Forging a Basic Tong with Basically Nothing

I make a rebar tong in a temporary setup.
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Thanks. Glen
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[@1080-v4v]

A Minimalist Blacksmith Shop set deep in the woods. To me that's perfection.

[@ironcladranchandforge7292]

Nice job Glen!! I like your primitive on the road setup.

[@gstongs]

Me too. I like going as minimal as possible. Thanks Jeff.

[@jamesw9930]

Now you're doing my kinda blacksmithing. Great video as always

[@gstongs]

I myself really enjoy watching when there's no background noise. Unfortunately, my peace and quiet will end soon. Thanks.

[@khildrak]

Now i want to go out and make some Rebar tongs!!! Nice work man!

[@gstongs]

I once made rebar tongs before and they were uncomfortable. But this pair is pretty nice. Thanks.

[@damianmcneely7884]

Always an inspiration watching you work Glen! And you don't need all the gadgets and whatnot, just the desire to make it work with what you have...great job

[@gstongs]

I like the minimalist approach. Simple always seems better to me. Sure there are limitations but that's OK. Thanks Damian.

[@canoelicker]

Yes, nothing more rewarding than producing a great asset from a minimalistic approach. Again, you make it look easy as well Glen.

[@gstongs]

I just like when things are simple. It's what got me into blacksmithing in the first place. Thanks Colin.

[@canoelicker]

@@gstongs I do, too. Also - same here ! I believe people are truly happier in life if it is simpler. Just about to watch the new vid... have a great day, Glen !

[@iainhetherington4608]

I imagine Glen that this is how it all started well done, Ive got a full blown workshop and I will make my tongs like this . Cheers from Aus

[@gstongs]

This is how it started and how it has mainly remained for me! I see to gravitate towards minimal setups. Thanks Iain.

[@robertsimmons3556]

Yes it was an enjoyable post Glen! Hope all is going well and you are enjoying your time in the Pacific North West.

[@gstongs]

It took me a little getting readjusted to (Pacific NW) but after a little time, I feel I'm back in my element. Just in time to go back to Taiwan! Thanks.

[@Alanbataar]

I just made a present for my wife, who is a fanatic cactus gardener -- a set of "garden tweezers" also made out of rebar. It's a pair of flat jaw tongs with the grip thickness set to zero, and the reins drawn out long. I was channeling my inner Glenn while I made them. It must have worked, the rivet, boss and jaws are the best I've made... the reins are a bit chunkier than they need to be, but rebar is tough stuff.

[@gstongs]

Hi Alan, I'm glad you could get anything from watching / channeling your inner GS. The rebar I used for these is also harder than I expected. Thanks.

[@MySickstring]

That was cool watching you make them. Thanks Glen

[@gstongs]

I'll do more projects using this mini forge. Thanks.

[@richardhazell2601]

Another very informative video Glen. I'm waiting on the delivery of my mini forge so really pleased to see one in use. Can't wait to see other things you've made using it. Thanks, Richard.

[@gstongs]

Hi Richard, let me know how your mini forge works for you. I'll post another video of me using this forge again very soon. Thanks for all.

[@richardhazell2601]

My forged arrived ahead of schedule. It's quite small isn't it! But, after using a few times now, I love it. I've been using propane now for so long that I'd forgotten the joy at using a charcoal forge. I'll be using it next weekend at my first live demo session at the summer Derbyshire Show in the UK. So I'm doing plenty of practising with small bits and bobs. So far, so great. Thanks for helping me find this little gem of a forge... Keep on cranking (anticlockwise). Cheers. Richard.

[@danshazar6683]

You are certainly the tong champion !!! thank you for teaching easy way to make tongs 👏👏👏🙏

[@gstongs]

Hi Dan, There's so many ways to go about tongs. This may appeal to those without much in the way of tooling. Thanks.

[@TheOldaz1]

Considering the rudimentary set-up, you did a nice job. Some of that rebar can be a real pita to work. Thanks Glen.

[@gstongs]

This rebar was way harder than I thought it would be. Thanks for continuing to watch and support my channel.

[@ChristCenteredIronworks]

They came out great Glen 👌

[@gstongs]

Hey Roy, Not a bad pair of tongs. This rebar is pretty hard - harder than I expected. Thanks.

[@guyeswanson7958]

What a splendid little set up, you could box this up and take it anywhere Cool

[@plakor6133]

Perfect! This video will help me make my 1st set of tongs. Thanks.

[@gstongs]

Good luck in your blacksmithing and thanks for watching.

