Introduction to tong making part 2, flat stock tongs without tongs - shaping the jaws

[@robertlamb7513]

I have watched a bunch of smiths channels this is the only one I am thinking about subscribing to

[@BlackBearForge]

Thanks, I appreciate it.

[@robertlamb7513]

@@BlackBearForge I meant my words you have been the easiest to understand you explain every step like you have been teaching blacksmithing for years I will continue to watch your channel and I think about to subscribe to it's well

[@rwhoward2582]

There are lots of good blacksmiths on Utube; very few are also good teachers; you are both. Thanks so much

[@BlackBearForge]

Thank you, I am always surprised people see me that way. I just set out to share what I know and never thought of my self as a good teacher.

[@jetblackstar]

Well +black bear forge your taking a lot of time to explain things and to thinking of how we get started. It shows and it's very different from what else is out there. I'm sat here going "of course I have a grinder, vice and drillpress" but many don't. Keep em coming, I'll find some cash to PayPal when I get paid to help with that awsome mic you have. Very clear.

[@danielbutler6823]

This is so right. Him and Walter Sorrells. But and no dumb elevator music the whole time either!

[@fishmut]

@@danielbutler6823 ...Very true or having to listen a whole lot of crap music others have on there channels, always a thumbs down from me if they do.

[@ricklediard5014]

I just watched your tong making video and I will attempt a set soon. I've been saving metal for a while to make a knife or two and the forge arrives this Wednesday. At 71 yrs of age I figure it's now or never. Thanks for the explicit instruction

[@ScottTurnerformeindustrious]

I learned a lot from watching. Thoroughly enjoyed the tutorial also. Ok, now I'm going out to knock out a set of tongs, thank you!

[@briantremblay9157]

I just finished building my forge and RR anvil with a horn, my first project will be this set of tongs, I want every tool to be smithed by myself. Thank you for all your passion and hard work. Long may you bring us your skills an forever pass on your knowledge for the world to learn from.

[@R-C.]

I don't press like and subscribe often but when I do you bet there's something to greatly appreciate here

[@BlackBearForge]

Welcome to the family

[@maddog45auto66]

I am that person that ain't got very many blacksmithing tools at all and I want to thank you very much for sharing this video it helps me a lot

[@RandalLovelace]

I complement you on explaining 'right and left handed' tongs, as I am left handed, I will need to make mine to be held in my right hand, and your explanation really helped my understanding of what I will need to build for my tongs.

[@BlackBearForge]

I am glad it helped.

[@PatrickKQ4HBD]

Same here. Thanks!

[@BCM1959]

Make it three of us.

[@darrenjolly8881]

Make it four of us

[@ericjohnson3029]

Make it 5.....

[@TheManicMechanix]

This has got to be one of, if not the best simple tong demo I've seen yet. I'm sure I'll be referencing these vids for my own tongs.

[@BlackBearForge]

Good to hear that the instruction was helpful.

[@grahamsurrall7315]

TheManicMechanix I

[@Daves_Not_Here_Man_76]

All I have right now is a fat chunk of steel for a striking anvil, a couple of $7 hammers, vice grips and a (pending) 2 burner gas forge. This is very helpful and exactly the kind of thing I need to get myself started.

[@edanthony4131]

I'm not much for a lot of talking. I learn better by watching a real craftsman work. Also, for me, form follows function; it's beautiful if it works. Thank you for so many great demonstrations.

[@mt2020]

You are one of the best on KZbin. You teach! Thanks

[@kensmapleleafretirement]

I am on my second set of tongs following this video, I have watched it 15 to 20 times and here I am watching it again. Took me only one day to draw out the reigns this time, where it was three days for the first set. I did't have an anvil nor a vice for the first set and my forge was not heating really well. All that has changed. I have the toys, now, I am trying to get the experience. Thank you for the inspiration....

[@Markds181]

Every time at the forge brings you a step closer. Do not give up!

[@SodBustersMetalDetecting]

Excellent video! This is my first project

[@ultimaofelsewhere]

Excellent lesson on making the pair of tongs to start making all of your other tongs.

