Affordable Blacksmithing - Budget friendly TOOLS

VEVOR Propane Forge, Single Burner: s.vevor.com/bfQevk
VEVOR Propane Forge, Double Burne: s.vevor.com/bfQevr
VEVOR 30kg Acciaio anvil: s.vevor.com/bfQaz1
Coupon code: VVPRO to save 5% off
Setting up a blacksmith shop for the first time can be an expensive proposition. But with some budget friendly tools it is possible to get started on your journey in blacksmithing.
With a starting budget of around $500 I believe it is possible to acquire the basic tools needed, forge, anvil, hammer and tongs. As well as materials to learn basic skills and even make a simple product you can sell to recover those costs and keep moving forward in the craft of blacksmithing.
00:00 - Intro
00:46 - Single Burner forge from VEVOR
04:59 - First firing of the forge
06:46 - The other Blacksmithing tools
19:44 - Repetition builds skills
22.04 - Forging hooks
28:10 - Bending fork
35:30 - Final thoughts
Basic blacksmithing Tool list:
From Vevor use code: VVPRO
Propane Forge, Single Burner: s.vevor.com/bfQevk
Propane Forge, Double Burne: s.vevor.com/bfQevr
30kg Acciaio anvil: s.vevor.com/bfQaz1
4 1/2" vise: s.vevor.com/bfQh8D
From Blacksmith Supply use code: bear5
Hammer: www.blacksmithsupply.com/Forg...
Tongs: www.blacksmithsupply.com/Wolf...
Other supplies found online or locally
Hacksaw frame
Hacksaw blades 18tpi
8" - 10" half round file with handle
Propane cylinder 20lb or larger with propane
3/8" hot rolled mild steel 40 feet (usually sold in 20 foot lengths)
Additional resources.
Combat Abrasives - bit.ly/3r73P8d
Use code "Blackbear10" for a discount on your next order
Anvil provided by; Fontanini Anvil
www.stevefontaniniblacksmith.com
Precut blanks for forging available from:
www.blacksmithingblanks.com
use coupon code John at checkout.
My blacksmiths apron
www.Forge-Aprons.com use code BBF
Music sourced through Epidemic sound
www.epidemicsound.com/referra...
Become a Patron - / blackbearforge
Donate - www.paypal.me/BlackBearForge
Shop - www.blackbearforge.etsy.com
Web site - www.blackbearforge.com
Instagram - / blackbearfo. .
FaceBook - / john.blackbe. .
John Switzer channel - / johnswitzer
Some of my most used gear*
Canon EOS R6 Mirrorless Camera - adorama.rfvk.net/b3yZ7v
Canon EOS R Mirrorless Camera - adorama.rfvk.net/J50gq
Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L Lens - adorama.rfvk.net/6bb7yV
Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8 L Lens - adorama.rfvk.net/rneRoG
Sony ZV1 point and shoot camera - adorama.rfvk.net/BXKMkJ
Rode Wireless Go microphone - adorama.rfvk.net/YggLRm
Deity V Mic D3 pro - adorama.rfvk.net/mxO51
Insta360 One X2 - www.insta360.com/sal/one_x2?i...
Insta360 Go2 - www.insta360.com/sal/go_2?ins...
Autel Evo II pro drone - auteldrones.com/?ref=HUB40s11...
Autel Evo Nano+ drone - auteldrones.com/?ref=HUB40s11...
*Links include affiliate links
Mailing address:
Black Bear Forge
P.O. Box 4
Beulah, CO 81023
Below you will find useful links that will help you in your journey as a blacksmith.
To find more information in blacksmithing in the US or to search for your local ABANA affiliate group visit.
www.abana.org/
Blacksmithing tools and supplies
Self contained air hammers - www.saymakhammers.com/
General blacksmithing supplies - www.oleoacresfarriersupply.com/
General blacksmithing supplies - www.piehtoolco.com/
General blacksmithing supplies - www.centaurforge.com/
General blacksmithing supplies - www.blacksmithsdepot.com/
General blacksmithing supplies - www.blacksmithsupply.com/
Square head bolts and lags - www.blacksmithbolt.com/
New anvils - www.oldworldanvils.com/
New anvils - www.nimbaanvils.com/
New anvils -
Industrial supplier - www.mcmaster.com
Tong blanks and tools - kensironstore.com/
Fire brick and refractory - refwest.com
Blacksmithing and related activities can be hazardous. These videos are not a substitute for competent professional instruction. Your safety is your sole responsibility. Always use appropriate safety equipment including eye and ear protection when working in the shop. Follow manufactures safety guidelines for the use of all equipment. In the event something shown in one of these videos seems unsafe, it is up to you to make the appropriate changes to protect yourself.t yourself.

