Blacksmithing tools, forging a hot chisel and round punch

[@TonyUrryMakes]

I rewatched this three years after I first saw it. And I learned something new.. it’s useful to go back and review from time to time...

[@codycampbell2607]

Lol same I watched this when I was first learning. These are some of the best educational blacksmith videos out there

[@swezy207]

Mouse in the background at 14:54 lol, I love your videos, they help so much!

[@robertmitchell6241]

The most helpful man explains how to do the basics with what you got.

[@katieriggs4714]

14.52 - top right corner. Anyone else see a mouse legging it? Thanks for the great video

[@BlackBearForge]

Clearly I am going to have to have a serious talk with the cat. Good eyes

[@gamernick1533]

Cat was meowing loudly earlier in the video... was either trying to warn you it was on the hunt or complaining that it was hungry enough to go out on the hunt ;)

[@valsforge4318]

Yep, definitely a mouse, good eye!

[@obh7762]

if you pause at 14:53 when on 0.25 speed it's obvious. Nice eyes.

[@billwoehl3051]

blacksmithing version of Ratatoulle!!!!

[@jdubu2716]

Just wanted to say THANK YOU for all the videos you post and the knowledge you share. I've learned a lot just watching your videos when i have a chance. Very much appreciated !! Keep em coming! GOD bless

[@BlackBearForge]

Glad to help

[@opa_plays_mw5318]

In 1979 at Rantoul AFB in Champlain Illinois I attended school to become a metals processing specialist. To pass I had to make a cold chisel (amongst many other test). Now I've set up a budget forge to make stuff. Your channel rocks.

[@padams788]

I have to say, you should have 5x the number of subscribers you have. I come to this channel to slow my role, humble myself to the craft and learn. Thank you for continuing to share your knowledge. Kind Regards,

[@pretengineer]

Found your shop buddy at 14:52

[@kellenbigman]

The only channel that I genuinely: like every video, try to leave a comment, and set through ads for. Unless the ads are too cringey. In that case s.o.l. 🤷‍♂️

[@huntintrailmetals9343]

I learn so much from these videos! I just hope one day to be half the blacksmith you are!!

[@LESECUTORE]

best teacher of all time

[@douglasfathers4848]

Looking to make some more chisels and I tell you it's grate to have your videos to go back to. So thanks John for all ways been here to help . Cheers.

[@tomjeffersonwasright2288]

Nice to see a video that is all on subject. Thanks.

[@dongorman6941]

Love your stuff....just getting started ...almost retired steamfitter, setting up my shop learning steels. Thankful for your show

[@stephenmiller8556]

Always good to see things made to make things that are seen and used!

[@lordbaneb1046]

Great video very I formational, and was I the only one to see the mouse in the background at 14:51

[@matthewwise5317]

I really like the videos of things that we can use rather than projects that most people would never make or need. Thanks dude.

[@BlackBearForge]

Thanks, I will continue to try and balance tools for the shop with educational projects. Hopefully I can find a good mix of both.

[@SodBustersMetalDetecting]

Another great video

[@traildust55]

I've done this before, a long time ago. It's a fun refresher. Thanks John, great video!

[@thijs199]

Yes! very nice. Now I know how to get cheap tool steel. Very nice

[@nickhofer5939]

Thank you for the knowledge sir! Very informative👍👍

[@jamesciampi6392]

Nice videos

[@bennyhill3642]

Great info😇

[@silverback6832]

Another amazing video! Your thoroughness and explanations are superb! You are a blacksmith treasure. Thank you

[@mikejeffers6371]

That mouse was moving buddy lol. Natures little friend.

[@indianatone218]

Ecellent projects from springs cant wait to get making some tools but wife got me decorating landing lol when its summer and she asks me to do something i say oooooh thats for a winter project love an inside job ,damn it she called me out im doing all sorts ,them women as sneaky as us lol ,take care Ant ,hey my silver pencil came yesterday i love it .£13 quid tho yikes .

[@Rmillerb1]

Really good video John. Just what aspiring smiths might need.

[@TheOldaz1]

Excellent information, thanks John.

