Forging bolt jaw tongs, traditional approach

Рет қаралды 107,941

4 жыл бұрын

There are numerous style of blacksmithing tongs. In this video lets take a look at forging a pair of bolt jaw tongs from 3/4" square bar.
My name is John Switzer, thank you for watching. Black Bear Forge is a small one person shop located in the Southern Colorado Mountains
Below you will find useful links that will help you in your journey as a blacksmith.
My blacksmiths apron
www.Forge-Aprons.com use code BBF
My favorite cordless angle grinder - www.anrdoezrs.net/links/885600...
My cordless die grinder - www.anrdoezrs.net/links/885600...
Links for some of my video and lighting equipment.
To take a more active role in the production of these videos. You may provide financial support through one of the two links below.
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P.O. Box 4
Beulah, CO 81023
To find more information in blacksmithing in the US or to search for your local ABANA affiliate group visit.
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Blacksmithing tools and supplies
Self contained air hammers - www.saymakhammers.com/
General blacksmithing supplies - www.oleoacresfarriersupply.com/
General blacksmithing supplies - www.piehtoolco.com/
General blacksmithing supplies - www.centaurforge.com/
General blacksmithing supplies - www.blacksmithsdepot.com/
General blacksmithing supplies - www.blacksmithsupply.com/
Square head bolts and lags - www.blacksmithbolt.com/
New anvils - www.oldworldanvils.com/
New anvils - www.nimbaanvils.com/
New anvils -
Industrial supplier - www.mcmaster.com
Tong blanks and tools - kensironstore.com/
Fire brick and refractory - refwest.com
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.

Пікірлер: 199

@Lmr6973 4 жыл бұрын

Mr. John I just want you to know sir I appreciate all the time and effort you put into producing these videos for us. A lot of the time I watch never really thinking about all of the effort it takes to get the multiple camera angles and close up shots. Not to mention all the editing it take to produce such quality videos. Thank you sir for all you do for us.

@dannydethanos6994 2 жыл бұрын

I don’t know who could dislike one of your videos, they’re amazingly full of knowledge and wisdom. Very relaxing too

@BlackBearForge 2 жыл бұрын

I appreciate that!

@dutchholland163 2 жыл бұрын

Been smithing for a while, but at 74 years of age, have never tried bolt tongs. Now, after having watched your excellent video, am ready to give it a try. Many thanks.

@redneckoperations Жыл бұрын

I learn 90% of my hobbie blacksmithing from your videos, the other 10% is from just hammering away

@RyanBarnes 8 ай бұрын

Exactly this!!! The traditional saying is "everything I needed to know I learned in kindergarten"... For us apprentice blacksmiths, it goes like, "everything I needed to know, I learned from John at BBF"

@RC-Heli835 10 ай бұрын

These turned out really nice!

@PaulFontaniniArtist 4 жыл бұрын

Nice work John.

@BlackBearForge 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks

@jesseellis946 4 жыл бұрын

That was a really good video on tong making. Thank you for all the content. I'm a beginner smith and trying to learn as much as I can and just love how you keep everything as traditional as possible including the terminology.

@BlackBearForge 4 жыл бұрын

I'm glad you're enjoying the videos

@RayFromTheHayclan 4 жыл бұрын

Perfect timing John. I'm forging a pair of tongs today and need a refresher.

@wildmanworley 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for talking thru your forging videos. A lot of these videos are just music. You are the best

@mountainviewturning5319 4 жыл бұрын

Great looking tongs

@larrystrayer8336 4 жыл бұрын

A great detail video on how to make tongs Thanks for the refresher

@BlackBearForge 4 жыл бұрын

I am glad you enjoyed it

@aussiebushcraft5565 3 жыл бұрын

Respect ,from Australia :) !

@paulgorringe7138 3 жыл бұрын

Hi thanks for yet another great video

@GeorgiaWoodsmen 2 жыл бұрын

I learn something every time i watch your channel.

@mikechapple2363 4 жыл бұрын

I've been mia for a few weeks with all the work I've had in the shop. Great video, John. One can never get enough of the basics.

@trentszeponski3456 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you Black Bear Forge for share such well articulated instructed methods to forging. As well for the wisdom to know the difference between tools.

@markcockerham646 2 жыл бұрын

Finally finished a pair of these; thanks for the great instruction!

@robertayers9424 4 жыл бұрын

You just make it look so easy! Very nice tongs! I was watching your video on forge fuels and types. Thanks for the info!

@strovigforge8695 4 жыл бұрын

Probably the best video on tong making out there. Thanks for taking the time to create this video for us.

