Burkey Posted November 19, 2013 Share Posted November 19, 2013 I've made a few tongs since starting out but I've only really made one set of usable tongs before this, the others were made of thin junk as practice, so, this is what I made today, 20mm square, holds nice and firmly with no wiggle. Any suggestions? And yes, it's reobar, I'm pretty much broke as of late so, I got it for free. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marksnagel Posted November 19, 2013 Share Posted November 19, 2013 I have some rebar tongs. Not a thing wrong with rebar if it works for what you want. Yes there are a lot of things I wouldn't use it for but like all iron, it can still be used. Only purists (in their own mind) will balk at tongs from rebar. They are great looking tongs and should serve you well. Fine job! Mark <>< Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve Sells Posted November 19, 2013 Share Posted November 19, 2013 that is a perfectly good use for rebar, also looks like a very nice set of tongs, you did well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michael Posted November 19, 2013 Share Posted November 19, 2013 Those are great! do you know how that particular chunk of rebar reacts to a rapid quench? good to know if it was a higher carbon piece. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasPowers Posted November 19, 2013 Share Posted November 19, 2013 Do you wear gloves? They look a bit hard on the hands for a no gloves smith and great gripping for gloved work. "Go not to the Elves for advice for they shall say both Yea and Nay" and blacksmiths are even worse! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Burkey Posted November 19, 2013 Author Share Posted November 19, 2013 Those are great! do you know how that particular chunk of rebar reacts to a rapid quench? good to know if it was a higher carbon piece. I tried filing it after a quench and it took some material off. Tried cold bending it, unusually hard to bend but no snap. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Burkey Posted November 19, 2013 Author Share Posted November 19, 2013 Do you wear gloves? They look a bit hard on the hands for a no gloves smith and great gripping for gloved work. "Go not to the Elves for advice for they shall say both Yea and Nay" and blacksmiths are even worse! I always wear gloves. The other half complains when my hands get messed up from work or my hobbies. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
norrin_radd Posted November 19, 2013 Share Posted November 19, 2013 They look good to me. I like the re-bar grip texture. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Francis Trez Cole Posted November 20, 2013 Share Posted November 20, 2013 Start with bigger re bar and hammer the reins to a the right size then you do not have the re bar pattern that is what I do when you get a ton of the stuff for $50.00 you find lots of things to do with it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Everything Mac Posted November 20, 2013 Share Posted November 20, 2013 Very nice. I'd just suggest grinding off the bumps and then they'd look much better and be more comfortable in use. Andy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frosty Posted November 20, 2013 Share Posted November 20, 2013 Those'll work just fine. don't sweat using rebar unless you're doing something where consistency counts. Tongs are perfect rebar projects as are log dogs, tent stakes garden lamp stands, plant hangers and such. Don't worry about how it takes a quench from heat treating temperature, don't let your tongs get to red heat and it isn't a factor. cool em every now and then, I keep my quench bucket close for the tongs not the work. Frosty The Lucky. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Burkey Posted November 22, 2013 Author Share Posted November 22, 2013 Those'll work just fine. don't sweat using rebar unless you're doing something where consistency counts. Tongs are perfect rebar projects as are log dogs, tent stakes garden lamp stands, plant hangers and such. Don't worry about how it takes a quench from heat treating temperature, don't let your tongs get to red heat and it isn't a factor. cool em every now and then, I keep my quench bucket close for the tongs not the work. Frosty The Lucky. cheers for all the suggestions guys. made a couple more 14mm round bar Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Everything Mac Posted November 22, 2013 Share Posted November 22, 2013 cheers for all the suggestions guys. made a couple more 14mm round bar Excellent! This thread has got me thinking about the rebar I've got sat in my scrap bin. A tong making session is in order when I get ashore I think! Andy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Francis Trez Cole Posted November 22, 2013 Share Posted November 22, 2013 Burkey on you second photo you should put a grove down the center of you tongs it will help you hold square and round stock Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Burkey Posted November 22, 2013 Author Share Posted November 22, 2013 Burkey on you second photo you should put a grove down the center of you tongs it will help you hold square and round stock I already have a set of wolf jaw tongs for that, I'm making another set with longer jaws next, those will have to be rebar for the size of the jaws I want, I don't have anymore round bar stock. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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