[@RRINTHESHOP]

Nice one Glen, for just in the backyard Blacksmithing.

[@gstongs]

I do some of my best work in fly-by-night setups. Just my personality I guess. Thanks Randy.

[@1kbs11]

Welcome home friend. Thanks for an inspirational video. (JF)

[@gstongs]

Hey JF, Glad you like this one. Thanks.

[@jonandersen3347]

Nice. I love forging out of my elements. Building myself a more portable set up.

[@gstongs]

Hey Jon, This forge is a winner. Now how long will it last is another question. We'll see... Thanks.

[@armageddontools]

For all of you that struggle to get a blower -old cars had cabin heating with centrifugal fans.VW Kombi type 2 was one of them ,many other cars used blowers as well. You can supply it with power with old style battery charger. Another super cheap option is to dismantle simple hair dryer -it runs on 12 DC if you dump the heat element out and connect wires directly.Again 5A battery transformer charger works for power supply . I use mechanical air control on both ,simple gate valve style works fine. If you want it to be cheap ,time to become dumpster diving champion ! P.S i tried bellows once and it was absolute nightmare for my hands !

[@gstongs]

Thanks for your insightful comment.

[@ZENMASTERME1]

Pacific Northwest? You could be anywhere from Northern California all the way up to Seattle, I’ve lived everywhere in between. I lived in Paradise Commifornia, Beaverton Oregon, Vancouver Washington, Grayland Washington. Enjoy your stay Glenn.

[@gstongs]

I'm staying in Castle Rock, WA. but my property is in Shelton, WA. I've been enjoying but really busy. Thanks.

[@paulorchard7960]

Excellent Glen, anything to get you forging!

[@gstongs]

I just like the peace and quiet that comes with a hand cranked forge. Gas is great but the noise isn't my favorite. Be well my friend.

[@ulfhedtyrsson]

Nice. I do traditional so thats closer to my set up. Other than my forge i built from granite from my mountains. Ive tried to make tongs and they always turn out terrible. I can make 5ft weapons grade swords, axes, spears, knives, machetes but not even a tiny little pair of wire bender tongs lol.

[@gstongs]

This really is closer to my heart - the peace and quiet - sound of the hand cranked blower and crackling of the charcoal is like music to me. As for tongs, I can make them but not much else! Thanks.

[@ads1035064]

Good job Glen this is way I have so many Tongs of yours they are well built so thankvyou for all yiu do

[@gstongs]

Hi Tony, I really do appreciate all the business you've given me. I'll keep trying my best.

[@Whipple1]

"Gorilla Blacksmithing". I think you are propagating a new genre of smithing. Plus, the gorilla reference wasn't lost on me! Funny. LOL Cheers! Whipple

[@gstongs]

Hey Whipple, I meant guerilla but with my hairy body, gorilla is also applicable! Thanks.

[@Whipple1]

@@gstongs Yeah. You tried to slip that one past me, didn’t you? LOL Cheers! Whipple

[@krzysztofmichuka8426]

wow... i was planning to buy that kind of small forge on etsy to see if i can use it for some backyard hobby. great to see that it`s not only for jewelry :) great vid btw

[@gstongs]

I'm really enjoying this forge and would recommend it. Of course it has limitations but for small workpieces, it's great. Thanks.

[@TalRohan]

I have on of those little blowers amongst my kit, I spent a long time turining it the wrong way too, its Eureka moment when you turn it the right way and your forge goes up to heat.....

[@gstongs]

It even has an arrow showing the right direction but I overlooked it. Now that I'm turning it correctly, it has made a world of difference. Thanks.

[@grahamjamieson7752]

Another awesome video mate, you're a true artisan

[@gstongs]

I appreciate your comment my friend. I'll keep trying... Thanks.

[@armandhammer9617]

Your skill makes this look easy but I know better. I know what you mean about being out of your element. I'm a carpenter and when I go visit family sometimes they have a little project but without "my" tools I'm just an ordinary joe trying to do something with homeowner tools.

[@gstongs]

Very well said. I've been to others' shops and always struggle. Sometimes just lighting an unfamiliar forge is a pain. Thanks.

[@Dante_6604]

Agreed sir

[@robertmseay7641]

You can never keep a good, guerilla-style blacksmith down ! Good job.

[@gstongs]

Haha! Good point. Thanks Robert.

[@ronthacker211]

AOK, Glen... good job.

[@gstongs]

Much appreciated Ron.