[@laterinlife8755]

I was lucky enough to have a friend who gave me an anvil and a post vice. Found propane forge for $200, bought coal forge for $75, friend gave me a hammer. I’ve been making knives for two years and recently made a tomahawk with basic tools. I love your videos! They are my go to for knowledge, thanks!

[@brokenrecord3523]

There was an auction at the end of my first hammer-in. I also got a $75 coal forge, a $20 broken anvil (a chunk of railroad track works just fine to start) and then a big ball peen hammer. My post vice I found under a work bench at the house I bought (didn't know what it was at the time. Metal came free from anywhere. Due to anvil collectors🤨(yes, I'm looking at you), that tool will be the most difficult.

[@spvillano]

@@brokenrecord3523 railroad track is an excellent starting point. Used track is extremely well work hardened. A real bear to cut though.

[@lemhanback9595]

Actually found this not only informative but inspiring. You'd be surprised at how many folks have tried to discourage me because I'm 53. Thank you.

[@BlackBearForge]

Go for it! I've known plenty of folks that started after retiring from their regular job

[@charliearmour223]

I'm 68 and just starting... Got the wife's support first though...

[@nannybannany]

This was super helpful. My husband took a bladesmithing class a few years ago and really enjoyed it. We don't have a lot of property or empty space so a small outfit is what we'd have to do. This was really good to figure out what he would need and how much space he might actually need. Thank you!

[@BlackBearForge]

I'm glad it helps out. Have fun

[@robinhouston3889]

Love your kitty pic! I'll assume he's in charge of the workshop?

[@steveo1574]

Can you adopt me so you can be my grandpa?

[@archieklemstine2463]

Yeah ofcorse son

[@AtholIronworks]

It really is great to see how accessable forging is to the average person.

[@BlackBearForge]

Tools, supplies and education is all way more accessible than ever. Unfortunately prices are also higher.

[@greazypozer]

you could potentially diy most of this too, even if it's not ideal it's a good easy way to get started

[@crazyidea83]

I looked at similar products in our country. one burner forge €200 /coal forge - used €400+/, anvil €200, tongs /used/ €15-20 propane filling €25. so €500 without material. but... our monthly salary is €700. so my whole blacksmith workshop is made of scrap material. Total price €50

[@samuelbuettner1214]

I am so incredibly happy with my harbor freight Doyle cast steel anvil and harbor freight hammer I dressed up watching an Alex Steele video, then I made my tongs out of rebar, really a fairly cheap hobby

[@matthewtracy8744]

Yard sales and estate sales. You can find a good bit of these tools for great bargains. Sometimes you can score some amazing old tools!

[@BlackBearForge]

At some point I will have to do a video on just hunting for tools, great excuse to go to sales and auctions.

[@Mischievous_Moth]

I wish I owned my own home instead of renting an apartment, I'm chomping at the bit to get started smithing after watching this.

[@kenbultman8670]

I told a friend of your show who wants to learn blacksmithing , All he watches is is forged in fire. I tried to show him some of the things you showed me for beginners

[@shortfuse43]

Forged in Fire is probably the WORST program to learn the fundamentals of blacksmithing...pure theatrics.

[@sigogglin]

I do woodworking, but enjoy watching blacksmithing and commenting to help you in the algorithm!

[@uniqueunicorn4319]

I'm not really sure what sort of rebar you have over in America, but here in Europe our rebar has only about 0.16%C compared to about 0.21%C which is the usual amount of carbon in the most common mild/construction steels. Our rebar also doesn't have a guaranteed chemical composition, so it's behaviour (especially when quenching, hardening, etc.) can sometimes be quite unpredictable.

