Blacksmith challenge , revisting an idea to stretch your imagination

This challenge isn't one to challenge another blacksmith. it is a chance for you to challenge yourself to think like a blacksmith and be more creative in the way you see the possibilities trapped within a given piece of material.
Thank you for watching. Black Bear Forge is a small one person shop located in Southern Colorado.
If you would like to take a more active role in the production of these videos, you may provide financial support through one of the two links below.
www.paypal.me/...
Or you may set up a monthly contribution through Patreon
/ blackbearforge
Find my shop on line at:
www.blackbearfo...
www.blackbearfo...
/ blackbearforge
/ black-bear-forge-20986...
The following list provides just a few resources to help you find supplies and equipment for blacksmithing.
www.piehtoolco....
www.centaurforg...
www.blacksmith...
www.blacksmithb...
www.oldworldan...
www.nimbaanvils...
fontaninianvila...
www.abana.org/
www.mcmaster.com
kensironstore....
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.

[@loul7239]

I’ve officially renamed my scrap bin to my “opportunity bin”. Thanks for the inspiration!

[@devilsdenmetalworks1809]

this is why there is no scrap bin in my shop. Anything and everything can be used. Thanks again for all you do!

[@Bangalangs]

This channel looks like it’s really grown over the last few years.

[@joedeangelo3032]

You are a GREAT teacher. Priceless contribution to the art!

[@stewartboggs1089]

And this is why i keep coming back to this channel 🙂 . I love a good challenge !

[@jmbstudio6873]

Making tongs is the best way to learn how to manipulate metal, imo. Tapers, scrolls, hooks, and leaves are the best way to start for beginners.

[@larryking606]

A Black Bear Group would be an Excellent Idea !

[@BlackBearForge]

The FaceBook group has been active for quite some time now

[@larryking606]

@@BlackBearForge Thank You , John, I must be off a little ! Please don't laugh to hard ! So , I am in a Great group of Blacksmiths ! Thanks for Bringing that to my attention ! I may be a little naive , sometimes !

[@danszapa]

Hmm, now to figure out how to make a miniature set of tongs... Great stuff John!

[@BlackBearForge]

good idea

[@leonardmettlach2614]

Challenge accepted i will too ;-)

[@leonardmettlach2614]

Challenge accepted 👍

[@kellywizbang]

I like the idea of the group, count me in

[@ThePillenwerfer]

Good to see you back in the coal forge.

[@BlackBearForge]

It won't last. I like working in Coal, but my usual production oriented work is better suited to the gas forge, so that is what is typically set up and hot at video time.

[@beastlyironworks8296]

I wish I could give more than 1 thumbs up!!!

[@paulorchard7960]

Thinking outside the box, sorry John, like it or not you are a craftsman!

[@fredcole4409]

When ever I see a short piece of square bar I think of a Fredricks cross.... but I love the challenge and I'll think I'll bring this to my club North Texas Blacksmith Association

[@forMacguyver]

Hi John we just moved in down the road from you, building a new home in Florence and I wanted to say thanks for posting so many excellent videos. Feels like I'm at school all over again, learning a new trade\craft and I love it ! I'm going to watch every one of them.

[@BlackBearForge]

Great. We will have to meet up some day. I have a demo at my shop in October

[@forMacguyver]

That would be great ! Hopefully they'll have the house ready by then, not a sure thing. Getting contractors down here has been a nightmare. They say they'll be able to start the framing maybe by the end of July ?? Setting up a temp shop in my tent for now.

[@larryking606]

That challenge will really make you think ! And as you stated, any number of out comes ! GREAT CHALLENGE !

[@gregorygraham8810]

I’m going to give it a shot .

[@jamesmcmillen4828]

I really enjoyed this video. I think I'll take the challenge and make a small set of compasses out of 1/2 X 1/2 X 3. I LOVE the idea of a Black Bear Forge facebook group. That would be really cool.

