Forging Nails | FIRST TIME BLACKSMITHING! | Beginner Blacksmithing

My first time ever blacksmithing!!! See my dad's expert demonstration of forging rose-head nails, then watch me try it for the first time.
Ned started with forging nails at Old Sturbridge Village, so that's where we're starting for me too. It's a great first project because it incorporates two key blacksmithing skills--drawing out a point and upsetting the nailhead.
How many heats does it take me to forge one nail? Find out! Does it look terrible? Stick around to the end!
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Join in on the journey as Clara learns how to blacksmith from her dad, Ned. He has been blacksmithing his entire career and she hasn't done any blacksmithing at all.
Follow us on social media:
Instagram - / family.forge
TikTok - / familyforge
Facebook - / familyforgefb

[@FamilyForge]

Turns out we were using a tool steel, not mild steel, so it was harder to move the metal than it should have been! 😂

[@andrewjaye2981]

What is the nail header made from? Was the tool steel by accident or does Ned prefer it for nails due to higher strengh and toughness? But quenching tool steel in water could make them very brittle? Hey...yours still turned out great for your first try...great job!

[@FamilyForge]

@@andrewjaye2981 I believe the nail header is a high carbon tool steel, but I'll have to confirm that. My dad thought the stock for the nails was mild steel but has been primarily using tool steel for the garden tools he's been making for a while because it holds an edge better. He was used to how that metal moves so didn't notice when making the nails at first. He went to twist that stock cold for another video and realized then that it should twist way easier if it was mild. Yes, technically the nails will be more brittle since we quenched them in cold water but at least I'm not going to actually hammer them into anything!

[@SignalJones]

@@FamilyForge they'd be great for medieval studded clubs, you just need to temper them at 400f for an hour or so.

[@FamilyForge]

@@SignalJones haha, right!

[@brysonalden5414]

For what it's worth, your first nail looks lots better than my first nail! As your father points out, practice makes it easier and faster.

[@allanmorse5957]

As a father with two daughters, this was great to watch. I remember getting a square nail finger ring from Sturbridge village as a kid. Of course, some rock candy as well:)

[@lyssthehobbyist]

Ned *fabricates a perfect nail* minutes later “I should probably put on my glasses so I can see what’s going on”😂😂 This was so fun!!

[@FamilyForge]

Right?! He really can't see well at all without his reading glasses, but apparently he doesn't need to see, just goes off of feel!

[@kimduden4973]

23:32 very nice in ur back an forth an hiting the point down ,it is looking good.nice job

[@kimduden4973]

Glove on metal holding hand ,I've found out it helps me holding my tongs or my hand ,nice job.

[@torbjornahman]

Great! You need to start somewhere, right!? Looks like you have a great place there!

[@FamilyForge]

Thanks! I’m very grateful to be able to make use of my dad’s shop and decades of experience!

[@MadebyKourmoulis]

@@FamilyForge torbjorn is one of the best on KZbin. If you haven't checked out his videos, you should.

[@FamilyForge]

@@MadebyKourmoulis I absolutely agree! One of the best and no doubt one of my favorites to watch!

[@hayward434]

All the best in your new endeavor. Many good times ahead for you and your Dad.

[@tomayrscotland6890]

Great to see a lass learning the trade of Blacksmithing.. I am retired at 74 but I still do some light work like horseshoes and the like. I Don't fit them the shoes that is I just make them, And the occasional fireside poker set. Great your dad is taking you under his wing. keep at it Girl... bye.

[@michaeledwards5954]

Really enjoyed this. Watching experienced blacksmiths they make everything look easier. Simple hammer control and accuracy with blows takes time to learn and its going to be good to watch your progression, you have a great teacher.

[@SchysCraftCo.]

Awesome job. Forge On. God Bless.

[@thechiseledbeaver]

I just found your channel today and I am really enjoying it! Like you say in the video you never get to see someone learning it from the first day. It would be really great if you could show how to make the nail header itself. Thanks.

[@caseymailman4972]

Loved seeing your dad offer such gentle guidance!

[@drgreenthumb8137]

I’m going to make this my first blacksmithing project. My gas forge will be delivered tomorrow. Can’t wait.

[@kennethomeara9848]

Great teaching, Dad.

[@davidhuerta788]

I like it! I will be your subscriber # 808! Good luck!! 👍

[@braddobson2060]

Your dad did a excellent demo and explanation BUT NO SAFTY GLASSES

[@FamilyForge]

Yeah...we totally forgot about the safety glasses with all the other things to think about with filming our first video, but we'll do a better job in the future. Or at least I will, my dad was never great about it. I agree they're important though!

[@chanal9456]

You’re awesome 👏🏻 from Thailand

[@mikee6657]

beautiful nails I loved the vid good job and thanks

[@6Sally5]

Thanks for this. I just started blacksmithing a few weeks ago. What looked so easy in videos and TV, turned out to be much more challenging than anticipated, but it’s a lot of fun, too. So far, I’ve only made tongs…which are required before making actual things. This will be a great first project!