@BlackBearForge 4 жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it

@jjppres 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks John! Great video as always.

@johnlovett8341 2 жыл бұрын

Love Black Bear forge!! This morn, to avoid work, I watched some videos at 1.5 speed. Over caffeinated John is still an awesome learning experience!!

@Forging403 4 жыл бұрын

I love the larger hammer you are using to forge the tongs. Beautiful and it looks to be extremely efficient at moving metal. Keep up the good work John. 😁

@jaspermurphy4465 Жыл бұрын

Thank you sir , for taking the time to explain and show step by step its very helpful and appreciated.

@windyhillfoundry5940 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the demo👍. Even though I pour instead of pound I have to forge certain tooling from time to time so your instructionals are appreciated👌

@grandadz_forge 4 жыл бұрын

A black bear tong video -it's kind of like a homecoming

@BlackBearForge 4 жыл бұрын

I may be running out of option for tongs

@grandadz_forge 4 жыл бұрын

@@BlackBearForge spike/pick axe tongs with an eyebolt for a rivet

@5x535 4 жыл бұрын

Another really great video John. Thanks for all of your efforts.

@BlackBearForge 4 жыл бұрын

You are certainly welcome, glad you liked it

@Yo-mv6py 6 ай бұрын

i went to a proper shop yesterday for a demonstration and open forging, the more i realize having a good set of tongs for whatever you're working on is nearly the most important tool. great videos!

@thomaschandler8036 3 жыл бұрын

Good video, learned a lot. Thank you for going to the trouble showing amateurs like me some things about blacksmithing..

@richardsolomon8076 4 жыл бұрын

Very nice John, well done :-) totally understand using the power hammer

@stevefarley7014 4 жыл бұрын

It was a really great time in Beulah for all who attended the demonstration last weekend. A few of us were lucky enough to be there. 🤩Even with his amazing film and editing talents, it is far more educational to watch john work in-person than to see him on youtube alone. 🤔He made four pairs of tongs for the attendees: flat forge welded jaw, flat twisted jaw, v-bit, and Poz tongs all from memory and always patiently answering our many questions along the way. Many thanks John!

@BlackBearForge 4 жыл бұрын

It was great that you took the time to drive up. I was going to do the intro for the video sitting in one of your chairs, but they are already safely in the shipping container waiting for the next time.

@mikehodges6598 4 жыл бұрын

John, I always love watching your videos.

@BlackBearForge 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks

@baronscarpia501 Жыл бұрын

I love watching you work in the forge.. I really like that you work on differentg projects, from tools for forging, to decorative items

@BlackBearForge Жыл бұрын

Glad you like them!

@RRINTHESHOP 4 жыл бұрын

Nicely made Tongs.

@tommclean6444 4 жыл бұрын

Excellent video John, I was waiting for this one

@BlackBearForge 4 жыл бұрын

I hope it helped

@steelpennyforge5152 4 жыл бұрын

Good looking set of tongs. Thanks for the video!

@BlackBearForge 4 жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it

@hughezzell10000 3 жыл бұрын

How a master makes it look easy.

@Journeyforgeusa 8 ай бұрын

Thanks John. I found myself in a bind today. I didn't have a pair of tongs with jaw spacing large enough to allow for the material I needed held. Quick refresher on tong making was just what I needed. Need a tool, make a tool.

@Fernando-qg1zv 4 жыл бұрын

Very nice!

@jjholl3826 4 жыл бұрын

Another great piece. Thanks for the lesson 👍

@BlackBearForge 4 жыл бұрын

You are quite welcome

@rustybow7293 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for this! Not sure my anvil edges are sharp enough, but I'll try this. You make it look easier than I'm sure it is.

@billy19461 4 жыл бұрын

I don't have a forge and don't black smith any. But I love watching your videos. I am always amazed at how you can take a piece of metal that looks useless and turn it into a highly functional object. Best wishes to you and yours.

@kensmapleleafretirement 4 жыл бұрын

Nice approach. I bought a 33 pound air hammer to draw out the reins , but I haven't gotten it working just yet. It takes me forever to draw them out by hand hammer and I like to make a new pair for each size of material I am using, so every project starts off by making tools specific to that project. So, sometimes it takes me a week of set up to make a one day project, but next time I do that project, I am all ready to go. Thank you for you tutelage. I appreciate it....

@BlackBearForge 4 жыл бұрын

I think you will be very pleased with that hammer

@ThomasShue 3 жыл бұрын

MAN... Those are beautiful

@johnsowv 4 жыл бұрын

I like watching you use the power hammer just as much as watching you forge by hand. Great looking tongs!