[@BlackBearForge]

Thats a great idea

[@marcs4738]

3 minutes into the video. This is a good way to learn fundamentals

[@fieroboom]

SO MUCH THIS. THIS is why I love your videos. You are imaginative, inventive, & encouraging. You are SO extremely skilled, but yet you still make the trade approachable. I have never once felt as though I was "beneath you" or inadequate because you're so skilled & I've never blacksmithed before - in fact, I feel quite the opposite every time I watch your videos. I feel excited, empowered, and my brain says "OMG I could do that!!!" I've watched SO many other blacksmithing videos that made me feel inadequate because they have a quarter-million dollars worth of tools, or they're just working extremely fast showing off their skills without explanation or invitation to the craft. I've binge watched your videos for probably 2 weeks now, & I'm certain you'll be one of the very few that I'll watch more than once. Thank you so much for your contribution & encouragement; people like you are the ones who ensure our future generations survive by encouraging the "old ways" that never failed. 😁👍

[@shadetreeforge]

Great challenge! another train of thought on this is, small town blacksmith shops out in the country during the 1800's wouldn't have had readily accessible supply of steel to make something so they would have to use what they had on hand, draw it out and hammer to size the stock they needed cut off the excess and save it for a future project.

[@PeopleAlreadyDidThis]

I’m a rank beginner, but I like the idea of a Black Bear community posting site. I do sincerely wish there was an alternative to Facebook, though. We do everything we can to maintain some semblance of security and have resisted FB thus far.

[@BlackBearForge]

I like Instagram but it isn't much of a two way forum.

[@chrisspalding1971]

I love the black bear group idea John! Great video

[@BlackBearForge]

facebook.com/groups/101400907400310/

[@leighmccloskey1]

Always regetted that they didnt teach metal work in my school and thought i'd missed out, until i stumbled across your channel 2 weeks ago. Your a natural teacher. I have made a pair of tongs and an axe drift already. Looking forward to the group page. Thanks for the inspiration and all the free information.

[@urcunnalingus]

I really enjoy your tutorials, and especially your blacksmiths challenges. I'm new, and have decided to do projects like these, until I feel confident enough with my technique, and quality; before trying to really make a more serious project. Thank you.

[@BlackBearForge]

Awesome, thank you!

[@tobyjo57]

You never fail to amaze me John, even tho this video is 3 years old it's still a superb lesson to all us beginers THANK YOU for sharing your super skills with us

[@marcs4738]

I really like this video a lot. My mind is blown. I roughed up so much more expensive stuff to hit fundamental skill milestones of blacksmithing. Reckon a few feet could really cover a lot of fundamentals with goof ups. It really does not take much after you spark the idea. Educated, entertained, and inspired to get into the shop and make stuff. With safety glasses of course 😀

[@devilsanus3510]

I really like the idea of a black bear forge page. I think it would be a great way for us to show you what you've inspired us to do!

[@ZENMASTERME1]

John You Have Inspired Me To Start Blacksmith forging! Thank You For Making These Epic KZbin Videos! Everything You Make Is A Functional Piece of Art!!! My Wife & Kids Appreciate That You Have Lit A Fire 🔥 In My Soul For Forging!!!

[@BlackBearForge]

Have fun

[@leonardmettlach2614]

Mine too 😁

[@80Ragincajun]

I realky like this guys explaination. Pretty my only got blacksmith channel, He and Brian Brazeal. I love these guys work.

[@Loan--Wolf]

even tho its not a challenge to other blacksmith's it would make for interesting watching to see what the other blacksmiths i watch would come up with

[@BlackBearForge]

It could only help inspire each other

[@PedalSteel-by2hx]

I really loved this video. I’ll be challenging my self with similar practices. I really appreciate you sharing your knowledge. I know you hear this a lot but I sincerely do appreciate you John. May God richly bless you!!!!!

[@aox32]

Awesome video. Imagination comes difficult for me so watching this video sparks my "let's get out and forge today" creativity. Thank you so much!

[@xxxxxponchin]

No doubt, thanks to your videos and explanation, sting my hands and my mind fly to do something, thank you for taking such valuable time and sharing your knowledge with us 👍

[@whilomforge3402]

Tomorrow will be the first time I’ve been able to forge in over a year. I’m going to go ahead and make a plum bob/plummet out of some 1045. Thanks for the challenge!

[@BlackBearForge]

A plumb bob is a great idea

[@wayneheitz8390]

You are truly inspiring. Thank you!

