Work holding options for the anvil - blacksmithing for beginners

Chasing your work around on the anvil can be very frustrating. Today we look at some holdfasts and other work holding options for the anvil. Including a modified pipe clamp style holdfast.
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Blacksmithing and related activities can be hazardous. These videos are not a substitute for competent professional instruction. Your safety is your sole responsibility. Always use appropriate safety equipment including eye and ear protection when working in the shop. Follow manufactures safety guidelines for the use of all equipment. In the event something shown in one of these videos seems unsafe, it is up to you to make the appropriate changes to protect yourself.

[@goofynoodle1627]

0:08 me every second of blacksmithing

[@JacksonDunnoKnows]

Lol. It happens to us all. I was just telling my neighbor who was humorously shocked when I dropped a hot leaf I was showing him how to make. Just imagine how many times a tool or project was dropped, and they just cut it out the video?

[@emilandersson1413]

I have seen this before but only today realized that I really need one. 20 minutes later, I am now the proud owner of my own "holdfast". many thanks from Sweden.

[@Zombieslag]

Every time I do a search for a particular smithing topic I end up back on your channel. I've been subscribed for a long while and always recommend the channel to the kids that I do basic instruction for.

[@BlackBearForge]

Glad to be able to help

[@carpetania47]

From Toledo Spain, i thank you for all the information on how to work the art of blacksmithing, I really like the educational way of working with iron, Congratulations and I will continue watching your videos

[@BlackBearForge]

Thanks for watching!

[@matthewhegstrom8478]

I like the fact that your not so technical, so many people make blacksmithing such a complicated science that it frustrates me. Thanks for the vid!

[@SKwoodsman]

I love these funny beginnings of the videos. You Sir must be a great person, with so much knowledge, skills and experience in this craft, and also with good sense of humor. God bless you for doing these videos and sharing them with others. What a great time to live in, to be able to watch you from other side of the world. Thank you!

[@jamesmcmillen4828]

In a typical blacksmith shop, when things get to that point (the opening of the video), tools start to fly. lol

[@joysmith4696]

I made my hold down from an old crow bar. For long pieces I have a loop of dog chain hanging from the rafters. It has the hook on it so I can adjust the length. The chain holds the far end of the work piece and allows me to swing the hot end back and forth between the fire and anvil. The fire table and the anvil need to be compatible heights. You can have different hooks in the rafters to hang the chain in different places. I used to use an adjustable stand, but you still have to lift the work piece, place it accurately. You can't change the angle while your working it, and they fall over. Everyone's shop is arranged differently. Try and see if the dog chain works for you.

[@mikepettengill2706]

Lots of useful info and just what I have been wondering about lately. Your old stuff is definitely a gold mine John, thanks!

[@BlackBearForge]

Thank you.

[@poindexter1387]

I am all over this... already ordered my 11/16 round. Thanks again as usual.

[@lolescrub069]

Thank you for your help. I'm starting with a simple cast iron anvil and work holding has been a nightmare. Thank you for an expert peek into the amazing world of forging and smithing! A

[@jetblackstar]

The main reason I found you and kept watching is because you work alone. Was your hammer making alone that caught me, everyone uses a striker?! I have no one else crazy enough to come help me :) so your techniques are invaluable because of that. So thanks.

[@BlackBearForge]

They just don't know what they're missing

[@NestorIrizarry-rh8ks]

Thank you for the video. Very useful for the apprentice.

[@davidferrett818]

I need a hold fast! Thank you John for all the ideas!

[@bennyhill3642]

A lot of Great ideas Mr John!!!😇👍

[@joelinasia8401]

I am a newbie to blacksmithing, and my journey began a few months ago when I inherited my grandfather's old Vulcan anvil from his farm. Anyway, I just wanted to say that I really enjoy your way of teaching. For someone who has been smithing for many years, you still have an open mind and really get me thinking about the myriad of ways to work steel. I have been a steamfitter for 30 years and cannot believe that I just discovered this amazing trade. Thanks so much for taking the time and effort to teach your skills on here. It is a real pleasure to watch and learn from you!

[@swflKVNC]

I worked so hard to make my first hold-fast. You made it easy, thank you.

