Hi guys, 

 

I needed a decent set of tongs to hold some arrow heads while I forge the points. 

 

I came up with these

 

They are a bit offset but the work very well. I've not done any forging for ages and I was knackered after drawing them out. 

 

They hold well

 

 

 

What do you guys think?

 

Many thanks

Andy

Very nice. 

But...

Instead of the "pincer" bit, how about something like a square-bit? 

Or chisel a little "V" into the pincer bit?

It might make a "bit" of difference?

I did wonder about doing that - but I was concerned that if I didn't have a regular thickness in the socket then it might not bite as well.

 

Cheers

Well , they look like they work fine anyway.

Generally speaking, if my tongs work at all they are judged good to go.

Looking at the pictures,  I would consider resetting the jaws so the reins were closer, and the intended arrowhead on the centreline of the tongs when in use, as they are they look awkward to use. Otherwise a good start on them, nothing that can't be tweaked to improve.

I just use a pair of needle nose vice grips to hold the socket while I forge out the head.  I have had no problems.

 

A pair of what I call "jewelers' tongs" would work too.  These are scaled up jeweler's pliers which have cone shaped jaws.  When closed the cones touch, side by side.  Particularly useful in starting a scroll.

 

Grippingly,

George M.

Yeah, it's just a temporary pin in there just now. When I get round to fixing the, together properly I'll sort them out. The grip isn't actually that wide.

Cheers
Andy