[@CoyoteFallsForge]

About $500 is almost exactly what my initial cost was. Same anvil, two-burner forge (anvil and forge off Amazon), a cross-peen and a ball-peen hammer from Tractor Supply, and a few pairs of long pliers to stand in for tongs. My wife surprised me with a drill press and I was off to the races.

[@glencrandall7051]

I am a woodworker. However, once in a while I find the need to make a part or fixture from metal. The set up you just described appears to be the perfect solution. Not to expensive and won't take up too much space in the shop.👍👍 Thank you for sharing. Have a great day and stay safe.🙂🙂

[@funkyspacecow]

Likewise and just finished setting up a backyard smithy (no way I'm setting up a forge in a woodshop!) very similar to what he's using here. I'm really looking forward to making my own hardware and custom woodworking tools now!

[@wilcooley]

Depending on how large of a part you need to make, you might be able to use a couple of soft fire bricks with a chamber cut in them and a handheld propane torch. Like this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/n5e3eqiEqZiUhLs

[@captainfancypants4933]

oh hey that's a really affordable little forge and anvil. Ive been collecting stuff for years to get started but this put's me closer to my goals.

[@jasonscott7803]

I picked up the two burner vevor forge, the oblong shaped one and a vevor 30 pound anvil for $400 for both here in Australia the forge was around $250 Australian dollars and the anvil was $150. The anvil is adiquate but the forge was incredibly well and after a few months use its still running well. I really enjoy your content and its helped me gain a practical understanding of some of the processes and techniques of blacksmithng and is a wonderful resource and entertaining to boot. Thanks for what you do mate and best wishes from Australia.👍

[@kristofferbrandal5384]

Hi John! I just wanted to let you know that what you do is the best way to go to learn younger people how to work with steel. You are really good at explaining how and why you do the things you do. I have been blacksmithing as an hobby now for 5 years, but i really like all the content you have on your channel. You probably know it already, but if you dont flatten the top of the hanger, but form it to a spike and bend it back 90 degree you can just hammer it straight in a beam. It can be a good way for beginners to make stuff they can use or even sell without having to make a hole. Just a tip that i learned on a blacksmithing course i took. This is actually my first comment on youtube. Greetings from Norway. Stay safe.

[@BlackBearForge]

Thanks

[@Ludick.J]

Great video. As a beginner no one should focus on forge welding. This little forge is budget friendly and a great beginners forge. Its purpose built. One thing I do have a problem with is the gas line going straight up. An elbow or 2 to make the line go down and away from the forge is important. If that line isn't secured it could become nasty.

[@kurthauschild6638]

This is K.H.BLACKSMITHING I love your videos I learn so much from you I many do Damascus but do do other things.

[@weeesus420]

I like the cinderblock idea

[@StanErvin-yo9vl]

Excellent class, John. I kinda walked into a shop doing demos for festival attendees back in the 90's. An old shop with 40 foot ceiling and an abandoned railroad spur outside the backdoor. He would occasionally let an interested onlooker have a go and BAM! I was hooked. Stopped by his shop every opportunity I got and was learning quickly. Did my 1st successful forge weld while left tinkering as he walked to the diner for lunch ( we took turns). He was surprised, as he had only shown me once. Well, ABANA met at his shop the next Saturday and I immediately joined. What a group! Iron in the hat and won my first hold down. Went to several meetings at 9 different shops with demos of new techniques. Don't know if you heard of him, but Don Dillon was one of them. He was a Master Bladesmith. He made a matching pair of pattern-welded recurves In a ladder pattern in about 6 hours. Over twenty years and about $15k later. And it's all just a brief memory. Off topic question John. A scroll being the golden ratio, what is the name for one done with sharp bends @ the same ratio? 🐾🔥⚒️👀🍻

[@quinn3334]

you really are an invaluable resource to this community

[@bigunksworkshop786]

Thanks for this. As someone who was just getting started, and then lost everything in a house fire, this is a great resource and reminder of basic needs and necessities of getting started. Thank you for all your time and effort.