[@johnjude2685]

Dag seems I pick up more information each time I rewatch your videos. Thanks

[@railmaker]

You are my Wilford Brimley of blacksmithing and metal working! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@tenpennyguy]

As a woodworker I love holdfasts for their **speed** as well as the ease of putting pressure anywhere on the work. It seems to me that for forging they also have the advantage of saving time (and therefore heat) compared to messiing about with clamps & threads.

You are a great teacher. THANK YOU for all your help.

[@onecrowingrooster2239]

I could rewatch your intro over and over. Great video. Spring tension hold down works pretty good also. Thanks John

[@BlackBearForge]

Glad you liked it

[@THISisglmicle]

I really appreciate your closing comments about safety glasses and safety in general. I am down one eye with the other eye at about 75%. Thanks for your videos and advice.

[@paranoy69]

hello. I love your videos because your explanations are simple and easy to understand. Your techniques are also very well filmed and it allows us to see how to proceed. it is certain that I will make this tool. have a nice day.

[@kren1101]

I used a Harbor Freigh f-style clamp. Cut the fixed end off and welded on a 5/8's bolt and it works fine

[@justvincentf]

One my old blacksmithing teacher used to use regularly is a chain with a weight on it, similar to what you have, but it was hooked to the butcher block or around the anvil at one end, and to hold things down we'd just throw the chain over the working metal and the anvil and it'd stay put.

[@jamesmcmillen4828]

I typically have my 9 year old stepson hold whatever needs to be held. He enjoys being at the anvil with me. Otherwise, I typically make do with whatever suits the need. I love how blacksmiths creatively use whatever is at hand, or modifies another tool to suit the purpose.

[@Uncle_Bucks_Forge]

I just watched Big Dog Forge make one of the hold fast. I need to make one. Both of you made it look easy. Thanks

[@lut5ch3r]

I like your videos! One other option to prevent something from flying through the workshop, not really holding it down with a lot of force, is also a chain with a big wheight, that is fixed on the stump under your anvil and just reaches over the anvil. You put wour work piece on the anvil and just throw the chain with wheight over the anvil.

[@johndilsaver8409]

Another excellent video. I don't know why I have not yet made a holdfast for my anvil. I must remedy that soon. This continues to be like a first rate correspondence course. i don't have to do each lesson exactly when you do them, but I have the information readily available and can do it at my pace. I am enjoying your videos --- and enjoying them because I'm learning a lot. Thanks again.

[@russsharpe6455]

I made this today as I'm usually on my own in the forge and it came out really well. Works a treat as well, thankyou John. Love your channel, it's taught me so much

[@BlackBearForge]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@bogomir67]

Thank you for this video! I like the holdfast a lot, and I think it makes a great beginner's project, too.

[@markfarrier12]

Only a beginner,but just forged a hold fast,so easy and simple but will make forging a lot easier in future.👍👍

[@grbroussard]

Love the one I got from you for woodworking. It’s perfect!

[@824WaterBoy]

1 of the very first things I made was a hold fast. It was crude but it works🤣 I wish I found this video sooner!

[@BlackBearForge]

As long as it works

[@whyyoutalkingtome]

I wish he had been my shop teacher 35 yrs ago,

[@JacksonDunnoKnows]

Right! It is nice having this awesome archive of... Everything! 🍻

[@nephilimborn]

He is good I like that British smoking guy too

[@christophercrahen9302]

Yes, indeed. My shop teacher was an abusive d××k and I never had confidence until later when I learned by the people doing it for a living. Teaching someone to Smith is a gift for both people. Anyone that can't enjoy teaching smithing to younger people should grump off. Passing your knowledge, pain, and tips along is what makes things better. And, back to the original comment, Black Bear Forge is by far the best...especially for those with elbow tendinitis...listen to this guy. I'm smithing again because of him.

[@qwerty90615]

My shop teacher was equally good, Mr. Delzell. He shaped many boys into well adapted working men. I still have a couple of the projects I made in his classes around the house.

[@clinthuelle2085]

I really like the hold down options you have shown in this video! I will be making both myself. Really enjoy your videos keep them coming.

[@keithalmsteadt9301]

Im just getting started in forging. Was so happy to buy the 1st few things that I forgot the most important one, the pliers. Been looking for ways to hold the steel so I can get started while I wait for them to b delivered. Thanks for the help

[@senatorjosephmccarthy2720]

Those are some good tips, BB. The term or product you were trying to think of related to the pipe clamp, is "hillside washer". But without being epoxied under the anvil, it'd be something else to hassel with. Thanx for the tips.

