Q&A April 14th, Anvil? Ribbon Burner? Gloves?

[@fieroboom]

I know the video is a year old now, but I would LOVE to watch you run a charcoal forge... That's what I'm most interested in at the moment

[@frankgaletzka8477]

Hello John Thanks for the Video and your Time I like to see a whole day in the shop From Morning to afternoon What you do what goes on Stay healthy and save Greetings From Germany Yours Frank

[@BlackBearForge]

The older I get the more my day involves taking breaks

[@frankgaletzka8477]

@@BlackBearForge good morning John I have the same problem😉😉 The Breaks got longer and longer But when we start working we work as we were 20 years old 😏😏 But After we have worked this way Ouer Body tells us that we are not 20 years old 😳🥺🤔 Thats live i think 👍❤❤

[@Uncle_Bucks_Forge]

Enjoyed the video. I watch them all but rarely comment.

[@parlainthtownie85]

I am interested in blacksmithing . Also what I like about this channel even more is that your Passion and Enthusiasm just feels good to watch. I am new to the channel. I was researching bloomery forges and I got multiple references to this channel being one of the definitive explorations of the subject. All those people were not wrong. What a wonderful series of videos. Now I am hooked.

[@kensmapleleafretirement]

That was a nice chat to go with my coffee and honey toast.... My puppy watched too. She was laying on my lap and had her nose on the lap top watching.... Peace and good health to you... Thank you....

[@ga5743]

Wow I was so tickled to see you put your Black Bear Forge sticker at the same place on your grey cabinet as I did on mine. Guess it doesn’t take much to tickle me does it. 😀. Thanks for making this informative video, now I know it will be OK to put more than one bar in my gas forge. It take me so long to pound iron I was afraid another one waiting in the wings would pulverize. Your the best John

[@deo53]

I appreciate your videos. Thanks John

[@jockstewart8793]

John, you are a legend! As ever you produce useful, common sense, practical and relevant videos. Of all the excellent blacksmith videos out there yours are easily the most relevant to real people. Yes, it is fun to watch someone making a 1 buzillion layer Damascus slaughter sword, but in reality I am making hooks and brackets - this is what I come to you for. I don't have a budget of thousands that can stretch to a massive power hammer and your videos remind me that I don't need one. Of all the videos, you get me out to the workshop with ideas in my head, you get me looking sideways at my scrap pile and you show me what is possible. Don't change, you are the forge of ideas and the anvil of practicality!

[@clydebalcom8252]

I'm glad you are staying safe.

[@HereticalBuilder]

I built my ribbon forge out of an air tank and it's holding up just fine. If you keep the burner port well insulated you shouldn't have any problems. I would suggest not using that blower you had sitting next to it. You'll find you need very little air flow in order to maintain a hot propane forge. I have a smaller blower which is almost completely choked off most of the time. Also, try plugging up about half (or more) of the holes you have. I'm down to 6 holes and easily reach forging temps. Design it like an oven, with minimal opening area, and you will get much better efficiency.

[@Bobsutubes]

Thanks John, always find your video interesting and insightful.

[@Balyrion]

I would love to see some incarnation of tool of the week come back, those were super enjoyable and it seems like you could do those relatively quickly. Thanks again for all the great content!

[@ga5743]

Just in case you are not aware, he does have 72 videos on Tool of the Day in his playlist for us to watch again if you want.

[@BlackBearForge]

Those were a great way to keep in touch, but I think I have shown all of the tool types, so I wonder if it might be a bit redundant.

[@ethanw8205]

John, I would like to thank you for being an inspiration, and being so informative. Everytime I watch one of your videos ,(all the time) I always get the urge to go outside and create something...Thanks again. R/S Ethan

[@BlackBearForge]

You are very welcome

[@TheOldaz1]

Thanks for the insight John. I hate when people want you to justify why you use old stuff.

[@geoffcrowther-smith6960]

Hi John, I`m in UK across the pond and I just love your videos, only thing is, I am all geared up for woodwork but you have made me realise that metalwork is what I really want to do !! I served my time as a heating engineer (pipefitter) and now I`m retired I miss the smells and the sounds of metalworking. You do a great job with great skill so please keep the videos coming. Cheers.

