Tools every Blacksmith NEEDS from Junk Yard Steel

This is the first part of a three part video on forging a punch and drift for making a hammer eye. This first part will discus steel choices focusing on scrap options. We will then proceed to forge the punch. The drift will be seen in part two.
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[@brysonalden5414]

I cannot begin to express my gratitude that Black Bear Forge has such a large offering of instructional videos like this one. Watching it again to refresh my memory, as it seems I am now ready to try making and using these tools. I know I can always refer to your videos to get my questions answered.

[@stevesyncox9893]

I rewatch regularly. Always answers that make sense.

[@CharlieAtteberryCharlie]

John I cant express how much your videos are appreciated. I really want to meet you someday just to shake your hand and let you know you are appreciated not only for your videos but also your years of service as a first responder. Thank you so much.

[@jimburnsjr.]

great video.... I doubt any motivated craftsman ever regretted buying a farrier's rasp..... great for woodwork too... thanks again

[@nics3lbow]

I am genuinely building my own foundry in my garage. I do armored combat and am looking to make my own armor. I am so thankfuk for Black Bear Forge's informational videos and instructions. You have no idea!

[@SuperVeggieman]

I’m just beginning in blacksmithing, and just wanted to say thank you for your help. I’m late to the trade, but it’s already been filled with great rewards, and I feel like an apprentice in a shop when watching your great videos. Thank you.

[@BlackBearForge]

Glad I could help

[@thadstuart8544]

Wow. You are a wealth of information. Much appreciated sir

[@BlackBearForge]

My pleasure

[@rogerrichey8807]

I honestly can't believe you don't have more subscribers than you do. You're very informative and are loaded with great content.

[@varun009]

Because his videos are longform and instructive. Not very well shot and edited shorts that explain nothing but look cool.

[@dtrotteryt]

I LOVE using those pump rods. I have a few and LOVE using it. Great for knives and tools I have found.

[@gregmetzler6828]

I really like your teaching style. This video is a great introduction to making your own tools. Thank you!

[@BlackBearForge]

You're welcome, glad you liked it

[@andrewhutchinson5490]

I am not a smithy but I love knowing all about tool steels so I always learn from your vids. Thanks.

[@jimhumphrey]

I just recently found your channel. A KZbin forge that actually sounds like a forge. Some KZbinrs are shutting off the loud back noises. I like your style.

[@BlackBearForge]

Thank you. I am trying to turn it down a bit. But I don't want weird music like some use. So I prefer the sounds of the shop.

[@IthBombgard]

Black Bear Forge leave what you can. I love the sound of the forge, and I love watching and listening to it when I am unable to be forging myself. If I wanted to listen to music, I'd play the radio. Haha! This is one of my favorite smithing channels. Thank you!

[@chrismallory8292]

Thanks to this amazing channel and Christ centered iron works for all the amazing info! I really appreciate everything I have learned

[@BlackBearForge]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@Dirtbiker-guy]

The amount of priceless information I get from your videos is much appreciated. Thank you for sharing all of the thoughts and processes you have learned over the years. I've learned so much from watching and listening. You are a great teacher.

[@gregtucker4927]

I enjoy your presentation immensely. Besides being an excellent Smith, you strike me as a nice guy as well. Keep up the good work.

[@patshes1951]

Like the tools you make here.

[@Chrimsonblack1]

Thanks for teaching me so much.

[@deanwitt7903]

I like the way you use hammer and rasp old school style even when you have power tools . One little bit of advice though is your rasp only cuts one way so dragging it back across hot or cold steel only serves as wasted motion and wear on the rasp . Lifting it and dropping again on the cutting stroke will chew off more material with better force . An old blacksmith told me that and once I started practicing it I could see he was 100 percent correct .

[@BlackBearForge]

I find hot rasping works quite well in both directions. I have been using the same rasp for that purpose for over 20 year and haven't seen much new wear on the rasp (you should be using an old worn rasp for hot work anyway.) Here is a video that might help - kzbin.info/www/bejne/eqvXfKSvfbadgtE

[@billwoehl3051]

It's been 5 yrs since this video, fireball tool did a test with files, drawing backwards actually cleans out the teeth and makes a faster filing experience.