[@tomcarlson3244]

Great job John. This is second or third time watching and I pick up a lot of info. Lifting the back of the steal to match angle of hammer blow. That is the big one, I will be able to move steal better. Also I understand the geometry of the end of the tools a little more.

[@LittleAussieRockets]

That coil spring was some tough stuff. Do you think a greater blade would be suitable for similar tools?

[@superdave54811]

Howdy there sir! I have been setting up a little forge on a very strict budget. I've started with some heavy fire brick an ultra cheap and basically unusable soft anvil. I have tried lump charcoal and wood while trying to make my first spike knife. I found it to be painfully slow. So I got some propane and found it made everything cleaner and easier. I have watched several of your videos and can see you are a great teacher. I have much to learn. My father laughed at me when I said I was going to start making my own tools, then I showed him my unfinished spike knife, which is looking better than one I picked up from Dollywood. I just wanted to tell you, he knew then I was serious. Thanks for your great videos. I'll keep watching. I just subscribed.

[@BlackBearForge]

Thank you, I am glad the videos are helpful

[@shifty3453]

Hmm I like lump charcoal. How did your knife go? I don't usually understand beginners making knives as their first project. Why something difficult that takes years of practice first. Anyhow happy forging.

[@superdave54811]

The knife was really nice looking. It rotates to the cutting position automatically in hand. A gentle bend in the handle and the weight is perfect to get it to do that. The blade was purposefully left with fuller marks going from the spine to the blade for an almost knapped flint look.The pommel (the head of the RR spike) has a skull. Unfortunately, straightening after the twist made a crack form in the twisted area. But not so bad that it can be seen or affect functionality. I would say it was a success as a gift and a show piece. Not as a knife to carry about for daily use. It does have one aspect I like bunches. I was able to make sparks with the steel and start a fire with char cloth.

[@shifty3453]

Dave very cool!

[@danbell3827]

@@shifty3453 You see the same thing happen in a lot of other hobbies/crafts, from woodworking to sewing. People get interested, maybe look up one or 2 videos, and think "that looks easy enough, I want to try that". They don't realize that the only reason it looks easy, is the years of practice, and often thousands of dollars in equipment, that make it "easy". They honestly have no idea how much work their "easy" project really is. It's a shame, as many of them wind up failing, and then giving up because they think it's too hard for them

[@kmccolly]

Thanks!

[@BlackBearForge]

And thank you as well.

[@cantrandallthis]

Bending fork in the vice. You sir, are a genius. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge!

[@neilyeag]

Very complete video thanks. Look forward to the one on the shovel, that I really need to make.

[@jackieatzmon3036]

neilyeag b

[@colinrobertson843]

love your way of showing how to make tool and other things love your work and love to meet you some day

[@SivaKumar-bx3fn]

Thank you for sharing the information of heat treatment of tools. I am also making it.

[@mercsmith]

Impressive just impressive

[@JeepTherapy]

Always a pleasure. Thank you.

[@backby-anders]

I Saw you had a guest in your shop! A little mouse run across at 14.54 in this video! :-)

[@DogGuy19]

Good stuff as always thanks

[@ubaidchughtai2069]

Very good jab بہت ہی عمدہ 👍

[@montanazach7033]

Underrated video. Nice work, very useful info. Especially the tool comparison/explanation at the end.

[@billwoehl3051]

Now I see what you mean about re-bar, lol just a large carpenter's hammer and a block of iron weighing about 60lbs, but three heats (in fire pit no air but a breaze)all I could do was square it about a couple of inches up..😆😅😂🤣

[@TMatt007]

To get the desired length you can make a mark on your bench and roll your spring from the edge around to the mark and cut, perfect desired length every time.,

[@glennwiebe5128]

John, I discovered you recently and am pleasantly surprised to find your range of work. Have you ever thought of using a slightly heavier rounding hammer? I use a 4 lb rounding hammer that I made and it has made my life so much easier. I don't need to swing it as often and the option of the rounding dye with the variation of tipping the face during the swing moves an enormous amount of material in the direction I desire. Again, thanks for your dedication to seeing the craft exposed and the basics taught. Keep forging! Happy New Year!

