Crazy Ivan Posted October 30, 2015 Share Posted October 30, 2015 I have been seeing more and more tongs made from flat stock fullered and forged out and then twisting the bit lately. I like this method well enough but I noticed that most folks do not bother to forge out the twist between the boss and the big. IMO it is ugly and it also makes me wonder if it affects the strength of the jaw over time (any twisting or bending over time while in use?). Im also thinking if you leave the twist in, it could cause the boss to bind in some cases. This may not be the case but either way, I'm wondering who here forges the twist square (as you would for a penny scroll) after the twist and who leaves the twist visible. What are yalls thoughts/preferences? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HWooldridge Posted October 30, 2015 Share Posted October 30, 2015 I normally file off any sharp corners - any tiny notch across an edge can create a stress riser and break a jaw...and yes, you can have one of these bind at the boss on occasion. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crazy Ivan Posted October 31, 2015 Author Share Posted October 31, 2015 I agree and do the same. I'm curious about people who don't do this. Wondering what their experience has been if this is just a theory thing or if it has affected anybody in the ways we are both saying. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kevin Olson Posted October 31, 2015 Share Posted October 31, 2015 I get my tong blanks from Ken Zitur in Minnesota. I do nothing but shape the blade and twist. No bind or brakeage yet. So like you said you might just have a theory. And yes, they could be prettier but I'm lazy :-) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
arkie Posted November 1, 2015 Share Posted November 1, 2015 Ivan, I've made several of the Dempsey Twist tongs. Some I've left with the twist and others I've filed the twist edges off. Doesn't seem to make a difference. Filing the twist off does make them look a bit nicer, but that beauty is in the eyes of the beholder One thing I noticed about the twist tongs is that I did it at a yellow heat and didn't just jerk the twist around quickly. Lower heat and a very quick twist left miniscule cracks in one or two of them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crazy Ivan Posted November 1, 2015 Author Share Posted November 1, 2015 Fileing wasn't something I had thought of. I have always fullered slighly less than my intended finished depth, then when it came time to twist the jaw, I would forge the twist out. A quick draw filing would take off any high spots on the boss, rivet, adjust and done. I have never bought tong blanks before though and always make them myself. I try and do most of my work with a hammer as I despise finish work like filing, grinding, etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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