[@billholly4317]

Hi John thanks for the challenge video, and all of the ideas for the challenge. I think that the Black Bear Forge group is a great idea,and like you said a great way to learn from each other. I'm in. Thanks again.

[@jonathanbielert9165]

I like the group idea I'll join

[@wyoblacksmithtools3097]

Good stuff John. I have resisted joining Facebook for many years now, because it can be a time waster. The idea of a Black Bear Forge group, however, may be something I would join in on. Thanks! Jerry

[@SSSmithing]

This is a great idea I think I might do some videos with this to see what all I can come up with

[@BlackBearForge]

Looking forward to seeing them.

[@TufStockdogs]

I really like that challenge thank you john this will be fun

[@truegeekified]

So glad to see this revisited. I have been doing my challenges each time I have the forge fired up! Thanks again John.

[@yebonuts]

you rock, I wait for your next video from day to day.

[@3870TheDad]

WOW!! Awesome video, John. Again, I wish I had had access to these videos when I was starting blacksmithing. This kind of challenge is what is needed to keep the ART of Blacksmithing going as an art-form rather than somebody just banging on an anvil. Please keep this kind of video a regular challenge for the group.

[@johnmichael283]

Neet idea!

[@bertrandpotvin]

Yes. Rearrange the mass. Great video and an important exercise. Thank you.

[@jonathanpittman1007]

Am I the only one that answers your questions in the videos lol. Keep up the great work

[@BlackBearForge]

I really doubt it. I know I do on some videos

[@shifty3453]

Man this is an awesome challenge!

[@alansloas777]

Great video John. I like the idea of a fb group. I hope it doesn't take up too much of your time.

[@BlackBearForge]

Same here. It is ready to go at facebook.com/groups/101400907400310/

[@ronthacker211]

Love this challenge (practice) idea. Great thought.

[@robphone4895]

Inspiring idea and the Facebook group is brilliant, I'm in!

[@BlackBearForge]

I'll let everyone know when its up and running

[@fellovercliff4525]

Great channel!

[@random40s]

Such an awesome idea! Great video, and an amazing array of nice work. 👍👍

[@dougfranklin6338]

I took the challenge and made a door pull for my truck door took a little while but I made it and do t have to roll the window down to open the door now. Wished I could post a picture on here. Any way may tackle the other door next weekend

[@BlackBearForge]

Sounds like a useful project.

[@randallhackworth421]

You mentioned blackbear forge on Facebook, I immediately went to find it turns out I’m already following you😂

[@Smiltstomb]

I wouldnt consider it waste material.. I enjoy digging through my little bin of left overs.

[@cgmcpherson33]

Sweet

[@mattwyeth3156]

A good bit of advice and a beautiful s hook

[@mattwyeth3156]

Ok thanks i was wondering if you hammered the stock as flat as possible firs or if you split the price and hammered it out then made the scroll

[@alifetomake]

If I had a forge, I'd do a fire striker with this. You were very close to, at some point!

[@BlackBearForge]

It would make a big striker, but why not

[@leonardmettlach2614]

Dig a hole put a pipe with a hairdryer taped on throw in some charcoal and get started 👍

[@workwithnature]

I'm in, that was a lot of examples you showed. Can we share the link to pics and video on this video though, for those without facebook? Could you share the link of the group too.

[@BlackBearForge]

Yes, sharing a link to your photos is fine

[@workwithnature]

I am planning to make a video on it. Will be interesting to see what everyone will make.

[@5x535]

The group idea seems like it might be fun. I'm looking forward to posting a photo of my newly surfaced and quieted anvil. I had to go to the ER this week to get a tiny piece of scale out of my eye. Guess whose voice was in my ears? HA!

[@shifty3453]

Hope you are alright. I'm just recovering from a cut tendon I know how it feels.

[@5x535]

Thank you shifty345. I am on the mend. Scale poped of and sneaked in from the side. Take care of your injury.

[@amgironworks9091]

I'm really looking forward to you making that Facebook group so maybe I can get feedback on my forgings. I'm about 75% sure I'm doing something wrong with the mild steel I have been working with.