[@RovingPunster]

Very instructive and informative - your channel is a great online resource. I wish someone like you worked in my area ... if they did i'd probably volunteer to help out for free on a regular basis, just to watch and learn. 😀

[@jonathanhaywood4354]

Thats just being an apprentice at that point. See? Theres a reason crafts are the way they are. Artisan crafts are important

[@RovingPunster]

@@jonathanhaywood4354 Mmmmm ... a little wide of the mark. True for most, but not for me in this instance. The apprentice system is a path that leads to a career in something, as one hop scotches from apprentice to journeyman to master, and to gainfully self employed in the craft. In my case, im both retired and partially disabled, and have no plans to start a business. I'm just addicted to learning stuff - ive had more hobbies over the years than most people could shake a stick at, and ive already taught myself the basics of multiple crafts that I will likely never get to use professionally.

[@lawrenwimberly7311]

Mark is a good Cat... so are you

[@ukaszg8042]

Ja również robię sam narzędzia z różnych twardych stali bardzo fajnie że tłumaczysz takie życzy są robione pozdrawiam

[@genxfordguy1380]

Super informative, however.. Knowledge breeds other questions. Thank you!

[@neilyeag]

Excellent tutorial John. Thanks.

[@adampablodayc]

Going to check out Marks channel,but just because you suggested it.Great video,i find myself scouring the steel at the flea market ,Its not just woodworking tools i look for now.

[@efoster5697]

Sucker rod is normally found in 20’-30’ joints. Used everywhere down home for horse fences too.

[@steveallen2681]

John , I sub to your channel a few yrs back. But today I was watching some of your older videos,and liked it . Some how I got unsubscribed, not sure about these things ?? So I resub.

[@BlackBearForge]

Welcome back

[@carlkulyk366]

Sucker rod in Canada is 22 ft. Long.

[@backyardportageegomez4061]

Very good information I learned alot Even though I thought I was pretty knowledgeable

[@garyspoering2463]

I have used old p/u truck straight axle king pins as they are for punches, though don't know what alloy they are. Nice idea on the punch hand flats, pass on the kudos, please.

[@RyanBarnes]

Just noticed that you've got over 300k subs! :D Nice job!

[@BlackBearForge]

Thanks! 😃

[@workwithnature]

Plenty motivated file work :) you do a great job at teaching. Did not catch the starting size of the material used. Would you mind letting me know. Cheers David.

[@BlackBearForge]

Thank you. The starting size for the punch would be 3/4" - 7/8" about 9" long and for the drift 1" by 9" long

[@remimaisonneuve5796]

Super ! thank you !

[@tomcarlson3244]

Thank you I am about to make some of these both

[@YeshuaT-bm6ss]

That bit looks more like a tamper paddle from the RR hand tamper equipment

[@robroy5729]

Very nice video John.

[@jeffsandling5981]

Awesome! I have both, sucker rod and several large 3' Jack hammer bits. Been wondering if they'd be a good material for this purpose. Going to stamp mine "Sucker Punch"...lol!

[@IthBombgard]

I have a chunk of sucker rod too! I didn't know what the hell it was until today, but I have liked the steel it's made from. Now I know exactly what to look for!

Top notch. Thsnk you so much.

[@StanErvin-yo9vl]

Back to the question about whether the chicken or the egg came first, John. The singly largest jackhammer bit I came across was used in an attachment on a dozer removing a concrete bed for an antiquated machine in the factory that I was working at. The bed was about 75 feet long, 8 feet wide, and 6 or 7 feet deep. It bent after getting stuck and some shop newbie used a torch to loosen it. I got dibs and a free pass ticket from the head honcho plant engineer. Monstrosity @ about 6 feet long and a good 4 inches diameter. That darn stuff wouldn't move much under a Little Giant 25 unless it was at a high yellow. Thinking Carpenter S-7. 🐾🔥⚒️ Oil quench. Question for you. What are sawing crumbs of A-2 good for? Canister pattern welded blades?

