DWyatt Posted December 21, 2013 Share Posted December 21, 2013 Managed to make my first set of tongs. I am pretty happy with them. I did end up with a small cold shut on one of the jaws but Ill use them till they give up. Think this is my 5th project, still working on all my forge tools. Having a blast! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Francis Trez Cole Posted December 21, 2013 Share Posted December 21, 2013 looks good when you hammer out the Jaw's thinner at the end thicker at the boss. keep at it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swedefiddle Posted December 21, 2013 Share Posted December 21, 2013 Merry Almost, A good way to start. If there is a crack, grind out the crack and weld it back up with stick or mig, which ever you have. The crack is from hammering when the material is too cold. The weakest part of tongs is the transition from the hinge area to the jaw and the start of the reins. You can leave a little more material there and they will be stronger. I taper the reins from the hinge area to the tip, if you work about 3" at a time you can see the transition and control it. Cut off any excess length for the reins. A very nice start. Please don't take my comments as negative criticism Neil Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daniel.85 Posted December 22, 2013 Share Posted December 22, 2013 Not bad at all for a first set. Not sure what size material you started with but if you upset a few inches of one end just a little it will give you more material for the jaws. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DWyatt Posted December 22, 2013 Author Share Posted December 22, 2013 Thanks for the tips. I used 1/2" square stock. I didn't even think about upsetting first. Ill try that on the next one and get a little more material there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Francis Trez Cole Posted December 24, 2013 Share Posted December 24, 2013 I use 3/4" square stock the extra material helps Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frosty Posted December 24, 2013 Share Posted December 24, 2013 Looks good for a first pair, LOTS better than my first three. I use coil spring stock, it's stronger so I can make lighter tongs that will till take a good grip without bending. You just need to remember to not let them get into red heat without cooling, about the only thing I use my quench bucket for regularly. Frosty The Lucky. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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