[@BlackBearForge]

I do have several hammers in that weight range including rounding hammers. But I find I have much more control with a lighter hammer and it greatly reduces the risk of injury. Using a heavy hammer gave me a bad case of tendonitis several years ago and once it happens it plagues you off and on for ever. So I only use the big guns when they are really needed.

[@davedreds5905]

Love your videos. Keep em coming! :)

[@valsforge4318]

Thanks, John. Very informative.

[@cferguson6688]

lol,, Hey John if that was a cat we heard in the back ground, it needs to do a better job, at around 14.52 of your vid, a mouse ran across the back floor..

[@shanejohns7901]

Shop Mouse says hello at @14:53

[@wrobelmike]

Great info, thanks.

[@davehorrocks1223]

Thanks for the info..

[@petepeterson4540]

right behind john against the wall going behind his tool drawers speedy gonzales in colorado

[@ronthacker211]

would love to see a video on ear protection for black smithing.

[@BlackBearForge]

I did cover it briefly in my safety video a few months ago. I am not as good about wearing it as I should be. But my preference is over the ear hearing protectors. But even disposable ear plugs are a great help.

[@Finn-McCool]

Out would be so nice to see the hammer blows more closely. Perhaps move the tripod up and toward the hardy hole looking across the anvil at an angle and slightly lower. Please and thank you hahaha.

[@teddharris]

I suggest leaving the holdfast in the pritchel hole while forging. it kills the ring in my Trenton. Might work for you, too.

[@BlackBearForge]

I think I might find it in my way. But as for the ring check out this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/kGSWZ2ise62Lntk

[@teddharris]

I watched the video after I made the above comment. Good solution! I am; a bladesmith, and rarely need to remove my holdfast. It is not an inconvenience to me.

[@alexandretillmann7495]

👏👏👏

[@pauljacobsen9562]

Hello John...thanks for such informative video's you are fueling my fire as I gather my tools and materials......Can you tell my what kind of cut off disks you prefer for your angle grinder? Are they abrasive or the diamond blades....and what brands you prefer. I am wondering if the diamond cut off disks are worth the money? Thank you and best regards......keep up the great videos.

[@BlackBearForge]

For steel I use abrasive discs and always just buy what is available where I am shopping at the moment. But I do prefer diamond blades for masonry work

[@pauljacobsen9562]

@@BlackBearForge Thanks for the repy..... and thanks again for such informative videos of you work. Your work is something I aspire to

[@MrJsowa]

Cold chisel is usually about 60 degree grind,hot cuts can be half that as long as you keep them cool in use.

[@BlackBearForge]

thanks I figured someone would know that off hand

[@cgmcpherson33]

Thanx

[@workwithnature]

Nice video and well explained thanks! You have a nice coil-spring there. Just picked up some clamps, they are what people use here as rail road spikes on the rails (e-Clips). Wonder if they would have any carbon in them. Any ideas?

[@BlackBearForge]

I have heard that they are better than the spikes, but you would have to test them to be sure

[@workwithnature]

Did a bit of a search and apparently they are made from spring steel. Will give them a spark test. Your projects are great and do give the beginner a place to start - some ideas. Keep up the good work.

[@Penultimate_Jive]

14:53 little mouse in the background.

[@lenblacksmith8559]

Well explained thanks very much. Like those bolt tongs, did u make them, if so could you do a video on making some like that one time please?

[@BlackBearForge]

I'm afraid I didn't make these tongs. But I do have plans to do several tong making videos.

[@lenblacksmith8559]

Ok mate not worries like those tongs will be waiting.

[@webneko9842]

Have you used wood ash for annealing? I've heard it does well. I was curious about your thoughts.

[@BlackBearForge]

Yes I have and it works well, but it tends to be messier to work with.

[@Milby20289394bc]

@black bear forge I’m new to blacksmithing what is the name of those rings your using? The ones that give you the ability to hold the round stock forward and sideways?

[@BlackBearForge]

Those are V bit bolt tongs

[@russellhurst7810]

What kind of oil do you use for hardening

[@detroitgreg]

Good video as always. Thanks! What temperature do you set your toaster oven at for tempering?