[@BlackBearForge]

facebook.com/groups/101400907400310/?ref=bookmarks

[@amgironworks9091]

Black Bear Forge just a heads up the link wasn't cooperating on my phone. So I found it and asked to join.

[@brettsayers7768]

interesting concept, when i get some square stock i will give it a crack.

[@BlackBearForge]

You can still challenge yourself with any stock you have. Just use the same size each time

[@brettsayers7768]

Thanks John, i'm a little short of all stock at the moment, will get there.

[@gateway8833]

Paradigm shift, hooks can be square.

[@RayFromTheHayclan]

Great skill building idea! I'm thinking using 4-5" of 1/2" of bar stock and to see how many examples of wall hooks I can create? (when the urge to get creative strikes me.) Thanx.

[@BlackBearForge]

That would be fun. There was someone on Instagram that did a hook a day for a year

[@whome6764]

Really hoping for something other than an S Hook, but everything else was cool.

[@swflKVNC]

Great ideas John, please! no Facebook

[@Latelifeforge]

I think this is a great idea to think outside the box. I have watched a couple of the s hooks videos of yours and have a question. When you dip the scroll to cool it, which way does the heat in the bar travel after? Is the heat more attracted to the thicker bar or is it based on the quick cool in this case? I understand heat sync however I’m trying to understand how heat travels in the product your working with. I hope this makes sense lol. Thank you sir

[@BlackBearForge]

Heat will, move faster into the thinner areas but remain for longer in the thicker

[@jimcallahan296]

Hello Mr Switzer. I am sure you hear this all the time but thank you so much for your videos, I have been talking about blacksmithing for many years now and you have inspired me to finally do it. However now that I have built my forge I am having trouble and really hope you or someone else can help me (also I hope I don't sound too foolish.) I have a commercial fire pot, of welded 1/2 inch stainless steel, and I am burning Coke, unfortunately my blower at the moment is a blow dryer, but it is delivering a lot of air and the fire seems to burn well. But I am not heating the metal properly. It comes out either glowing red, or burning up ( sparklers) I can't seem to get that nice bright yellow I see in many of your videos. Do you have any tips on what the fire should look like and how to lay the metal in it? I know this is a question only a total beginner would ask but I am just trying to learn and am enjoying this so much right now. Thank you again for all your hard work and wonderful teachings, the techniques I have seen you demonstrate have all worked great for me, I just have very little time because the metal isn't quite hot enough.

[@BlackBearForge]

Hair dryers are poor blower substitutes and will only support a small fire. It sounds like you may have the work to low in the fire pot so the oxygen is not being consumed by the coke fire. This makes the material burn up easily. try keeping the materisl level with the top of the fire pot with enough coke to mound up over the top. The hair dryer won't allow a very high heat in a deep fire but it should stop burning the material.

[@lenblacksmith8559]

Hi John, just wondering could you do a video or video's on doing shoulders on the anvil, for square and round stock. Just a thought.

[@BlackBearForge]

I will make a note of it for a future video

[@lenblacksmith8559]

Thanks mate.

[@JacksonDunnoKnows]

Random question. I'm gonna give this a shot, I really like the idea. I kinda was already doing this but yeah. The question, is there a fan/novice Smith email I could send some pics of things I've done in my first year being full time? I have done quite alot and would like some honest feedback from a pro. I show off my stuff to coworkers at my part time job, my family and other artists at the market, and they all say it looks good. Or wow and such, but I know they are being nice. Now I know I'm not ready for the big leagues but I'd like to think I've made good headway at breaking into this. I'm getting pretty good at the fundamentals, and this is a great way to "challenge" myself. Just of the top of my head, double scroll pendants, L and U brackets, basic hooks, and maybe 6 or so nails. Thanks Mr bear! 🍻

[@TufStockdogs]

I like this idea how about a twisted hook?

[@TufStockdogs]

Very nice buddy thank you for this

[@adampablodayc]

Ha ha,now that i sourced a piece of water well drill bit,you swith it up .Would it still be considered sucker rod even though its for water wells?

[@BlackBearForge]

You'll have plenty of opportunity to use the sucker rod. It is still sucker rod if it runs a pump.