[@achimkohlhage1328]

Great n fair. As we get older, we learn how to get things done properly, more economicly, avoid wasting time, its precious. With cheers fm the tropics, Singapore, Achim.

[@thomasbrighton6159]

John, your videos have become part of my daily ritual during the pandemic. I learn something every day and have starting building my own tools for black smithing. Learning something new everyday is a great way to live life,even if it means being confined to the house.

[@mikes1345]

Thanks John. Keep up the good work. Being retired from public safety I feel for the young families with mouths to feed. I have my shop, garden, bees and rural life but unfortunately many are still in the grind.

[@BlackBearForge]

Well said

[@frankcall8567]

Thank you for teaching us, to make a scorpion from a railroad spike, please😷😎

[@victormigotto9319]

Hi John thanks for all the inspiration. An idea for some videos if you haven’t already done them is explain some of the terms you use, such as “ upsetting “, “ cold set” etc. I’m slowly getting to understand what you mean but would appreciate a bit more info. Regards Victor

[@BlackBearForge]

Thanks for the idea!

[@diyschoolofhardknocks2943]

Made my first hold fast today at the shop...I used some good skills from watching your videos. Drew it out on the horn and cleaned it up on the face of the anvil....square....octagon then round!! thanks again

[@bennyhill3642]

I will be waiting on the ribbon bunner!!😇😁😇

[@jjholl3826]

John thanks again for the great content and lessons!! And so glad to know you guys (yourself and this great KZbin followers family) are well and pray you all continue to stay safe,happy and healthy!! Thanks to the hard work, time and selfless sharing of knowledge you’ve put into this channel and it’s content... I’m proud to say I’ll be making birthday and Mother’s Day gifts this year that will indeed be special!! Thank you sir for all your help!!

[@jeffgrier8488]

Thanks for the video John, i'm glad to see you are staying safe and healthy.

[@gtaylor465]

As a relative newcomer to the world of blacksmithing, I love your content and speaking style, some posts are more advanced but many are dialed down for those of us leaving the keyboard forge and doing it for real! Be safe, stay healthy and hammer on!

[@matonmongo]

Thx, John, all useful stuff, and sometimes those kinda everyday, 'mundane' details help ground and make it a little more real for us newbies (though dunno about the 'anvil obsessives'... lol)!

[@josephmaschari1073]

Keep the videos coming, Thanks for the time you share with us!

[@broccoli.invasion]

I haven't watched a video in a while and I noticed that your video editing skills have improved. Good work

[@BlackBearForge]

Welcome back!

[@TufStockdogs]

Thank you John for just sharing with us.

[@BlackBearForge]

My pleasure!

[@traildust55]

Again, you didn't touch a hammer, but I enjoyed it again. Good job!

[@michaelpichette4143]

Thank you for your videos John. I think about you every time I put on my safety glasses. maybe a quick video about your vices or tips for filing better? Thank you!

[@HWPcville]

I tried making charcoal once. It is time intensive cutting up the wood into workable pieces. The one and only time I forged with charcoal the flying embers burned numerous holes in my work clothes which doesn't happen as easily with coal. My propane forge is slow to get to working temp but once there it holds it and doesn't burn up my metal. Just my experience.

[@marius8578]

Thanks! You do inspire! I live in Norway and Johnsens paste wax is not distrubuted here. But i now see there are other options. I have started to watch some of your other stuff and can`t wait for your videos about your little cabin and things you can forge to use there. Well, maybe that will never happen but i hope! Keep up the good work!

[@cypherian9821]

I like these little insight videos , though why some folks obsess over equipment that is not in top shape escapes me. Though, it tends to make me think they have not worked in shops long enough or worked with out the backing of a large check book to buy new equipment when ever they want. When ever I have been asked " Why don't you get / buy __________ to replace or make easier what ever I am doing. I hold out my hand and tell them donations // tips are accepted" it usually shuts them up . If not they are shown the door.

[@BlackBearForge]

Very true

[@sunqwest1]

Thanks John Stay Healthy and Safe

[@johnjude2685]

Them mill gloves , Yesterday I was trying to punch into a solid 3" cylinder trying to get a handle for a soft hammer of mild steel My punch got hot enough to bend the coil spring steel , And the mill grove was only getting warm up. I love my mill gloves and you referring was a great advice, Sir again I am thanking you You keep me safest when I listen

[@meNtor890]

I would like to see experimental sculpture forging using the power hammer, with some rather large chunk of steel! :)

[@garygraham2974]

You make videos that are very informative thank you

[@BlackBearForge]

Glad you like them!