[@05weasel]

Made my first forge with a baking pan, some steel pipe, an air mattress pump and some salvaged wood for the frame. Didn’t work great but worked well enough to move metal. There’s always a way to get started. Edit to add: it wasn’t my idea. I got it from a KZbin video but I can’t remember the creator.

[@ozarkscarguy540]

4 years ago when I started this habit, I mean hobby, this was the kind of video I watched hours of and how I found your channel. I'm so glad you're doing a series on starting out. It will help a lot of new blacksmiths. Also I have a fairly well set up shop but now I'm thinking about putting my forge on blocks just for the tong storage.

[@uncle_creepy2743]

wheni started, i went with a big bag of refractory cement and an old bbq and an old vacuum ... and made my own charcoal..... mixed with a few garage sale hammers and a piece of railroad as an anvil... old leaf springs as mats.... prob 50$ to start... just to get the feet wet... and the experience of building it myself was priceless... nobody waas selling these lil guys... would have neen an easy start

[@FallenAnvilForge]

Picked up my 4 1/2" angle grinder from harbor freight for around 50$, put it through a lot and it's held up for about 2 years now, still going strong.

[@Shorty-dd1be]

I’ve used the Vevor forge for a year now, and I am new to the hobby still trying to get nicer stuff, but it has worked very well. Make sure to get firebricks to hold in the heat on that little beast!

[@funkyspacecow]

Perfect timing on this series! I've just setup a backyard smithy with that Vevor anvil and a Mr. Volcano single burner forge, currently working on some tong kits from Ken's Custom Iron, looking forward to putting in some time on these skill building projects coming up in this series. You have an excellent teaching style in your videos, very easy to follow and very clear camera work too. Thank you so much for all you do!

[@wilcooley]

@@TheUncleRuckus The advice that I've seen is that unless you know you need a double burner, you only need a single. People get ambitious about making things like swords without realizing how many hooks and bottle openers and letter openers they have to make first. Even with swords, as I understand it (still working on bottle openers myself), you only work a few inches at a time, so that for much of the work a small forge like that is adequate. You only need to get the whole thing hot for heat treatment.

[@SuperSteelSteve]

​@TheUncleRuckus I disagree with the gentleman who said to get a single burner. I own the double burner and you can simply leave 1 gas line out and run 1 burner. If you follow the directions properly, the Mr volcano forge gets insanely hot. Melting steel hot With 1 burner. The 2 burner forge offers versatility if using 1 or 2 burners. And the 2 burners makes heat treating a knife much easier as the heat is more even

[@CP_147]

The cinder blocks idea looks ridiculously simple. Why didn't I think about it ? This is perfect and your video came out at the perfect time. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and experience.

[@BlackBearForge]

Glad it helps

[@kuriakos]

John, truly one of the best videos you have done. I have always felt like I could not afford to start blacksmithing. It is clear, though, with a little patience it is possible.

[@BlackBearForge]

I'm glad it helps. Have fun

[@charliebecker9391]

John: Your video this morning was excellent. Very simple instructions on what you need, where to get it, and acceptable quality. Anyone that is not interested, as a result of your video this morning, needs to stick to knitting, 😂. Thanks John.

[@ItsAllInTheBag]

Been looking for someone JUST LIKE you. Thank you great videos

[@itzxavian]

can sponsor the anvil, very well made for a good price. i have a small collection of three tongs, four hammers, and some punch/cut tools i made. The forge i made is a self made firepot on top of 55-gal old oil drum.

[@DjErrour]

this might be one of the best videos on the subject i've ever seen! i remember trying to budget out what it'd cost to start learning, but since i had virtually no experience, i was scared to start throwing money at it without knowing how good the tools and such in the budget could be. thanks a lot, Black Bear forge! i'm gonna have to save a little up and finally start moving some metal!

[@pjamestx]

Very clever use of the same round stock to make a bending fork, I like it! I know one of the early tools that helped me was a hot cut hardy, now you've got me wondering if you could somehow make something like that out of the same 3/8" stock, hmm... Also, if you have a re-creation village around you (like one that's set in the 1800's), if they have a blacksmith shop there you might check to see if they offer lessons. That's how I got started, and it was a great way to try it out before investing in my own setup!