[@jrgenc]

I need to try some challenge but I need to start with round bar. Don’t have square bar at home

[@leonardmettlach2614]

Could always start by turning round into squar ;-)

[@donstephenson9474]

I'm just finishing up on a rolling wood rack because lumber storage was taking up too much of my workshop. (especially scraps) What are you using to store your metal and scraps?

[@BlackBearForge]

I have a rack outside for long bars. Short stuff ends up in buckets, which are terrible. I hope to build a tall bin type rack for anything less than 2 feet

[@diggingga6197]

Challenge accepted and complete though my piece was a tad bit over 3 inches and ill have my video out tonight or early morning east coast time!That is if my stupid iphone 7 lets me import my videos..its been a dread taking my videos out the phone..it will do it and it wont and then it does...

[@BlackBearForge]

I have been able to load videos directly from my Iphone 7

[@diggingga6197]

I got it to work i think it just has a problem with windows 10 or something but i have to switch up a few usb's and it eventually works but i did the video and its now almost done compressing and still have to upload,i forged a cross and it was my first one ever i thought it turned out well.

[@mattwyeth3156]

Do you have any videos on the small scroll work that you have in this video

[@BlackBearForge]

I have some videos on scroll work, but probably not anything on these small samples.

[@keithdevers3772]

Count me in. I'm fixin' to fire up my coal forge to make something for another KZbinr named Buckin' Billy Ray. I was gonna use 1/2" x1/2" anyways, so I just as well start with a 3" piece and knock out two birds with one stone. I'll be making some wedges for axes and hammers.

[@jackdawg4579]

aha! you been seduced by the dark side! But seriously, I think it is a great idea to setup a blackbear forge group. Students like to show the teacher their work! Got the first real forging day of the year with the club next weekend, doing some blacksmith challenge stuff sounds like something that would suit the casual "talk as much as you forge" format we have.

[@BlackBearForge]

I hope it works out. Here is the link facebook.com/groups/101400907400310/

[@seeskiff]

Should we submit photos of our finished creation? Where would that be?

[@BlackBearForge]

If you do FaceBook I have created a group for just that purpose. facebook.com/groups/101400907400310/

[@seeskiff]

Thanks

[@guiltyspark7933]

What is it in cm ?i am a european it would be great if you tell it

[@BlackBearForge]

It would be about 13mm square and 7.5cm long

[@guiltyspark7933]

Thank you

[@lo5042mh]

You can download conversion tables iches to mm or use an online conversion calculator. I have a printed conversiontable in my shop and this is very handy.

[@williammorris1763]

do you have access to any blacksmith groups' project book to work off of?

[@BlackBearForge]

I have many book, but not any specific project books for this concept.

[@johnjude2677]

So with blacksmith skills a pound of steel can be made into any steel object that weighs a pound.I got to make two Friedrich cross anyway.

[@BlackBearForge]

Less any loss to scale and finishing anway

[@LolitasGarden]

This probably gives you some tong practice working with the rather small piece. I'm glad you repeated this, I missed it.

[@motome8]

Love this idea.. if you want I teach web design. I can help build a site (wiki or somthing] so that all can share whatever they want, and requires little or. No upkeep

[@motome8]

And by help, I mean get your ideas, and build it for you :)

[@BlackBearForge]

Let me think on it a bit.

[@neilyeag]

John what about instagram as opposed to FB?

[@bentoombs]

neilyeag I'm with you I would do the challenge in a heartbeat but I'm not doing Facebook

[@truegeekified]

I have to ask what the difference is? Both are owned by the same company. Strictly an interface thing?

[@Blazer02LS]

Facebook works on a PC while instagram is view only on a desktop machine, unless you jump through hoops you can't post pictures on instagram.

[@bentoombs]

Blazer02LS because Instagram has way less in my information to give away at the highest bidder

[@Blazer02LS]

True, but that wasn't what I was saying. Instagram doesn't work on a desktop computer. It works fine as a phone app but unless you do a bunch of workarounds you cannot post to instagram from a PC.. However facebook works just fine on a desktop machine as well as on a phone/tablet. So members of his audience who use PCs would have a tougher time participating.