Here is my 1st set of tongs made from 1/4"  x 3/4" mild stock cut from piece shown above the tongs. They work good, a little long but my question is why does sides of reins show mushrooming where fullered. was steel not hot enough or should more effort been made to dress the sides? thanks for answers or advice.

Dress sides as you forge the topside. 

Several things can cause that, first is the steel is not hot enugh, second is to light a hammer/not swinging hard enugh and last, with flat stock hit on edge you either have to dress out the inevitable fish mouthing, or you have th knock off the corners befor you draw it out.