[@WallaceLivingFree]

Like your no nonsense style, cheers

[@dominikmeril1720]

this man is probably the best what could happen to anyone who wants to start smithing

[@norcalbowhunter3264]

Thank you for this video. I’ve always had a desire to work with metal. Be it welding or black smithing. I joke with my wife that I was born with a dwarf spirit to work with metal. This video gives me a good starting point and may even kick that hobby off.

[@glenndarilek520]

I got started with a homemade bellows, dirt forge, piece of railroad track, vice grips, and ball peen hammer. I forgot where I got the coal. Made some reenactment fire irons, hooks, etc. probably less than $20! that was enough to get me hooked. So I spent more to get better stuff and have been smithing for 40+ years.

[@cosmicbrambleclawv2]

Just what I needed ❤ Ive been wanting to start for years and have just never been able to get to it The real trick will be finding a place to set up because I don't have a dedicated building, so I can't get my great grandfather's anvil from my neighbor's shop and have it set up (he's keeping it safe)

[@N.M.E.]

This is such a valuable channel. What an opportunity to be able to profit from your experience! Thank you!! Greetings from Germany!

[@Bhartrampf]

Definitely hit the yard sales, I just picked up more tongs, a old school wood carry box and punches, all for $10 and about fifty new files of different sizes for $20.

[@davel4708]

I'm hooked on these videos.

[@Ulfric1976]

I wish I could be your shadow for a weekend. Thank you for your knowledge

[@chaoslu]

Very exited for this series can't wait

[@virtualhermit]

What a great video. TY! Can't wait for the series

[@HisWayHomestead]

This is going to be a great series!!! Thanks John!!!

[@williamhowells2059]

Wish I had seen this before I started putting my forge together, but thats ok I'm still under 500 and the advice is great. Thank you sir you have been an inspiration to me on my newest journey in life. Keep up the good works god bless.

[@jeh1ae]

This video is awesome. I found you because you commented on Alec Steele moving back to the UK permanently. I recently was at a renaissance fair, and loved watching the smiths work and talk to them. This video is super inspiring.

[@BlackBearForge]

Welcome to the family

[@MOOPS]

Excited about this series.

[@robertfoerst2660]

I’ve been looking for this video for like 2 years. Thank you for making this. Now I’m gonna start

[@timmynormand8082]

I say its amazing that your encouraging whoever to get into the trade an helping them along. Thank you SIR

[@Smallathe]

Very very good demonstration and boost to beginner/would-be blacksmiths. Really wonderful. Personally, I built my own anvil and forge (due to lack of affordable options, shipping issues, etc) - but Vevor's assorted anvil/forge/tongs/etc sounds great! I'd definitely go for it!!! Looking forward to see the hooks video (that's how I found out about your channel). "Hook of the week" series was a huge inspiration for me. Hmmm... never made any so far - focused on learning to make leaf keychains - I guess I really have to make some hooks :)

[@dugbert9]

Excellent video. I didn't know that I wanted to be a blacksmith until I watched this. Best wishes from Wales, UK

[@richbutela2986]

Great stuff, Sir !

[@hoodoo9185]

Really enjoying this series ! 👍

[@darknet8664]

Great video. This is exactly what I needed to see. Thanks!

[@kenbultman8670]

As always very informative. Very good job John

[@ricksmith-iw2op]

Thanks John. I really enjoyed that. Looking forward to more in this series.

[@chrispolley9487]

Yard sales, I have found alot of my tools at yard sales and flea markets over the years. There is still alot of nice stuff out there you just have go look for it.

[@BlackBearForge]

Yard sales in our area don't seem to have much other than hammers and hack saw frames.

[@abitoffblacksmithing9985]

I built 2 forges . My 1st was the old BBQ and a hairdryer Then built my 1st propane forge from scrap steel some fire brickand a new burner from amazon. Gave that one to a friend of mine who wanted to start smithin'. My 1st anvil is a 100 lb block of mild steel from the scrap yard. (Now making it into a swage block) . My current anvil is a 100 lb block of annealed 4140 that my boss gave me. It works really well and 4140 is great for dampening sound, energy ,etc... I made a horn out of an old railroad spike hamer and I rounded it out with a grinder and mounted it on a steel rod and sunk it in the stump behind my anvil block.. Iam currently building a new forge. If there is a will .... there is a way. Thanks john and also Roy From Crist centered iron works!!