[@tstephen951]

Great stuff Glen! Do some more! Do some more! 😉

[@gstongs]

Will do - more similar stuff to follow. Really enjoying this mini forge. Thanks.

[@Davidjeng049]

A real tradesman can produce anything with the minimum amount of tools.👍

[@gstongs]

Hi David, I get lucky every now and then! And I do minimal pretty well. Thanks.

[@celticfrostherbs]

Love your technique, truly a natural

[@FarmsteadForge]

Nice job, it always throws me out of whack when I'm not in my element.

[@CockatoobirdmanBill]

Back to basic 101 Experience and skill wins all..............Be well and be safe....PS. when you go back to Taipei I want to buy that pair of tongs!....

[@gstongs]

Hey bill, when I get back, I'd be glad to just make you something similar. (I only read this now and am leaving for Taiwan soon). And it doesn't hurt to remind me. Thanks for all.

[@MinionsSmithy]

As always, another great video! You always make it look so easy, lol! I live in Vancouver, WA here in the Pacific northwest. Where are you visiting? Are you from this area originally? I have never heard about that in your videos before. Hope you're having a great time!

[@gstongs]

I'm staying in Castle Rock, WA but my property is in Shelton WA. By the way, I used to live in Vancouver, WA. I'm originally from Staten Island. Thanks.

[@MinionsSmithy]

@@gstongs , Damn, Glen, you're just a n hour up I-5 from me! Would love to meet up sometime just to chat!

[@scottlanghorst1483]

You probably scared off Bigfoot, with all that banging. 🤭 You knocked it out of the park with those tongs.🤜🤛👍

[@gstongs]

Haha! Good one. And glad you like the tongs. Thanks Scott.

[@劉士杰-k3e]

直覺告訴我你在台灣，因為周遭物品非常的有台灣味，你的工具很精美，讓人很喜歡。

[@kshs780699]

他在台灣沒錯，鋼棒製作打鐵工具是他的超強項...

[@rodricbr]

awesome, but I'll have to make the "hole puncher" tool first though...

[@skilletborne]

Or if you can, borrow a drill or dremel A punch is a wonderful thing to have, but you end up in a loop knowing you need tongs to make a punch, but you need a punch to make tongs

[@DarrenMalin]

I do Not know way but I enjoy this kind of basic blacksmithing more, not power tools just a man, a hammer , hand tools and a fire.

[@tomcarlson3244]

Is that blower hot enough to forge weld. I just used a coal forge once an I would like a small coal forge to play wth

[@gstongs]

Hi Tom, I believe I can reach welding temp (even with charcoal) on smaller workpieces with this forge. I'll try soon enough. Thanks.

[@Qrunch]

Nice job! Did you heat the brass/bronze brush at the end? That was new to me. I might try it :)

[@gstongs]

A real brass brush will impart some color/brass onto a warm workpiece. Give it a go. Thanks.

[@kennardchristensen4303]

dog barking and train whistle was the only background noise I could hear

[@gstongs]

As it should be. There's a stark difference from all the noise/chaos back in Taipei. I'll miss the peace and quiet... Thanks.

[@epiphgd4302]

Good job. How much charcoal did you use? Just those 2 small piles you had at the start?

[@marcopolo1119]

Congratulations for your video. how much charcoal did you use in this project? Best regards.

[@gstongs]

Hi Marco, not very much, maybe used about 1/4 of that bag or less. Hard to tell exactly. Thanks for watching.

[@backwoodsbushcraft2633]

Just came across your channel. Can you tell me more about that anvil? Thank you for sharing

[@gstongs]

My small, block style anvils are my own designs that I had made when in Taiwan. Made from 4145 steel and completely heat treated. They suit me well. Thanks for watching.

[@noahnipperus7320]

Thank you for another amazing video

[@msblades5382]

Glad to see you here in the USA good idea since they are going to be invaded by the CCP. Cheers and Blessings from MIchigan.. Martin

[@gstongs]

Hi Martin, Let's hope Taiwan still exists when I'm headed back that way. Enjoying my time here. Thanks.

[@zkptr]

What are these rectangular and square anvils called? Where to find. Brasil.

[@nachobonilla7887]

Glen...buenas tardes y unas disculpa, no se inglés, espero tu sepas algo de español... sorry... Me interesan tus artículos, yo me dedicó a fabricar frenos o bocados para caballo, utilizó mucho la forja. Dónde puedo checar tus productos y precios...por tu atención gracias...👍

[@gstongs]

I appreciate you watching and for your kind comment.