[@stevedingman474]

Ya know I’m very busy ... even though I’m not out at any flea markets... guess word of mouth and all those business cards I have given out are working . Lots of house trinkets and coat hangers are popular.

[@frankcall8567]

You are an amazing source of inspiration, thank you,,

[@nitro105]

I love your videos but this is one of the best ones you've ever done! Loved it

[@NjalLaing]

Good one John. The Hay Budden anvil looks like same pattern as my Peter Weight but I guess there were many that used almost identical patterns. I have a single burner Chile Forge and it is great also. I am still figuring out how to forge weld in it but I'm getting there slowly. My problem is I'm too tight on the propane, it chews through it at higher pressures so I'm always experimenting with getting good welding heat without too high a gas flow. Like bricking the doors and putting brick pieces inside to reduce volume. I enjoyed this little short video, but I can't think of anything atm as a video subject. Luckily I got clearance to travel to my workshop which is just on the next ridge from where I live. Thank you and forge on brother😊

[@tonetoner8789]

What a cool guy, mad respect

[@jayson5848]

Yes if you get able to show how to make charcoal that would be awesome and helpful!

[@joseb3344]

Thanks. I really love be your videos.

[@pressurechangerecord]

Thanks for the update.

[@sheayester271]

I just wanted to say thank you so much for all the information! I love your videos and it’s been a huge help in the learning process!

[@BlackBearForge]

You are so welcome!

[@jackdawg4579]

I got my gloves same as yours from Centaur forge, price was cheap as chips, postage to Australia was eye watering, but you just cant get good gloves here in Australia, so I paid it.

[@tokolosh11]

Thanks for sharing John. And as always, very interesting and topical. I'm busy building a ribbon burner forge at the moment during lockdown. I was looking forward to your build to lessen the learning curve. I guess I'll have to "forge" ahead by myself. :-)

[@BlackBearForge]

Since I haven't built a ribbon burner yet, I can't guarantee my experience would be helpful.

[@jonharwood9390]

Thanks again for sharing your time and talent John! How's about some simple tool videos? For instance the differences between and proper uses of files or chisels? Some good basics for us beginners in a short format. Thanks!

[@zachrapattoni6981]

I've heard you mention your preference for charcoal a few times. I'd love to see a charcoal tips 'n' tricks video

[@BlackBearForge]

Great suggestion!

[@andywright2606]

Thanks for the rundown on the various items you use in your shop John, I do need to find one of those silver pencils you use. Great to see your spreading the work about good hygiene and keeping the social distancing going, its just what we have to do to keep everyone as safe as possible. Thanks again for making the time to make and post a video when you are so busy keeping your business running mate, Your a Champion. Cheers Andy

[@cannistershot2277]

My anvil is marked ACME... Used to be sold through the Sears & Roebuck catalog. My forge is a repurposed gas grill body that was cleaned out, lined with fire brick and burns solid fuel. Air is fed in through a black iron pipe that lies in the bottom and has holes poked in it. Planning to switch to a gas forge soon - I spend too much time fussing with the fire...

[@douglasfathers4848]

Thanks John just having some Q and A is good .I have a gas forge and I looked into a coal forge and like you said it is very hard to even find coil at all wear I live in Australia. so until next video stay safe cheers.

[@jonballard4453]

Beautiful anvil

[@SamuelMcCunemusic]

Thanks for sharing John!! love the channel, we saw -1 the other morning here in Lake George, Colorado. I'm ready for spring! I would love to see a video on making some scrolling tongs or some other specialty tong making videos.

[@BlackBearForge]

We are at least above zero here this morning and it should warm up

[@johnwesley6929]

Here we go again. Thanks for the video John stay busy during the quarantine.

[@OKBushcraft]

John, I am always amazed at what and how I can learn from you. Thanks, John from Oklahoma

[@gustavorampazzo9934]

Thanks for the video! As always, you're a great teacher. I would love to see something about anvil accessories, what are the most important things to use on the pritchel hole, as well as what do you consider to be the most important set of tools to get started on smithing. Thanks!