[@andromedajacobson2520]

I took the screw half of a large c-clamp and welded a shank on that. I replaced the screw lever with a welded ring for ease and accessibility. Works well for heavy work

[@sidneyeargle2903]

These videos are wonderfully done. Bravo

[@abechappelle1077]

I love your videos. Thank you for sharing this knowledge with the world.

[@abechappelle1077]

I made one for myself out of 1X1/2 solid bar. It works great!

[@colinmeglitsch4413]

Spectacular advise and demonstration on this one. Thank you.

[@Penguin24766]

Finally :P after finding your channel, I have found a way to keep the hot steel from flying in the shop that requires little hands on time

[@Cristo_Mario]

thanks for a great vid - I would really like to get into blacksmithing soo many things I'll need...

[@drason69]

Great video, and you are right, a hold fast is fairly easy to make. Mastering it might take a few tries, but adjustments are easy

[@aktrapper6126]

Very good information here from a Man who knows his stuff.

[@stephenpeuramaki8883]

For those screw mounted items I've used a piece of pipe underneath with a hole drilled through the walls for the screw to run through and it rides up underneath the pritchel or hardie holes.

[@eliasdelcurto2658]

I ' m begining, very nice video, thanks a lot !!!

[@floydunderhill8611]

love the pipe clamp idea! I have a couple old ones laying around too!

[@GONE2VT802]

Great video John. Thank you for sharing all those options.

[@thomasarussellsr]

The order of operations is important in making a holdfast. I made one by shaping the bends first, then tried to flatten the jaw, it doesn't hold very well. Of course all I have is an anvil shaped piece of rail road track and an oxy-scoreline torch so far. Really have been more of a practicing beginner woodworker and haven't invested in blacksmithing equipment just yet. Thanks for showing me how a professional does it. Actually makes more sense after seeing you do it.

[@johndurish4092]

Just made a hold fast based on these instructions - it really HOLDS FAST! Used 3/4" rebar, I think the ridges help lock it into the pritchel hole.

[@fullonaudio]

I saw you using this in other videos... Was wondering how you made it! Thanks for another great video!

[@bobvines00]

John, I see that I'll be making (one or two?) holdfasts for my anvil. Certainly one. Thank you for this video!

[@BlackBearForge]

It would be hard to use two on most anvils.

[@michaelclark2840]

Nice video once again Black Bear. Just on the drill press vice grip, you should find that the thread is metric M12. Most seem to be that. Normally it shows it on the eye nut. You could extend the thread with a M12 coupling nut.

[@BlackBearForge]

Thanks

[@b.ohugin610]

When I started I just used a large c clamp. Slid the clamp over the face of the anvil on top of the work piece and tightened it so it was clamped on the sides of the anvil. Then I made a hold fast using trampoline springs hooked,to both sides of the anvil stand. The,other ends of the spring I fastened,to a steel plate the width of the anvil. Put a handle,on it. It is pulled,over the piece and the tension caused by the springs holds it down. I am,going to make a traditional hold fast. Just seems easier to use. Thanks for the video!

[@BlackBearForge]

I had a similar spring loaded hold down on a previous anvil. It worked pretty well, but doesn't fit this anvil

[@ronthacker211]

My vote is for the 'hold fast'. Easy on, easy tightened, easy loosened, easy off.

[@BlackBearForge]

I am sure that is what I will use the most.

[@jackdub75]

Me too. Seems easier than going through all of that while the piece is cooling.

[@davidfusco6600]

Thanks for the great ideas!

[@HacknBuild]

Oh man, so many excellent ideas in here! I really like that weights idea. I have a bunch of plate weights in my basement shop that I frequently use for work holding. All I would need to do is get some rope or chain to hold them. The sports store here sells used plates at $.79 a pound or $1.00 new, so I think that's a pretty economical solution. The pipe clamp idea is also neat. I've been doing something similar with the 6" bar clamps (cut off end and weld on a bolt) , though I hadn't considered mounting them to my anvil. I'll definitely be making an adapter for it now.

[@BlackBearForge]

I am glad There were some useful ideas.