[@Uncephalized]

Tongs are fantastic practice and involve almost all of the basic skills. Keep it up!

[@FamilyForge]

Thanks, I'm just getting back to it now. I hope you've been continuing blacksmithing! The experts definitely make it look way easier than it is! Making tongs is a great place to start.

[@DavidKirwanirl]

Wish I could share my blacksmithing learning with my dad! I've a feeling he would have loved this too :D

[@jackbarni]

Really enjoy your channel, I'm learning myself. Thank you. Great video work too.

[@FamilyForge]

Awesome, thank you!

[@robcarnaroli269]

I haven't heard from Hoffi in a while. He shad some interesting thoughts about forging things down.

[@OsmarCarvalho99]

Very very very good

[@PharaohMoan]

Love this.

[@ArmySoldier1972]

Great video, You did a great job. Perfect for beginners. I loved your dad working with you through issues. Other videos don't show that. Alec Steele, Black Bear Forge and Christ centered iron works are some of my favorite blacksmith chanels to watch. Great for blacksmith learning and content editing Army SE Oregon

[@FamilyForge]

Thanks! Yeah, learning how to fix issues is important so we'll definitely keep showing that. I love those channels too!

[@aparkedcar123]

great video :)

[@terryjohinke8250]

Feed proud of what you have done , good job .😊Hope you do a lot more.

[@FamilyForge]

Thanks, more coming soon!

[@EXARCWithGrandpop]

It does my heart good to see a trade being passed down from father to daughter. I hope you have many years of happiness with it. I am also glad to see you removed the hardy when you were hammering. It only takes one time to learn that lesson. 🙂

[@FamilyForge]

Thanks so much! Yeah that hardy looks dangerous, especially when your hammering skills aren't very good! 😄

[@Uncephalized]

​@@FamilyForgeyeah you definitely want to not have blades pointing out of your anvil when you are just learning! 😂

[@larrywright7005]

Good job!

[@redjowelbluetongue7689]

Hey, as in Old sturbridge village, the living museum? Nice, my older brother works there, he mostly likes working with his oxen but I've been picking his brain about getting my own home forge up and running

[@andynick01]

Great to see - thanks! Can I respectfully suggest you try a smaller hammer though? I think the one you're using is too heavy for you, and prolonged use will result in discomfort and possible injury. Also, a smaller hammer will increase your accuracy! That first nail is a great achievement! Keep it!

[@FamilyForge]

Thanks! Yeah, I’ve tried a couple different hammers now. A smaller handle will also help. We’re probably going to do a video on hammers and hammering soon and get me set up with something that’s comfortable for me.

[@andynick01]

@@FamilyForge That's good to hear. It makes such a difference. I'm nearly 6ft tall, and I find a two and a half pound hammer plenty for the vast majority of my work - and I can keep going with it for hours. The smaller handle will help, too. Make sure it's oval, not round (much easier to keep straight). You're very brave, starting from scratch! I wish you well!

[@kquarrier]

We are so excited to try your lessons. We've never had a blacksmith teacher. Can't wait for the next one. It's fun seeing you work together.

[@FamilyForge]

Thanks, Keith!

[@chewyakarieckenicholas6049]

That is a good looking nail good job and keep learning

[@FamilyForge]

Thanks!

[@carterfrancis7962]

Hope to see plenty more! I’m trying to learn by myself, could use your dads lessons too!

[@toddsalsburey644]

Great first nail loved seeing you and your dad working together on this project. I like to get my daughter out in blacksmith shop as well. It's nice to pass on knowledge and spend quality time with one another.

[@FamilyForge]

Thanks! I'm definitely loving learning new skills and spending time with my dad.

[@calebcordell4793]

Just found the channel. I am trying to learn myself. This is great. When are you gonna have t shirts?😊

[@FamilyForge]

Thanks, glad you can learn along with me! I've been making our t-shirts but we plan to have them made and available for purchase at some point.

[@cathylaskowski2113]

Your dad makes it looks so easy but you did a great job for your first time! I also had no idea the anvil was such a versatile tool in itself, it would be cool to see what all the different parts of the anvil can do in a future video!

[@FamilyForge]

Thanks! One about anvils is definitely in the plans. So many ideas for videos!

[@FeatherHorseforge]

My dad wanted to do blacksmithing out of school but grandfather talked him out of it so he went the cabinet maker route, I only found out about six months be for he passed away. He knew I was into it but never saw my set up😢

[@grandmajosephine383]

Ok, 5000 more and we can build the cabin.

[@FamilyForge]

Let me get right on that!

[@timhester6634]

i would love to see 2 or 3 videos a week and for you to pick your fathers brain so you and I can learn more about this trade PLEASE continue

[@FamilyForge]

We just published a video after a much longer than anticipated delay (explained in video). I don't know about 2 or 3 a week but we're aiming for 1 a week. Hopefully we'll get back on track in the new year!

[@eyupceylan4868]

Woman ; yeaahh yooahh yiieahh yuueahhh

[@teufelhunden8527]

Such a nice guy