[@lenblacksmith8559]

Good stuff John, good info. Can't wait to see that ribbon burner forge in action. Would love one of those. And good to see you're still getting orders to keep you going.

[@canuckloyalist4681]

My silver pencil was marketed through Hobart and purchased at TSC.

[@Zogg1281]

Thanks for the update, it was really interesting. Stay safe 👍

[@georgemchime6979]

I really enjoy your videos

[@glenndarilek520]

Another question for next time: How stiff should the bristles of a wire brush be? I bought one cheaper butcher block brush and it was not any stiffer than a standard wire brush. Then I bought another butcher block wire and the bristles were so stiff that they do not bend when used. It leaves faint scratches and it takes a lot of swipes to get all the smoke deposits off. I hand bent all the bristles in one direction so it slides better, but I still wonder if it is too stiff. The bristles are rectangular, about 0.1 inches wide.

[@glenndarilek520]

The bristles are about an inch long.

[@TheRustyGarageandHomestead]

Awesome John. Really enjoy these videos. Could you do a video on your old post drill. How it operates and what to look for when finding one.

[@BlackBearForge]

Great idea

[@squirrl78]

If you ever decide to do your thin out I'd love to come out and help. I can run a saw better than the average bear. All I'd charge is a bit of time helping you in the shop as well :-)

[@terrycarwile6499]

Thanks for another informative video. I saw your cone mandrel in one of your previous vids and had wondered about the groove in the side. I have a similar one that I procured from Pieh tool, but it doesn't have the groove. Can you talk a little about that particular feature and perhaps demonstrate how it is used? Thanks again!

[@Balyrion]

The groove is so you can get tongs in to grab the material. Handy but not usually necessary.

[@olddawgdreaming5715]

Really enjoyed this video John. Gonna make some hook rulers as soon as we can get out and shop around. Thanks for re-posting your how to make them video. Always enjoy your videos. Thanks for sharing with us. Fred.

[@kirtodam6540]

Hi John, could you explain a bit about the leg vice please, what are the pro's and con's compared to a normal bench vice. I have learnt loads from your channel. So thank you. I hope you stay safe too 👍

[@BlackBearForge]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/baSwiZuNopton6M

[@williamsultana3848]

HI John

[@coolguy2910]

Related to talking about your anvil, you've shown a few times your secondary anvil and it's a double-horn anvil if I remember correctly. My question related to that is: when just getting started, is there a rule of thumb or suggestion as to how to decide what style anvil is best for the type of work you do? When searching you see a lot of different style anvils and it's hard to know what the benefit would be of the different styles. Or is it just one should just get what they can when starting out and while working you'll learn that a double-horn or something else would prove useful? Thank you and I appreciate all the videos.

[@adventuresofskadi7277]

Rudy Chapman hey Rudy. I’m not John lol and by no means am I an expert so others may tell ya different. I’ve been a professional smith for about a year now and I’d suggest starting with what you can. Different styles of anvils do have different purposes. Depending on what route you want to go (farrier, architecture, tool making etc) you may eventually want a certain style. They are also ridiculously expensive now a days. If you’re just starting grab some rail track. Dirt cheap and will give you a good feel for the craft. A good idea might be to search online for the different styles of anvils and what they are used for. Hope that helps. Happy hammering

[@BlackBearForge]

I think anvils tend to have geographic styles. The US having been a British colony adapted the London pattern anvil and our anvils have evolved over the years from that style. In continental Europe the two horn style was more popular and remains the standard there. As information becomes more available so do changes in style for things like anvils. So now we are starting to see the two horn style becoming popular here in the US. I am very tempted to replace the old anvil with the two horn even though its a bit lighter.

[@jamesjacobs8594]

Thanks for all your hard work at making some killer content, john. I’m a knife maker and forge all of my knives and every one of your videos I’ve watched I’ve learned something to transfer over in the bladesmithing. With that said I’ve had a few orders for rr spike knives and thought it would make a good video for you. There’s plenty of rr spike knife videos on KZbin but I’d love to see one in your style of teaching and some creative twists I’m sure you have in your arsenal. Thanks again and keep up the great content!