[@TheAprone]

I've just watched 5 of your videos in a row, and I must say that you do an incredible job demonstrating and explaining yourself as you go. I especially love how you worked on these tongs with as few tools as possible. Keep up the great work on these videos sir!

[@alexvandeveerdonk3142]

Made my 1st set using this video. Great instruction! I mainly used pliers and to cool the handle with some water.

[@lecompterc83]

I finished my first pair! I have a long way to go in my blacksmithing, but you are setting me on one heck of a track. Thank you for all of the time you put into these videos!

[@KeithSkates]

Best tong tutorial on the internet! After watching this video I made a fairly good set of tongs, and have ideas for a couple different kinds. Thank you for sharing your knowledge 🙏

[@billy19461]

I wish that my college classes had been this much fun! I really enjoyed and appreciated this video!

[@jgmb4308]

thank you for an awesome blacksmith masterclass !!! the best on youtube !!! thank you for that!

[@vashir311]

Love hearing the anvil and hammer ringing, and the straightforward instructions and advice. Keep making these awesome videos, the world needs more knowledge shared!

[@nigelcowles3626]

All I gotta say is thanks, no bs just good teaching

[@apriliaric]

im about to start my home smithing journey.....i couldn't of found a better teacher....thank you so much

[@BlackBearForge]

You're welcome. I am glad the videos are helpful

[@murderousmushroom254]

Thank you for explaining the right and left handed tongs it made complete sense to me and I honestly would have never thought about that but it makes complete sense why its important. Thank you I am going to make my own pair of tongs without having tongs. Thanks for the lesson!

[@BlackBearForge]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jhawk76]

Thanks for the excellent instruction, and for always being honest when you make a mistake. It is helpful to see that even a man with 30 years of experience sometimes messes up a little bit. You're a great teacher.

[@ronaldmcallister1966]

I started two years ago and your channel was one of the first people found. Thank you. I’m started wanting to make knives but because of your content i have fell in love with blacksmithing.

[@alexhirt4382]

What a wealth of knowledge. Thank you!

[@lorefort]

This was fantastically explained, thank you! Making my first pair tomorrow.

[@rt9934]

Thanks for the excellent video on Tong making. Very informative and professionally presented. With greetings from Europe (Ireland) and very best regards to you and yours.

[@BlackBearForge]

Glad it was helpful!

[@crazypajser]

"If you stop and think about it" and every time i get mind blown😂 you sir are a great teacher thank you so so much👏👏👏

[@HellsMasterKight]

I must say i did not think i would enjoy watching you but i have learned so much and your a great teacher and i dont even do blacksmithing. New sub and liked

[@USNJackman]

16:26 Mr. Switzer: that's really all you're after. *Taps it just because* Jokes aside, BBF, this is going to be my inspiration for my first real project. I won't be using as nice material, 5/8" ""high carbon"" rebar I plan on squaring up and tapering out a bit first. My tooling setup is a bit unusual, I admit. I have a bench vice, quality angle grinder, cordless drill, bench of misc pliers, 2.5# cross peen (store bought) plus the forge and anvil. I don't have any hotting tools though, nor do I have any punches... The same stack of rebar will be making my first punches though. Rigidizing my bio wool tonight! Thanks for all the experience and knowledge you're sharing with us, Mr. Switzer!

[@fishmut]

As an older guy only getting started i think this is a perfect thing to make even if they turn out ugly lol they will do me till i get better at making things, great video as always .

[@coreymerrill3257]

So cool that right after the fullering, you can see the shape and thickness of the newly restructured and compressed iron crystaline structure.

[@stilltlrforlife]

I love your style, you sir are a great natural teacher. Passing this trade on is just awesome. Thank you

[@alexnorton]

This series is probably the most comprehensive set of videos that I've found on KZbin to describe this process. Thanks so much for taking the time to explain it so well. You've got a new subscriber!

[@BlackBearForge]

Thanks, I am glad you found it useful.

[@robertdavis8837]

This was fantastic. New to blacksmithing (first forge is still drying refractory cement). I think this might just be one of my first projects.

[@strainholdings8252]

Thanks for the vid, excellent instructions and explanations for why you are doing what you are doing. Disproves the old "those who can, do..." adage. Thanks again.