[@christopherconkright1317]

Did I miss a video you talked about moving in?

[@robertwhitney2232]

I guess I did too,I was out of town all last week.

[@gstongs]

This trip is more of a getting things ready for eventually moving back. Thanks.

[@gstongs]

You never know where I'll be next. I hope to get back to the US on a permanent basis eventually. Thanks Robert.

[@ReluctantLightningForge]

I like it!

[@gstongs]

Thanks Rob. I'm really enjoying this forge.

[@frankward709]

How does it feel to be back home in Washington I live here in walla walla Washington

[@gstongs]

Hi Frank, It feels really good. I can breathe and my ears aren't ringing from all the noise back in Taipei. My property is in Shelton, WA. Thanks.

[@rigidironworks9834]

Forging tongs with basically nothing and they still look way, way better than mine ........... I hate you Glen 😁. Hope you're enjoying your time back in the States.

[@gstongs]

Don't worry my friend, tongs is really all I can make! Really enjoying my time back and this tiny forge as well. Thanks for all your invaluable support.

[@trepetzold9198]

Howdy sir. I'm thinking about investing in one of these little forges. I've heard mixed reviews. It sure seemed to work good for you. Would you recommend?

[@PRO_GAMER_SIM]

how much to buy that round hammer lol about 2 lbs

[@OKBushcraft]

I really liked this guerilla style vid. Is that little forge worth the investment?

[@gstongs]

For sure I'd say this forge is worth the money. Thanks.

[@mikelastname]

Glen, what do you descale with - is it just water or something like vinegar?

[@gstongs]

I just wire brushed the pieces and dipped the brush in water every now and then. Thanks for watching.

[@mikelastname]

@@gstongs Wow, your steel sure comes up looking nice. Thanks for letting me know the way you do it - I just love your tongs.

[@stevesalles6047]

i like it very much

[@gstongs]

Thanks steve.

[@brysonalden5414]

Your rebar tongs look vastly superior to the first rebar tongs I made, not a surprise. If you get tired of forging with hardwood charcoal, come on up and use some nice coal!

[@gstongs]

I might give this a go with coal but for the time being, will stick to charcoal. Thanks Bryson.

[@benterbieten9540]

That's the natural way for a crank to turn.

[@blackthornknives]

Thanks for the tutorial

[@charleswilson1063]

Great video but I would really enjoy more of a close up. Not complaining just saying. I will still give u a thumbs up.

[@gstongs]

Hi Charles, I'll do my best to do more close up views. I appreciate the feedback.

[@andestph]

What kind of steel is that anvil

[@caseyoutdoors3897]

Where do I buy the mini forage

[@gstongs]

I bought mine on Etsy. Thanks for watching.

[@МурадГаджиев-о8ю]

Братан ты профессионал ,, 💪🤝

[@leeandmandybattersby5958]

Were do you get your anvils from bud

[@bluudat1site]

he stated he made them

[@SFARCO]

I think I was the first view. I never get to be first, lol.

[@SFARCO]

Forgot to mention, that is a nice simple design.

[@gstongs]

Yes sir, you are first. Congrats.

[@gstongs]

Much appreciated.

[@markbeale7390]

Tong talk handles are reins.

[@josewilsondantassilva4813]

Muito bom

[@gstongs]

Thank you.

[@abitoffblacksmithing9985]

Gorilla style !! Love it!

[@gstongs]

A man's gotta do what a man's gotta do. Thanks.

[@antheaxe7340]

i relly lik that for likk god semm sterdy so im lookig to buy that kind of forge my only conser is that bowl or fire pot looks very very deep

[@theterribleanimator1793]

its about four fingers deep based on his other video.

[@ddhddhddh]

You ok man. That was some earthquake

[@bj20715]

Just go easy on the scrubbing, can't just scoot down to the wire brush store!

[@gstongs]

Yeah, I wear these brass brushes down quickly. Thanks for watching.

[@perevulok]

That you're on the street with your anvils. Did your wife kick you out of the house? Probably said: "you have already fed up with me, constantly knocking and knocking))

[@gstongs]

No, my wife will say keep hammering and making money! Thanks for watching.

[@perevulok]

@@gstongs You're great. 👌

[@davidhall8874]

That doesn't look like "nothing" to me...

[@frOODAloops]

Oh, you got him. Shut the channel down everyone.

[@باسمحسن-ع9ن]

واو ماي كود

[@EgTFortune]

So if your currently forging psa.. you need more coal

[@5barkerstreet]

mr tong lol