[@BlackBearForge]

450 unless there is a specific need

[@detroitgreg]

@@BlackBearForge thanks much.

[@bigrod0069]

👍👍

[@billwoehl3051]

about three years later, but about a month ago i told you about the piece of sacrificial plate i used on my railroad track anvil, found out even after welding four pieces into a plate for my leg vise stand that its not annealing from the welding heat. tried punching a mark to drill the mounting holes and dulled my punch made from a broken screwdriver. this was a long piece from a snowblade, or farm bucket blade, or similar. air hardening? any idea what it is? even trying to burn through it with the welder didn't work very well, got two tiny holes burnt through, but the third refused to make a hole.

[@TinkerKing209]

14:54 anyone else see the rat in the back He trying to learn too haha

[@ArmySoldier1972]

John, Third time I have watched this video. So informative. Is the difference between hot and cold chisel the angle of the chisel head? Thanks Army SE Oregon

[@BlackBearForge]

The angle really is the main thing

[@ArmySoldier1972]

@@BlackBearForge thank you kindly

[@tylergenke7252]

Them coil springs can be so hard to move even at a bright orange

[@suicidesamuraiz]

Forge Kitty???!!!??? 11:07ish? Mine just passed away, and it's hard to get back out there alone.

[@BlackBearForge]

We have a cat that used to hang out in the shop, but now he's an indoor cat

[@aldogressa6708]

very good, very detailed. Is the quench done in heated water?

[@BlackBearForge]

Use a quench medium suitable for the steel you are using. If water hardening steel it is best to warm the water.

[@inthewoodsidpanhandle1716]

Another great video! It looked like you worked the metal before you annealed it. Would it have worked easier if you annealed it first? Thanks for passing your skills on.

[@BlackBearForge]

Hot iron is soft regardless of the starting state of the material. Annealing only effects the properties once it has cooled

[@inthewoodsidpanhandle1716]

@@BlackBearForge Thanks John, makes perfect sense! Thanks!

[@idahobob173]

I love the shape of your hammer handle. Is that a commercial handle or did you shape it?

[@sagerman6779]

I don't have any vermiculite handy but could I lay the tool between two pieces of kao-wool?

[@dalebechtel8904]

How do you tell what kind of steel it is?

[@Joseph-Colin-EXP]

My Man, Quick question. Those punches that blacksmiths use to mark their knifes. 1. what is that called and 2. Who could design/make type face that small?

[@BlackBearForge]

They are called touch marks. Numerous companies make custom hand stamps for using as a touch mark. Mine came from Henry Evers company, I think you can find them online.

[@Umbra_242]

So the tempering in a toaster oven was skipped…as he said the hardening is the same as before only quenching the working end, but then what…put them in a toaster oven? At what temp and for how long? Then let air cool or inside the oven after it shuts off?

[@BlackBearForge]

It depends largely on your choice of steel. Always follow manufactures recommendations for temperature and time. For these tools I was at 450F for 2 hours. I let them cool with the oven because I usually quit for the day at that point.

[@Umbra_242]

@@BlackBearForge I will be using 3/4” coil spring as well. My current slot punch and hot chisel as well as all my drifts are higher-ish carbon rebar. This will be an upgrade 😬. Thank you for the clarification on the oven side of things. Love your content. I would not be as far along the learning curve without you.

[@johnnymize9183]

Do you do anything to exhaust your gas forge? I have been using mine outside but not the best option this winter. Thanks for the great videos!!

[@BlackBearForge]

My shop is drafty enough I don’t worry about it. A well running forge should burn clean. A CO detector would be a good idea

[@jimhartley491]

It appears you have modified your gas forge to have some type of quick on-off switch. Can you explain how you are able to switch on…off…and then back on very quickly ? Looks like you have some type of switch or is that just video editing?

[@BlackBearForge]

No, I just shut it off for better audio during the video. There is enough heat left to ignite the gas as soon as the valve is opened.