[@BlackBearForge]

Here is a little one I did a while back

[@DisVietVetUSA]

Thank you

[@brysonalden5414]

Thanks for another informative video. I do have a very specific question; in your 10/31/17 video on forging a hot chisel, at about 8:33 in you start using a different hammer, one whose design makes my mouth water. Who made it? I know, a different hammer won't make me a better blacksmith, but a guy can dream.

[@BlackBearForge]

That was one I made but has since been sold

[@brysonalden5414]

@@BlackBearForge So I'm a day late and a dollar short yet again! Drat! I really, really like that one. Can't find one like it anywhere. Sigh. I suppose I'd better forge up an eye punch and make my own. Sigh.

[@johndilsaver8409]

Hi John, it's good to hear you are staying safe out there. I've been making some charcoal and I'll be interested to see your take on it. I'm using a 55 gallon barrel. I start a wood fire in the barrel, I keep feeding it and let it burn for 75 to 90 minutes, put the lid on the barrel, shovel some dirt over the vents at the bottom, and come back in a couple days when it's all cooled down. The charcoal makes a nice clean fire and I use this only when trying to forge weld. I'm enjoying the charcoal a lot.

[@BlackBearForge]

I have been using a double drum system that recycles some of the combustion gas and burns it to fuel the process. But it only does about a half days worth per burn.

[@jamesreyes4184]

Im glad you are staying busy john, always love the content of your channel. I have probably seen your videos twice over lol. I saw a video of another blacksmith who made a ruler that attached to the face of the anvil. Would it be possible for you to make a video of something similar? I believe it had 2 scrolls , 1 on either end that allowed it to be removed. If you can that would be awesome, if not no worries. Thank you and have a blessed day

[@BlackBearForge]

Its not a tool I have ever seen a need for o my shop. But one day I may make one anyway

[@jamesreyes4184]

@@BlackBearForge thank you sir, keep up the wonderful work!!

[@rbfcaf]

John what about hammer technique, holding and striking. How to save you elbow and arm. That might a good video for beginners.

[@BlackBearForge]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/n6fQiahrn9dggKs

[@stanervin6108]

Can finally catch my breath. I pray for all, hoping nobody else will get sick. Five weeks is a long time to be in bed!

[@erikcourtney1834]

Great content John. A charcoal making video would be a good one to do. Plus doing some forging with it.

[@BlackBearForge]

I should still be able t forge with charcoal during the fire ban, but since I make it outside, that would be banned. Hopefully we will get some spring rain, April is way to early t be worried about wild fire

[@erikcourtney1834]

Oh wow, I had no idea there was a fire ban already in place. I hope y’all get some rain very soon. It’s no where near that time of the year for dry weather.

[@bradmccormick358]

Thanks again for the great videos. As always great information and content. Something I that interests me, and I know you have touched on it briefly several times, is the treddel hammer. I feel it could be a great addition to my little hobby shop and am trying to work out the plans to build one. A more in depth video of yours would be great with some specks on ram weight and travel ,as well as anvil height and so on. Thanks again for the inspiration and sharing your knowledge. Stay well and wear your safety glasses.

[@BlackBearForge]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/j362nZqhjtB5f8k

[@bradmccormick358]

@@BlackBearForge thanks the video was exactly what I was looking for...not sure how I have missed it.

[@billwoehl3051]

What are your thoughts on a brake drum forge using a hairdryer for air?

[@BlackBearForge]

They work for smaller things, but I was really glad when I ditched the brake drum and bought a real fire pot and hand crank blower in my early days.

[@billwoehl3051]

@@BlackBearForge to much fuel and not enough air? Or something else?

[@shanebarker6861]

Lt. , I enjoy your videos. You do a great job. RSBARKER AFD 12A

[@BlackBearForge]

Thanks for stopping by. I hope every one is staying safe up there

[@shanebarker6861]

We’re hanging in there. Good to see you keeping yourself busy.

[@mjoe877]

Great video!

[@NeilGraham.I.M.F]

Good stuff

[@danhardy8229]

Hey John can you make a snake from an old horse rasp ? I had to do this at Farrier Blacksmith collage in Australia in “98”

[@jerodvandehey7020]

What about a video on post vice repair, setup, or ? I repaired a post vice. It works. Not sure if I did it right. How to make a spring for a post vice. Best way to make a mount for a post vice. Pros and cons on how to set up a post vice. I made mine portable and mounted on truck wheels because I have limited space. Not sure if that was a good idea because they move, but they are able to be moved so it works for me...