[@KCreations4You]

What about front wheel drive axles? I come across them allot. Awesome giving credit to others! Thats hard to find on YT anymore.

[@jaccobpeterson9735]

hey John, I've been watching your videos for a long time now. I'm finally about to start blacksmithing myself. I work as a garage door technician and I can get fresh spring steel that has been cut off the end of a spring that is being cut to size before use. I've done enough research to know that garage door springs are made out of a steel like 5160. I'm wondering, would you consider that fresh steel? and would it be good for tools

[@rogerrabbit2913]

Made my first hot cut out of 01 tool steel and it's ugly but it works really well. I am thinking about making a couple punches and a drift. Would 01 be a decent steel for a drift/punch?

[@utalis47]

my local hardware stores had wood handles for $3 throughout the early 2000s now in 2023 they charge $25,i refuse to pay 25 for a wood handle when i can make them myself.

[@BerserkerGang2019]

here in Germany we use ASH wood for hammers.

[@poindexter1387]

Mark who......i only know Black bear forge😈

[@breese7488]

Sir, I know you aren't advertising for the steel treatment app on your phone, but could you tell me what it is? I'd like to put it on my phone. Many thanks either way. B. Reese

[@msblades5382]

John. Got a question for you. I have a fork lift fork and I am considering using it for a drift a punch and hammers. I was told the steel could be 1050, 4140, or Spring steel. So my first question is are you aware of a way to find out what kind of steel it is for sure. I am sure it has numbers on the side. Perhaps this can help determine the grade. Second question will this questionable steel make good tooling? Thanks a bunch Martin

[@BlackBearForge]

I have never used it. But if it is any of the grades you listed it should be good steel. The best thing is to cut small pieces and do some tests to see if it hardens in air, oil or water. a spark test may give some idea of carbon content. Then make a simple tool, harden and temper and see what happens.

[@msblades5382]

Thank you Sir. I thank you.

[@standaffern6595]

Let us know Martin what you found out, I got a couple of forks I got in my latest score of the steel pile, which I may use part of one for the face portion of a portable anvil.

[@1day129]

hi, do you have to consider decarburisation when you heat treat medium or high carbon steels?

[@BlackBearForge]

I don’t generally worry about it much. It is more of a concern with numerous forging heats.

[@Terenzio94]

Hello from Italy! What Is the phone app for the steelhardening and tempering . Thanks!

[@BlackBearForge]

"the heat treat guide companion"

[@laytonmiller5865]

Hey there internet dad, I'm curious - at the 20:00 ish mark you use a rasp to work the end of the punch. You say during that part that you would come back later and use a file to work it cold. What exactly is the criteria for doing hot vs cold filing work? I'm not really clear on the motivation for that.

[@BlackBearForge]

Hot rasping is fast, but leaves a rougher surface. Filing is more precise and leaves a smoother surface.

[@laytonmiller5865]

@@BlackBearForge Thank you!

[@zekefreshman300]

Where would you get the sucker rod reliably to get it easily or any of the steels

[@jessehannah2989]

Your anvil is so much quieter now than it is in this video

[@StevenWebberMusic]

You mentioned an app that tells you how to heat treat different steels. Would you please share what it is? I searched for everything I could think of on the App Store and I couldn’t find it.

[@BlackBearForge]

the app is the Heat Treat Guide Companion

[@StevenWebberMusic]

Black Bear Forge that is a huge help thanks!

[@marcaldrich2872]

What is the app you have for your phone that gives you hardening and tempering information for different steels?

[@BlackBearForge]

It's called the "heat treaters guide companion"

[@marcaldrich2872]

Thank you sir.

[@scovillesadventures7141]

What is the app you mentioned for steel hardening?

[@BlackBearForge]

the heat Treat Guide Companion

[@wodenphoto]

Is there any reason a hammer eye punch couldn't also be used to punch an axe head of similar weight? That is I want to make about a 2.5 lb rounding hammer and about a 2lb axe. Could I use the same punch but different drift?