[@dankeebler6171]

I’ve got a bunch of window weights that now have reason to survive!

[@jonkwilloughby]

Great ideas, thank you!

[@petesantoro2827]

As an old Farrier I/we (my Uncle Johnny) used to cutoff about 1-1/2” - 2” piece of a rasp. Round off the corners and turn the rasp teeth pointing towards the pritchel hole and weld it in place. When you give it a tap it’ll bite down and hold your work solid. Also I use those pain in the arse mounting bars that GM loves to add to your trans shroud. No one puts them back on anyway. Lol but they’re made out of tool steel and plenty harder that just hot roll. There’s my 2 bits. On sundays when either of us would go over to the shop to get started for the week but make odd n end tools. On the Harness track and trainers are out jogging their horses n throws a shoe. They’d hear the ring of the anvil and cha ching there’s a quick $20-$30 bucks nobody would miss. After 40yrs later I think it ok to tell an Apprentice how to make a couple bucks

[@motome8]

Wow you and big dog back to back.. I need to make myself one of these. Thanks for the info.

[@BlackBearForge]

If I had seen hios I probably would have waited to do this one. I hate to seem like I'm just following someone elses lead.

[@motome8]

Black Bear Forge in your defense his was JUST about a holdfast. Yours was about lots of other things :)

[@dankeebler6171]

Your videos are very helpful, thank you!

[@HighWealder]

I suspect that the thread on that pipe is BSP (British Standard Pipe), it became a de facto worldwide standard in its various sizes back in the mists of time and I have seen it everywhere from Italy to Indonesia and the Sahara. In the US you may have some other name for it. Also used on traditional bath tap fittings and even on brass compression fittings for copper pipe.

[@leeh.6371]

I’ve held work pieces in my legs before and I agree it’s very awkward, my next project is gonna be a hold down (as soon as I get a new anvil)

[@7amirha]

the best teacher

[@ICUDR]

@02:58 😳🤯 This makes me think of all the ancient artifacts we’ve found and how we are completely baffled with their purpose; Simply because it’s one of those “you had to be there” moments to truly understand. I had no idea this was the purpose of an anvil. But now that I’ve seen it, it becomes obvious why it has those features. We don’t have this epiphany with the ancients, Their technology is truly lost knowledge. Anvils man…

[@eboyd3416]

thanks for the options, i also like your other hold fast videos. And in case you didn't see it Gary Huston's last gave you a shout out for your Milwaukee Portable Band saw Stand. He copied your concept.

[@BlackBearForge]

I saw that. It is quite an honor.

[@MadebyKourmoulis]

Just made one and its awesome.

[@opwards]

another adaptation i have seen is to use the chain with a heavy weight anchored to the stump and thrown over the anvil to hold it directly to it. As you showed with the stand method it can still move around a little but it stops it bouncing which could be usefull for punching or slitting or other chisel work.

[@fourgedmushrooms5958]

Got some coil spring the right size work's great 👍. Bit of a juggle to use though

[@BB_46]

Excellent information, thanks for sharing it. 👍

[@larryking606]

Good Idea ! I probably will go with the hold fast ! One because I have some material already, So that will be my next job Zaza!

[@kensmapleleafretirement]

Thank you for the lesson.

[@pb2damax]

In the contact portion is the file or score the contact head so it grips your work better.

[@Linsdell-forge]

More great tips. Many thanks.

[@RUSSO_V_HAWAII]

I made NO WELD pipe version today. All I did was square up the round pipe cold and cut drilled a slot.

[@rbduffer3263]

You could also fasten one end of a motorcycle or bicycle chain to the far side of the anvil base and drape the chain over the anvil face down the near side of the anvil. Then hang a weight on the loose end. You lift the chain and slip the work piece under the chain and let the chain down. The weight hanging down will keep the chain tightly clamping he work to the anvil.

[@steelpennyforge5152]

Nice work

[@BlackBearForge]

Thanks

[@chip2567]

I could use the pipe clamp for a whole lot of other things. I like the chain and weight the most.

[@marvinm.7634]

That intro was so smoooooth :D

[@knutzzl]

10:20 you could weld a pin to the top part of the klamp that rests on the face of the anvil. What i use is a (bike) chain. On a pin on the anvil block over the anvil and a stirrup/padel on my side.