[@blakehorton8110]

Def most comprehensive blacksmith on KZbin hands down 👍

[@adrianmoriarty8044]

Happy to see people giving you the great comments. Really appreciate the video. Thanks.

[@michaelandersen5453]

your learning abilities are great. Sometimes I want you to hurry up lets go but then realize that I only do that on things I know. On those things I don't know I will sometimes rewind and play again to get every bit. I love your videos because there is't the music and 4x speeds and craziness. Alec Steel use to do that and is beginning to go back to his old ways of teaching and learning so I'm beginning to watch him again too. keep it up I always look forward to seeing your vid. I have no need for clicking on the notification bell I look for your vids every day. PS: I only have a striking anvil and a forge I set up on my drive way and have only forged 3x. (use the forge to heat treat mostly) I'm 66 and am just starting to get into this and love it. I'm out there forging in the 95 degrees temps for an hour or two every Friday or Saturday, when not working. and heat is something we live with here in southwest Florida. you have inspired me to make knives and other things on the forge and love pounding metal now. PSS: I live in a gated community and I think my neighbors think I'm going crazy.

[@BlackBearForge]

Thanks for the great comment. As long as the neighbors don't find you annoying, it's OK if they think your crazy.

[@randyralston4002]

Great videos and I appreciate you for taking the time to explain how to make tools without having a set of tongs.

[@johnwaw6363]

23K subscribers and 1.3K likes. You have to be proud of that.

[@georgescofield6834]

After a year of watching your videos I finally built my coal forge and I used this video to make my first set of tongs. They’re not pretty, but highly functional. I would like to thank you for all the invaluable information and education. I also made an iron rose. I’m hooked

[@andrewjaye2981]

Great 2 part lesson. You are helping so many individuals aspiring to enter into the craft. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience.

[@jeffreydauhmer385]

Always a joy. Once you get around to making the progression of tools series, you will officially be my personal hero. Thanks, again, Man.

[@BlackBearForge]

That may be a big project, there are so many different directions one could go depending on what type of work is to be done ultimately. But I am giving it some thought.

[@Andy-Gibb]

Awesome thanks for taking the time to show us the basics. I appreciate the time you spend on this as you could be doing things to make yourself money instead of allowing beginners to pick your brain.

[@tomcarlson3244]

It makes a lot of sense seeing it a second time year apart. Thank you for your help

[@NordicEdge]

You are very good at explaining in a logical way. Thank you for taking the time.

[@BlackBearForge]

You're very welcome!

[@SSchradle]

This is the first set of successful tongs I've made. Your videos and instruction are great. Several of your videos have inspired me to make different things. Thank you! Keep them coming.

[@heatherwinter2726]

Thank you John .

[@kosworkshop]

I'm working on my first pair of tongs made just like the ones in this video. I have to say, this guy make it look so easy. This is not for the the faint of heart. 😁

[@sanpogiri]

There are many, many videos out there about how to make tongs and I've watched a lot of them. Yours is the first I've seen that explains right and left handed. Thanks!! Great info!

[@BlackBearForge]

I'm glad it helped.

[@michaeloberhofer7183]

Just a wonderful pair of videos sir. I can't tell how practical they are for learning tong-making, but also, thanks to your vast experience, & your willingness to stick to first principles, they contain a wealth of smaller tips & techinques. Some of these you may not even have known you were providing. Watching someone of your experience & skill provides all sorts of tips for the astute beginner, things like how you stand, the way you hold tools, the way you've laid out your shop, & a lot more. However what really shines out & puts your videos at a higher level than most is the sheer generosity of spirit which is clear from the first shot to the last. No one will watch your videos & be left with the impression that your main goal in making them is fluffing your ego, looking superior, or any other consideration. It is eminently obvious that your purpose, above all others, is to help your fellow smiths, be they beginners or masters, and no one will leave your videos without having learned something. One big reason for this is that you clearly didn't stop learning once you became an established smith. The best teachers are the ones who never never stop learning. So thank you for your knowledge, thank you for your time, and thank you above all for your kindness, generosity & humility.