[@BlackBearForge]

I have never repaired a post vise

[@dadegroot]

I do charcoal most of the time, and it works brilliantly, however you'll use about 5-6 times more charcoal per volume than say Coke. But it burns clean and hot and you get no clinker unless you're forge welding.

[@BlackBearForge]

Its the making or buying that much that holds me back

[@dadegroot]

@@BlackBearForge I can well imagine a busy forge would need quite a bit. It is quite a nice fuel though. Here, despite being a major coal exporter, it's actually not fantastically easy to source coal or coke, but very easy to get charcoal.

[@MrDukaman]

Hey bud glade to hear you still have steel going out the door.. I have been trying to make an axe drift for some time now. I guess the stock I keep using is to small. I’m hopping to make a drift that will work with a few different sizes of axe small to around mid size. Last one was out of 11/4 x 3/4 4140 about 18’’ long. Hand held seems better. Any stock larger is a little hard to do by hand. No power hammer. But I did build a 20 ton press. Not sure if it will help. Ok bud. Thx and be safe!!! ...Paul.

[@BlackBearForge]

A press should be a big help in making a drift

[@peteremerson4150]

How to make a filling clamp for a vice would be nice. Cheers Peter

[@BlackBearForge]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/favEhGqVr5V6mNU

[@peteremerson4150]

@@BlackBearForge Thanks for the info! cheers Peter

[@anibalachondo876]

buenas ideas para experimentar

[@markgoggin2014]

Any update on the ribbon burner almost a year later?

[@bobbycresap4440]

How about some simple things for new to the art for building skills. Something like leaves or rings or whatever. I don't even know what would be good to do if that tells you how far along I am in to blacksmithing...lol.

[@BlackBearForge]

You might find some of that in these play lists. kzbin.info/www/bejne/r6XamWd4gN93aLs kzbin.info/www/bejne/bHyZXmmthLucd9U kzbin.info/www/bejne/bHnIZ2aXd7RriJY

[@stevenolan7972]

With it being spring how about a series of garden tool videos?

[@BlackBearForge]

Working that way, here is the first one kzbin.info/www/bejne/r3jFYWeGZdKBmJo

[@russelltreat4572]

What is your suggestion for the best anvil and forge to perchance love the way you explain all the projects

[@BlackBearForge]

There are so many variables it is hard to make a recommendation.

[@warthog02]

I typically use charcoal for fuel, as coal is expensive where I live as well. One question I have is how do I prevent too much oxygen from getting to the material, but still allow the metal to get sufficiently hot?

[@BlackBearForge]

It is best controlled with where your material is placed in the fire. Too low and there is to much oxygen.

[@georgelasala6588]

I mean two do any welding on it heat it .

[@BlackBearForge]

Yes, if you are going to make repairs by welding it is important to preheat.

[@hughcupples1279]

I would be happy to see a day in the shop video.. just one camera mounted higher up... nothing special, just to see what it’s like to do production work .. cheers

[@gunterhausfrau]

maybe this has been asked, scrolled through, but didn't see it. In one of your drone vids, it looked like your shop has solar? Do you have grid power as well? maybe a quick vid on your solar power system (unless it wasn't a solar cell panel?). The other maybe more than a quick topic is pros/cons of resurfacing your anvil. I've thought about it, as mine doesn't really have a clean edge (rounded on both sides) and the top has more than a few dings. None too bad for me to say "nothing to lose" but noticeable. thx.

[@BlackBearForge]

The shop is in the process of getting limited solar, enough for lights and perhaps a forge blower. But it would be really expensive to put in enough to run the power hammer or press. It involves preheating, welding with hard surfacing rode, post heating and slow cooling. Then you have a lot of grinding at which point you realize how bad your welds were and the process starts all over again.

[@brownpaul476]

I have more time than i know what to do with. But my apartment complex doesn't allow anything with an open flame. Sucks cause i cant even grill burgers.

[@BlackBearForge]

Apartments can be a problem.

[@georgelasala6588]

jhon hi I jast got a avl and it is going to need some work to it do you have per heat to work on it