@BlackBearForge 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks

@Choonsey 3 жыл бұрын

always great content.

@theojilderts9729 Жыл бұрын

Wauw harlingen greets you Blacksmith theo always Inspiring when on screen From america what Do you want to be when You grow up ?...easy ..a Blacksmith say.s i theo 64years joung. Great job Black Bear...

@joestrings353 4 жыл бұрын

I've been watching your videos for over a year now - and they are some of the best educational smithing videos I've seen, and the videography just gets better and better. Thank you for sharing your expertise in such an approachable way. I've learnt so much from them. Paul - a hobby-smith in the UK.

@BlackBearForge 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you I am always glad to know people are seeing the changes.

@brettsayers7768 4 жыл бұрын

John the new intro and ending are great, fantastic set of tongs, really enjoyed the video ( I enjoy all of your videos of course )

@BlackBearForge 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks, I'm having fun with the intros.

@gilcore5245 4 жыл бұрын

WOW John great episode.

@BlackBearForge 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks

@hoongfu 4 жыл бұрын

YES, I've been waiting to see how these are made. I used them once in a class to make S hooks and haven't been able to reproduce them. Thank you!

@BlackBearForge 4 жыл бұрын

Take a look at the Poz Tongs video as well. Thats the style I prefer for most hook making

@beni2094 4 жыл бұрын

Those are beautiful. Can't wait till im capable of making these! Ive made a few simple tongs. Great video

@BlackBearForge 4 жыл бұрын

Just a matter of starting simple and working your way up to more difficult things. You will get there

@tscherry70 4 жыл бұрын

John, I made my first pair of flat jaw tongs yesterday out of 1/2 inch square bar and ended up getting the boss too thin. I followed your twist method for the jaws. They work, but they're very light duty. You had mentioned a cold shunt in the boss, well I think that's what happened to mine. It was a good learning lesson, one that you can only learn by doing. It took me forever to draw out the reigns by hand with a 2 lb cross-pein hammer. Your videos are my "go-to" learning resource though. I'm going to try the traditional method next. Keep up the great work!

@andycamm6317 4 жыл бұрын

Nice one John thanks

@JF-fx2qv 4 жыл бұрын

Thumbs up video content. Thanks. Hope the Fall season is setting in well for you.

@BlackBearForge 4 жыл бұрын

Fall is great, finally cool enough to enjoy being by the forge

@codyironworks307 4 жыл бұрын

I did bolt tongs last Sunday for forge church!

@douglasfathers4848 4 жыл бұрын

Amazing how they come together in the end , but like you say a lot of fiddling.

@markcnc 4 жыл бұрын

definitely agree using the power hammer for the tedious drawing out, the shape of the money side of the tool is much more important to spend time on. Great Video !!!

@BlackBearForge 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks, some people just hate seeing power hammers while others love them

@mikepettengill2706 4 жыл бұрын

That's the best thing about having company, you get your shop all tidied up! LOL

@BlackBearForge 4 жыл бұрын

Very true, now I just need to figure out where the projects I was working on ended up.

@sbjennings99 4 жыл бұрын

Awesome informational educational video experience Y'alls

@OuroborosArmory 4 жыл бұрын

Really sad I missed this weekend, it was on my calendar for the last 3 months. Just life made it so I just couldn’t make it. Having spent 2+ hours making reins for tongs... yea makes me wish I had a power hammer :). Thanks for this video great to watch! :)

@BlackBearForge 4 жыл бұрын

There will be one in Berthoud next month and of course the holiday party in December

@colinpalin2730 4 жыл бұрын

very neat set of tongs John

@BlackBearForge 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks

@colinpalin2730 4 жыл бұрын

@@BlackBearForge My Great Grandfather was a blacksmith so love watching your videos

@bennyhill3642 Жыл бұрын

Great vid.. Thanks again😇

@johnjude2685 4 жыл бұрын

Lucky? Your good judgement your have developed Sir ,You had to earned it. Thanks for the teaching

@johndilsaver8409 4 жыл бұрын

Very nice work and timely video. I've been making more tongs recently and have had some success with forge welding the reins. About one day a week a friend comes over and we forge together, --- this gives each of us the chance to work with a striker. Drawing out reins with a striker isn't so bad. Also, when I forge weld reins it's usually 1/2 round stock which still needs some attention. Again with a striker we've done some forging using top fuller, or both top and bottom fuller, which with a striker is a lot like having a more powerful guillotine tool. I'm just coming to appreciate how much more efficient one can be with a striker. Thanks again!