[@michaeloberhofer7183]

Since writing the above I've realised that you damaged a finger rather badly a little short of a year ago. Firstly I hope it's fully healed, (although such things seldom heal 100% at our age, & tend to become a bit ornery as the weather changes etc). Also, would u consider doing a basic first aid video as regards smithing, & tell us what u keep in your shop in the way of supplies? I can't imagine any smith is going to get by completely unscathed over the years & small cuts & burns are simply part of the job. If you've done so already just ignore me, I'll find it as I plan to watch every video you've made. Thanks again.

[@iralonetto9684]

Thank you for this great video. I have learned a lot of theory from this video. Now I will take it to practice. I had previously tried to make tongs using a 10 minute vide google with no avail. They missed out tons of knowledge. You have great teaching skills, and I was able to understand the reasons for every step you make. Thank you for the video!

[@BlackBearForge]

Glad it was helpful!

[@StarLight-yk6es]

Thanks Mate, from Australia :) ! This detailed tutorial of tool making , is so valuable . Keeping the old trade skills of Blacksmithing Alive , for future generations , and people like me who are really interested in developing these skills for myself . :) RESPECT , GREAT TEACHER !

[@prophez23]

I have been knife making and blacksmithing for many years and I'm always looking to learn new things. You taught me a few new tricks and I really enjoy listening to you. So you gained another sub and I hit that like button. I look forward to watching more of your videos. Thank you sir!

[@Theelderdragon01]

Thanks for the trip to memory lane. Been more than 20 plus years since I made a pair like that.

[@phredd6070]

of all the other tong making videos I have watched, I have never heard the smith explain right handed or left handed. Great video I look forward to watching more of your videos.

[@tobyjo57]

Yet another Superb lesson from John how to forge stuff. I'm going to start my toungue forging with this method as my first ever tounges. Thank You John for all you teach us.

[@nicholasvalentine6273]

This was exactly what I needed. Thank you so much. I forged a pair of these almost identicaly to what you made just yesterday. They work GREAT. Excellent instruction. Thank you!

[@BlackBearForge]

I am glad the video helped

[@carr869]

I agree with R W Howard. Thanks for taking the time to make and share this video with us.

[@jiwbink]

Thank you for taking the time to make this in depth how to video. Eye opening to the processes of the craft of BLACKSMITHING! SUB'ED!

[@EURIPODES]

This is really great. I can't wait to get started on my own tongs. Currently in the process of building my first forge. I'm very much encouraged by your instruction. Thank you.

[@BlackBearForge]

I am glad the videos help

[@rjordans]

Great to hear someone explain the left and right handed version, I keep messing that bit up but that should be better now. Thanks!

[@williambarnhartblacksmith414]

These are the most informative videos I've seen on tong making. It is difficult to grasp at first.

[@BlackBearForge]

It does take making a few set for it to all really sink in.

[@warrenclay7460]

Thank you for this video. I set up my first forge this weekend and make a set of flat jaw tongs by your no tong method.

[@Karateka95]

Great set of videos! Really appreciate you taking the time to explain the process in such detail. Thankyou!!

[@davephillips7550]

Nice man. I enjoy watching you teach beginners to get enthused about smithing. I even have picked up a few things and I'm not a pro. One can learn a lot just by watching others methods.

[@evanprytula5194]

I really enjoyed this video. Your detailed explanation of each step and the key points as well as the reason for those key points really help a person to understand the entire process. I'm new to forging/blacksmithing and look forward to making my own tongs as soon as my burners come in for my big forge.

[@colinrobertson843]

Thank you so much mate your teaching on tong making is so in depth i got so much out of it and will start to make my own tongs from now on so thank you so much from Colin from Down under

[@strongsadventures]

Great video. Glad to see the finger working better

[@ryanmullen4482]

Bloody excellent!!! You sir are a true craftsman!!

[@Bent-rAgE-559]

Got my rains drawn out yesterday and going to finish today, thanks for the lesson sir!!! It will be sooo nice to have a pair of tongs.

[@jimlush-smith8379]

This is now my weekend project, right after I mount my leg vice. Thank you for explaining how to get the 'handedness' correct.