[@Shorty-dd1be]

I’ve thought of that cinder block idea; and use it

[@332mcdaniel]

Nice job John. I appreciate the new perspective of starting out. Thanks for sharing.

[@barnetts9812]

Such an awesome video. Thank you for keeping it simple.

[@raammctavish2528]

Another excellent video. Thank you.

[@marcusmoralez8872]

I can't wait for this series.

[@jrokruhlica]

Very excited about this series! I have been wanting to get into the craft for a number of years, this weeks to be a great starting point.

[@Uncle_Bucks_Forge]

Great idea for a video series.

[@EXARCWithGrandpop]

I love this new series.

[@TeacherAn]

This is such a great video!

[@coldpond]

Excellent video. Thank you so much! Never considered how I could step into blacksmithing till now.

[@recycle343]

I enjoy your teaching method, thank you.

[@joeldickherber3545]

I really appreciate all you do to help others.

[@Bangalangs]

I left a comment on the patreon, but I’d like to reiterate, it’s important for a smith to have a source of clean-ish cool water somewhere in the shop. Another excellent video sir, your channel has taught me a lot in my own blacksmithing journey.

[@alexsnow3319]

Cinder blocks.....f'n brilliant....

[@Blackhammerforge]

Thank you for taking the time to make this video! :)

[@piratecraig1]

Great video, enjoyable and full of information, Thanks

[@consultmjp]

I love where you are going with this. Great video Sir!

[@adamkeck4610]

This is a great video and I found it both informative and very encouraging. I’ve been wanting to set up a small forge for a while now and this has given me some great motivation to do so. Thanks!

[@6Sally5]

Great timing! After gathering all my equipment I can afford right now and watching a ton of your videos and others, I made my very first projects yesterday…a chisel and punch/drift out of 1/2 rebar that I found on our property. FYI, you can pick up a cheap, but very serviceable grinder at HF for $16. Thank you so much for your instructive videos!

[@olddawgdreaming5715]

Fantastic beginners forge John, thanks for sharing with us. Got to send this to a couple folks for sure. Fred.

[@ericcooper500]

Thank you, thank you! This is the first actually good, in-depth, beginner blacksmith guide I have found. Wonderful!

[@Apurak]

Thank you John, it was a really great video 🙏🏻❤️

[@MustangFastback]

Wow great video sir thank you!

[@wallaceviviansadventures2095]

That's a great setup for $500 that's about what i spend to setup. first made hooks to sell then invested the money to build my shop. going to get making things again soon. have a great evening

[@thijs3514]

Love this new side step you are taking! It reminds me of some years ago I started watching your channel and starting blacksmithing.

[@geoffallert1921]

Great video mate. I enjoy watching your tutorials. Very informative.

[@billmckillip1561]

Great video, especially for those hesitating to give smithing a try!

[@paulshri8609]

Watching this at 23:10, hit subscribe five minutes in. Binging content tomorrow. Outstanding.

[@RonaldColeman-ef2rc]

Thank you. This is good.

[@erintobler7254]

What a great skills video! You always continue to inspire sir!

[@jaybachani1819]

This video was a great idea. A lot of great information for those of us who are trying to get started in blacksmithing. Keep up the amazing job of teaching us

[@robertmarziani5373]

Excellent tips and video , appreciate your honest comments , good to see Blacksmiths are alive and well!

[@johnt.chambers4204]

I was very lucky starting out. My grandfather was a blacksmith and my grandmother gave me his entire shop. He probably had about 40 different types of tongs, some of which I use and some that just hang on the wall because I honestly don't know what to use them for. His anvil was 400 lbs, which is bigger than I really need, but I use it anyway. I get a lot of my metal from scrap yards for cheap.

[@juangarza7732]

Always great content

[@douglasschafer6372]

enjoyable and informative, thanks

[@markspc1]

Another great video, John.

[@DavidR8]

Really appreciate your explanation and expertise. Very helpful for beginners like myself. Thanks!

[@maknifeandrods7701]

Great vid wish I had this from the beginning