@BlackBearForge 4 жыл бұрын

While I like having a power hammer, having a striker opens many possibilities that aren't possible under a power hammer.

@olddawgdreaming5715 4 жыл бұрын

Great video, sure is a great channel to watch and see how it’s made. Thanks for sharing with us.

@tomassvanstrom7176 4 жыл бұрын

really nice editing 👍

@BlackBearForge 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you

@jimdunkle4823 4 жыл бұрын

great video thanks

@jlszesny2471 4 жыл бұрын

years back I remember reading a slightly confusing story about riveting tong handles on. I believe it was described that you forge two opposing shoulders and then double rivet them together so it becomes one flush surface, which makes sense but it wasn't said if it actually worked and had no size references.

@577bluegrass Жыл бұрын

Nice!

@tinkmarshino 4 жыл бұрын

it is amazing how you take little chunks of scrap that I would have tossed and made tools and hooks and all sorts of things.. Being an old fart I always hate to throw away anything knowing I can use it to make something else.. I should learn this forging stuff.. But I just do not have the strength nor stamina today I do not think.. Well carry on John.. Thanks for the share and be safe there in the beautiful state..

@johnjude2685 4 жыл бұрын

That chili forge does heat a.lot of the stock ,Where the coal is more in a small zone. As I am building a ribbon burner hopefully.( I will get a check valve for the electric current and air current I have to find the soloids for half inch line I am going with. But not firing till I do. Thanks

@memomannn 3 жыл бұрын

tnks for you video! is very good

@johnjude2685 4 жыл бұрын

I plan to increase my tongs sizes and style Thanks

@CanalSHAWBE 4 жыл бұрын

Bom trabalho 👍👏 like 👍

@lenblacksmith8559 4 жыл бұрын

They turned out nice mate, with the 2nd set down can you tell people where they should place the nib on the anvil. I find by placing it about 5mm in from the first set down onto the anvil gives me a good clearance on the boss for articulating.

@youtubeisapublisher6407 2 жыл бұрын

I just checked out of interest, for anyone wondering who happens to read this, as of today (7/17/2022) a chunk of 3/4" square stock even longer than the 14" shown here is less than ten dollars, while a pair of bolt jaw tongs from a retailer can run you anywhere from $40-70, so if you can make them yourself it's definitely good value for material!

@DJcyberslash 6 ай бұрын

Cool!

@monsterbash9758 4 жыл бұрын

I draw the reigns out because that's how I learned. We used a power hammer in the class. After forging cold shuts into a couple of attempts I was able to draw out the reigns rather quickly on my next set using my Viking rage. When that happened I said to myself "and you thought you didn't have a power hammer." They're all power hammers if you're angry enough! XD

@sibalogh Жыл бұрын

Good work indeed. What temperature did you heat that steel to forge without destroying its carbon content? What temperature is forging done compared to curie temp?

@latofirecrafted6168 4 жыл бұрын

I am thinking about starting my own KZfaq Channel; I plan on focusing on Items not tools so I would want to Link to Your videos at the end of my videos. I also Love that you have your tool recommendations and tool and supplies under the video.

@TheRustyGarageandHomestead 4 жыл бұрын

Mr John have you done a video of your different anvils? If not it might be beneficial to compare a traditional style to a 2 horn style and go over the benefits of one over the other. Thank you for all you do.

@BlackBearForge 4 жыл бұрын

kzfaq.info/get/bejne/otpypLV8sMiUf4U.html

@scoundrel1680 4 ай бұрын

@2:58 There's a haunted ladle in your shop john haha!

@gregworkshop5713 4 жыл бұрын

hi nice work

@BlackBearForge 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks

@mountaingroveforge6554 4 жыл бұрын

Nice looking tongs and nice video. Now if you would open and close with your banjo playing it would be a great video.

@BlackBearForge 4 жыл бұрын

I will definitely need more practice

@georgegriffiths2235 4 жыл бұрын

When did you move the press John love your work wish I had more time to get the forge going my grandson wants to hit some hot steel but my forge is outside and the weather has not been to good here in the UK

@BlackBearForge 4 жыл бұрын

I moved it for the weekend demo. It will probably stay there so the ribbon burner can go where the press had been

@thebridgeninja 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the video. Do you have a video for box jaw tongs? Something that would be good for making knives?

@BlackBearForge 4 жыл бұрын

I do have a box jaw video, it should have been linked in the top corner of this video.

@Redneckemtb 4 жыл бұрын

Cool video and I'm loving the production value that you have added like the preview at the beginning and the fast foward during the repeat. I have a question though. I've seen you use similar tongs in other videos but they have another square notch perpendicular to the reigns. How would you go about adding something like that in?