[@jimhartley491]

@@BlackBearForge thanx for the quick response. Love your videos, they are very instructive and easy to follow. Did you make your own gas forge or purchase it? I have a small “knife” forge but it seems to take long to heat the metal fully. I like the size of yours and would like to get one similar.

[@christopherharrylang7424]

At what temperature and for how long do you temper the punch and cold chisel in the oven? Really enjoying your content. Thanks for the videos.

[@BlackBearForge]

For these tools I tempered at 450 for an hour. Because that is the highest my oven will go. 500 would be better.

[@Jennifer-zb4gc]

thanks john for sharing your knowledge:) wich oil do you use for hardening?

[@BlackBearForge]

I ordered quenching oil from a local supplier, I have no idea what the brand name is

[@Jennifer-zb4gc]

thanks ;)

[@mikechapple2363]

On the subject of annealing, I noticed that your vermiculite is powdery compared to what comes out of a regular bag. Is it ground to make it more efficient?

[@BlackBearForge]

Just well used

[@keycommander971]

When u first started did yr arm use to ache with all that hamming

[@BlackBearForge]

No, but I had spent several years as a frame carpenter swinging a hammer most of the day.

[@Carole_Williamson]

What do you think of making hot tools out of stainless?

[@BlackBearForge]

I have so little experience with stainless that i can't really say. On the other hand there are so many excellent steels available I'm not sure why you wouldn't use something more common for the purpose

[@hossuer1]

What is the name of your anvil?

[@livelearn4974]

I have heard you mention vermiculite numerous times. I know it is used as a gowing medium, animal feed, insulation and the like. I believe it comes in grades. Can you elaborate on what you, personally, use?

[@BlackBearForge]

I just buy whats available at the local garden center

[@rockyroney2666]

Quick question what type of oil is best for quenching

[@BlackBearForge]

There are specific oils formulated for quenching. Olive oil is pretty good, motor oil is the worst.

[@beni2094]

You have a mouse at 35:40 lol

[@Madness-go3uk]

What are sucker rods

[@nicolburger6013]

Mouse in background at 14:53

[@matthewwise5317]

Could you explain what you said "quench on a rising heat"? I understand what you mean but why do you do it?

[@BlackBearForge]

As the heat increases the grain structure continues to enlarge. In hardening we want to freeze the grain structure at just the right point. If we allow it to rise above that it would require annealing and starting over.

[@erisi6204]

Why is it you don't want to fully part items off on the anvil; is it just so the pieces don't fall to the ground and pick up contaminants?

[@BlackBearForge]

One reason is to avoid hitting the cutting edge with your hammer and the other is so you don’t have to pick the piece up off the floor

[@erisi6204]

@@BlackBearForge I see, thank you

[@Grimnence]

Are you using a 3lbs. hammer, or lighter?

[@BlackBearForge]

Probably about 3 pounds in this video. But you should always use the hammer you can swing both accurately and comfortably.

[@Grimnence]

Thank you. I was just curious, trying to take in account the areas drawn out in the hammer in this video. I normally use a typical 3 pound cross, or round ping hammer ; unless I am working on "micro" projects, which I switch to a rock hammer looking type (at about 1/2-1 pound) that still has a cross ping. (as to not over-draw/flatten the material)

[@tobyjo57]

Sir may I ask what you call "Sucker Rod" is it an american fraze ? I'm from England and trying to get your meaning

[@BlackBearForge]

It is the connecting rod that runs from an above ground pump head to the underground pump. Most often found in oil wells.

[@powercombine4000]

28:52 ordinary oil ? 🙏🙏🙏

[@SouthdownWatersForge]

Mate I really appreciate your videos, I'm planning on doing a few of your projects soon. I'm only new to this. Less than 1 year. I've made a few videos if you'd like to check them out I'd love some feed back!

[@jerod5636]

I don’t understand why so many smiths prefer to cut stuff like that spring with a harde tool and hammer or angle grinder than a torch. Seems like a kinda inefficient way to do it.

[@notrandombeard9365]

Why didn't you use the "magician" to cut it? It seems like that would have been easier.

[@BlackBearForge]

Perhaps, but I try to show various options for people that have tools different than my own.