[@TheOldaz1]

Great detail for a simple tool, do it wrong and it won't work, thanks John.

[@jrodclark]

“Last eve I paused beside the blacksmith’s door, And heard the anvil ring the vesper chime; Then looking in, I saw upon the floor, Old hammers, worn with beating years of time. “‘How many anvils have you had,’ said I, ‘To wear and batter all these hammers so?’ ‘Just one,’ said he, and then with twinkling eye, ‘The anvil wears the hammers out, you know.’ “And so, I thought, the Anvil of God’s Word For ages skeptic blows have beat upon; Yet, though the noise of falling blows was heard, The Anvil is unharmed, the hammers gone.” -Attributed to John Clifford But the word of the Lord endureth for ever... 1 Peter 1:25

[@petesantoro2827]

I’ve always loved this poem, I never tire from hearing it. I started as my Uncle’s Apprentice when I was 12yrs old. Got my ticket as a Blacksmith/Horseshoer before I turned 16. He taught me to be more than just a Farrier, I learned how to also be a good Horseman. Even though I didn’t pursue a career, there was a work ethic I developed and carried it on thru out the course of the last 50yrs. I still have a small shop out back, and when I hear the ring of my anvil. It’s impossible to not go back to those days. Even though my Uncle has passed on, every time I light my forge and no matter what I m trying to turn out. I’m brought back to my time my with him. Both good and some bad times we spent together, I’m reminded of all the horses that passed thru the shop. I hope that someday when it’s my turn, my Son will recall our time together when he hears the ring of the anvil. He will remember like I have, and feel the bond that we forged, and remember the anvil of God’s word....

[@xrexc3179]

Soo awesome!!!

[@seanira1452]

i know im asking randomly but does anybody know of a way to log back into an Instagram account..? I was dumb forgot my login password. I love any tricks you can offer me!

[@wesleybranson6110]

@Sean Ira instablaster ;)

[@seanira1452]

@Wesley Branson i really appreciate your reply. I got to the site thru google and Im in the hacking process atm. Takes a while so I will get back to you later with my results.

[@NeilGraham.I.M.F]

Thank u! 1st thing im maken on my new anvil

[@larryfetters212]

Great ideas

[@monsterbash9758]

Bonus one: if you have a big heavy hardy tool of some kind the weight of it can hold your work. I was just using a big cone mandrel that way yesterday.

[@idahobob173]

To keep the pipe clamp holdfast from dropping too low in the hardy hole, just add a rivet or screw on the side of the U-shape nearest the pritchel hole. It will not interfere with the pipe clamp which can always be rotated away from the screw / rivet head.

[@jackdawg4579]

Right after tongs that fit what you are doing so you can work well with 1 hand, comes the frustration of trying to keep something still when you need 2 hands!

[@lightprint348]

a weighted chain over and work the anvil works well.

[@monsterbash9758]

I think the holdfast is easy enough to make I'll probably use that method.

[@jacobrawles8687]

Weld your collar on your pipe clamp, then weld an extra square of metal to the foot of the clamp to extend it so it will clamp to the anvil.

[@robphone4895]

Very interesting options, I only knew the holdvast. Thank you! I tried holding it between my legs once. Problem is I'm a short guy, my anvil is quite high for me. So the stock is angeled up a bit to the anvil. If you than hit the stock hard it kind of shoots up. Well, that was not very comfortable, without going into details in a way that you would delete this post. Anyway it did hurt. 😲

[@BlackBearForge]

I fully understand

[@buddybell2337]

Good infornational video.

[@oneproudbrowncoat]

Just a thought. What about welding a holdfast arm to the pipe clamp?

[@thohagYT]

what about the chain with a plank attached on the end? effectively putting your foot on the plank holding it down tight. basically attach the chain with a nail or something else to your stump and bring the chain over the anvil, then attach a plank to the end so that when you step on the plank it will clamp down your workpiece.

[@vincentrosa9631]

Nice 👍👍

[@MrJamesjustin]

Great stuff mate.

[@paulthompson5666]

Thanks for the videos I wondered what the marker is I see you using looks like chalk from a pen ?

[@BlackBearForge]

That is a Markal Silver pencil - amzn.to/3EgCcBI

[@Hogbellylife]

Ty for the vid, this will come in handy