[@BlackBearForge]

So long as the punch leaves a hole suitable for the drift, it really doesn't matter what the punch was originally made for. Although I do generally prefer a longer narrower punched hole for an axe than for a hammer.

[@wodenphoto]

@@BlackBearForge thank you.

[@MrRon2k]

What is that about steel properties?

[@yelworc06]

I know this is an old video what diameter was the starting stock?

[@danielkiefer8134]

Quick question, when you say “wood ash” is it literally ashes of wood or is it something else? Sorry if it’s a stupid question

[@BlackBearForge]

Yep, just what comes out of the wood stove or fireplace

[@PhoenixIronworksNS]

what is the name of the app you spoke of, with references to different steels and hardening/tempering?

[@BlackBearForge]

Heat treat guide companion

[@samsquanch72ify]

Do you stamp the numbers in with the the metal hot or cold?

[@BlackBearForge]

I usually do it hot

[@samsquanch72ify]

@@BlackBearForge thanks!

[@152lb.mousehole2]

52100 (hydrollic shaft)???

[@maelmissier3378]

Where do you find your sucker rod? I can't seem to find any near me.

[@BlackBearForge]

Mostly its just something I run across from time to time. But I did do a video once when someone sent me a batch. He may still have it available for sale. kzbin.infolibrary

[@theferrouslife]

What app tells you how to harden and temper different steels??

[@BlackBearForge]

I use the Heat Treat Guide Companion

[@theferrouslife]

@@BlackBearForge Thank you

[@madmax52]

What is the name of the App that you are using to identify metal quenching medium? Thanks

[@BlackBearForge]

it is called "the heat treaters guide companion"

[@kathyskaggs4154]

How is “pay” tool spelled? Havent been able find it online.

[@BlackBearForge]

piehtoolco.com/index.html

[@thomasbeckett1245]

If you use a steel handle, then just weld the head on.

[@NewApologist]

Where can one get a ruler like you use?

[@BlackBearForge]

www.etsy.com/BlackBearForge/listing/544816258/hook-ruler-shop-rule-meassuring-tool?Copy&ListingManager&Share&.lmsm&share_time=1612196355108

[@NewApologist]

Thank you sir‼️ Learning a lot of good stuff from your videos. Larry

[@italocancelli7006]

ok

[@danieljohnson471]

When using your punch or drift, what do u use to keep it from getting too hot

[@BlackBearForge]

If it isn't red hot I cool in water. If it starts to glow I let it air cool

[@011CJ]

Have you ever made a hamer to make a hammer to make a hammer 😂

[@housevollmer9106]

He must have never played on a 3hp Baldor powered 2x72 with a 40 grit ceramic belt... cause it will eat down a hardened rasp for breakfast, motivated or not!!

[@МілаГалушко]

Хороший расказ

[@dustinroberts6771]

What is the app that you have?

[@BlackBearForge]

Heat treat Guide companion

[@dustinroberts6771]

Thank you.

[@devilsdenmetalworks1809]

so whats the app on your phone?

[@BlackBearForge]

the heat treaters guide companion

[@devilsdenmetalworks1809]

thank you very much

[@dhtsoaedsdhtnadi9575]

in terms of substance of content, PBS should pick you up. of course they won't. a sponsor bailed on a traditionalist bc they think the young'ns aren't interested in traditional. simple truth is, technology from the pre-industrial age is just as important as knowing how to code. and in this digital age where we are bombarded with flashing screens at every turn, there's something cathartic about working WITHOUT electricity.

[@larrycherrington7338]

John, you don't seem to know when to quit.stop hammering when it's done

[@randomschittz9461]

Oh dang, we have a real professional blacksmith in the crowd! Strangely enough, I can’t find any of your instructional videos or books Larry. I was really hoping, seeing how you know so much that you would correct someone else’s video, that you would have some epic video tutorials; but there’s nothing available. What gives Larry?