10 hours ago10 hr Hello everyone,I'm interested in hearing from experienced blacksmiths about the tools they consider essential for a beginner forge setup.When starting out, it can be overwhelming to choose between different anvils, hammers, tongs, and forge types. In your experience:What tools should every beginner invest in first?Which tools can wait until later?Are there any brands or suppliers you've had good experiences with?What common mistakes should new blacksmiths avoid when buying equipment?I've been researching various blacksmithing tools and forge equipment and would love to learn from the community's real-world experience.Looking forward to your insights and recommendations!
6 hours ago6 hr I came up with an answer I love to repeatall you need issomething to make hotsomething to make the hot thing hotsomething to hit the hot thingsomething to rest the hot thing on while you use something to hit the hot thingI really cannot think of any way to make this list shorter
5 hours ago5 hr First, knowledge is essential. Books are very good, videos are hit and miss, but a good teacher and/or support group can be priceless.After that:A hammer, about two pounds, one with a face and a fullering peen, and or maybe a similar size ball peen.Any block of steel that can be used as an anvil. Or you know, an anvil.A forge, probably would recommend a JBOD for a beginnerAt least one good set of tongs - probably a pair that is more universal but not quite as good at any one task.Eventually you'll need files, grinders, vises, drills, and the like. Punches, chisels, and a great many other tools are easily made and good practice.Considering the handle, blacksmitsdepot, are you considering forging, or trying to sell tools to would-be beginners?
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