[@BlackBearForge]

Tong making should be a good way to spend a weekend. Enjoy

[@vincewood657]

Alright, so I did made my first pair of tongs and though I listened carefully to what you said about right handed using the tongs in the left hand, I used as a model a piece that someone else started to get the geometry right. However, I just remembered that this guy is left handed. I take a look at my my tongs and realise... I made it backward... Love your videos!

[@BlackBearForge]

It happens, I bet they will still be useful.

[@vincewood657]

Yup. Still pretty happy with it ;) Photo in the link. drive.google.com/file/d/1EYj0wf_yKPmk86WRCSLom-gaZ0wiShR3/view?usp=sharing

[@TennEngineer]

Just made my first pair ever and they turned out better than expected. Thanks for the video!

[@BlackBearForge]

Thats great, I am glad it helped

[@TennEngineer]

Black Bear Forge hopefully only the beginning... lol

[@johndilsaver8409]

I have a set of these partially completed using 3/8 x 1" bar stock. Everything is working fine so far. I really appreciate your videos. Thanks again!

[@BlackBearForge]

3/8" should make a very good set of tongs.

[@johndilsaver8409]

I finished those up this afternoon. I like them a lot, they're the best set of tongs I've made so far. Thanks again.

[@BlackBearForge]

Thats great, I am glad the video helped out

[@bulldogg4]

I really enjoyed this introduction and look forward to your next couple videos on tongs!

[@BCM1959]

I think I just saw the answer to the question I asked in part one. Now back to the video.

[@briansells2086]

Thank you so much for teaching me how you are a great teacher!!!!!!!!!!

[@SamAthanassov]

I am learning a lot from your videos! Thank you very much for the tutorials, especially for showing how to make tools and items with minimum tools!

[@BlackBearForge]

You are welcome

[@andresmedina9967]

Very nice video, and nice easy way to make tongs. Thanks for taking the time to teach.

[@GregMiller123]

thank you for being so detailed. that is the stuff i want to know!

[@curtisstewart2829]

Great video. I shall make myself several of these for different shapes to forge knifes. Thank you Curtis.

[@-o-The-Duke-o-]

I just want to say.... Thank you.

[@erikclausen4780]

Great videos I real enjoyed the tongs making since I need to make some my self thank you for showing .

[@patrickwoolery6000]

This was a really good explanation of the process. I appreciate it very much. Thank you.

[@donaldnaymon3270]

Excellent work. Came out well. Looks great. Thank you very much for sharing.

[@whiskeygordon2452]

“They’ll do a lot of things poorly” 😂 Awesome video BTW.

[@kerrydills3240]

Just discovered your channel,Sir and it's great. You explain things simply and clearly which makes it easier for someone like myself. Lol. You should offer classes.

[@306champion]

You're a great teacher mate and I love your videos. Being an Aussie they tried to metricate me a very long time ago but only so much stuck. It's so good to hear imperial terms, I still talk and think in imperial and the nephews go a bit ape@*$& because they cant make any sense of it, LOL. I'm starting late, I'm in my mid sixties and my old man worked at the local blacksmith shop in the late thirties early forties. Anyway thanks for some great videos mate?

[@Nightman2152]

Thanks for sharing all this content. Just acquired my first anvil this weekend. I'm going to build a brake drum forge to get started. I really like the idea of making my own tools from here on out. I have a 6" vice for my blacksmith area. It's not a post vise but it'll do for now.

[@vincewood657]

Thanks a lot!!! I will try this really soon. Bonjour from France .

[@scottwallingwindyacresiron2654]

Watched both parts of the tong video. Very well done!! Enjoyed your teaching method. The step by step explanation is so easy to understand. I’m very new to blacksmithing. I’ve made 4 pairs of tongs so far and I would consider mine extremely ugly. There has been some improvement though. Thanks again for your excellent video.

[@BlackBearForge]

I am glad the video is helpful. If your tongs improve each time you are on the right track.

[@roscorevolution]

"Flat jaw tings really are the least useful. They're very versatile. They'll do a lot of things poorly." Lmao! I love your videos. They're very informative. Thank you for the work you out into them.

[@menasmencouldbe7437]

you did amazing, love it

[@Galvanized-Knight]

Amazing video!

[@jamesaldridge4381]

I enjoyed watching this .