost completely unusable tongs. They looked nice sort of but were WAY too light weight to hold solidly. Those are fine tongs for a first or 50th pair. You left plenty of meat to not only be strong but be easily changeable. You're going to run into situations where a pair of tongs just a LITTLE bit different is exactly what you need. Meat is good. Well done. Frosty The Lucky. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quarry Dog Posted November 14, 2012 Share Posted November 14, 2012 I can see a lot of uses for those. The funny thing about tongs is that the only part you can't change later in the boss, since there's a hole in it. It wont hurt them to break the rivet, re-shape the bit to fit whatever you're working with at the time, or even weld on a piece of channel or half a bit of pipe to one side to keep stuff from moving on you. Right now they look like they'd be great for heavier stuff like maybe 1 1/2" 2, especially if you added a piece of channel to the end of the bit. I will say, though, that my first pair of tongs "had" solid 3/8" * 3/4"reins like that. My hand did not enjoy that so much, so I drew them out (tapered to a 3/8" * 3/8") and cut off the excess, now they're nice and springy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pkrankow Posted November 15, 2012 Share Posted November 15, 2012 Knock the corners off on the grip area of the reins. You may be using that pair for quite some time, they look sturdy and adequately made. My first pair were too thin in places and broke. Phil Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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