@BlackBearForge 4 жыл бұрын

Those looke like they were done with a special cross shaped swage and fuller. It isn't something you see on old tongs

@ga5743 4 жыл бұрын

Awesome......now if I understand correctly???? I have a pair of tongs but the handles get too wide for me to grab and hold onto when I use a 3/8 bar. Can I heat the tongs up and squeeze them closer together like you did? Just an "old" newbee am I. 😊

@Luis-eu2ow 4 жыл бұрын

I recommend using a hammer to strike on the outside of the jaw with the work in it to set the thickness. Then you can clamp your jaws with the work in the jaw and then pull the reigns to the desired amount of openness

@monsterbash9758 4 жыл бұрын

Yes. Get them got, put some stock in the jaws so you don't mess up the sizing, clamp the jaws in a vise, and move the reigns to where they'll be comfortable.

@BlackBearForge 4 жыл бұрын

Tongs can almost always be adjusted to fit different material. The exact method will depend on where they need to adjust. Frequently I will place the material I want them to hold in the jaw and clamp them in the vice while at a dull red. then I can move the reins in or out as needed.

@ironblacksmithing340 11 ай бұрын

Good 👍 👍

@masonwenger5374 2 жыл бұрын

How long does it take for the steel to get white hot in your forge it takes forever for me

@Franciscocosta9861 4 ай бұрын

Aí na América tudo em ferramentas e mas fácil de adquirir, seu martelete é muito legal, pena que não compreendo o que o senhor fala.

@mr4611johnston 4 жыл бұрын

Anyone else notice the cup thing in the background move randomly at 2:57?

@stanervin6108 4 жыл бұрын

@mr4611 johnston The shop ghost getting ready for Halloween? 👻

@TripleTRanchAndSawmill 4 жыл бұрын

Its a dead smith wanting to play

@BlackBearForge 4 жыл бұрын

It looks pretty weird. I suspect I bumped right before the shot, but who knows 😮

@dogf4ther 4 жыл бұрын

it was on angle and the vibration from the hammering made it move slightly so it rocked back to level

@andynick01 4 жыл бұрын

@@dogf4ther - That's my guess, too. (Just teetering on the edge, and the vibration was enough to trigger it).

@user-nv8pq7zr8q 2 жыл бұрын

Mid 70s. Don't own a power hammer. So may I suggest viewers watch Gary Huston who just cuts the steel a couple or three inches behind the boss then welds on some reigns, and with a hammer melds everything in place. Looks great! Old people need to be smart in how they work.

@BlackBearForge 2 жыл бұрын

You can also try this video on traditional forge welded tongs kzfaq.info/get/bejne/mdmbnJVor-Cye2Q.html

@user-nv8pq7zr8q 2 жыл бұрын

@@BlackBearForge perfect! Thank you so much.

@metalwarrior5629 4 жыл бұрын

I wish I could stick around and watch more videos but I got to go to work

@BlackBearForge 4 жыл бұрын

Bummer

@ThomasShue 3 жыл бұрын

1/2 face blows? Is there a video you made describing all the ways to hit with the hammer?

@kdarkwynde 3 жыл бұрын

Half-face blows refers to a situation where the hot metal is hanging off the edge of the anvil, and is struck with the hammer such that the hammer is half on and half off the anvil (or would be, if the hot metal weren't in the way).

@mikeredrugger 4 жыл бұрын

Would mild steel work for tong making, I have heard arguments both ways but I'm interested in hearing your opinion on the matter.

@Guitarplayer724 3 жыл бұрын

I would think mild steel would work okay. All you're using them for is to hold your work.

@JustMike-0 4 жыл бұрын

Really like your rounding hammer. Did you make it? Maybe a video on that?

@BlackBearForge 4 жыл бұрын

The big rounding hammer was made by another blacksmith

@BlacksmithTim 4 жыл бұрын

Do very much appreciate your videos and the sense and quality of your instruction. (FWIW, that's from a technical educator of 35 years and blacksmithing 20). Out of curiosity what's the approximate weight on the rounding hammer you make primary use of in this video? (Apologies if you've already been asked that.)

@BlackBearForge 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks. The rounding hammer is between 3 1/2 and 4 pounds. It isn't one I can swing for prolonged periods.

@BlacksmithTim 4 жыл бұрын

@@BlackBearForge Thanks. If I would have had to guess it would have been about that. Have a couple about that weight for the same sort of work, but I don't have the endurance for them like I did.

@erickwardwell962 3 жыл бұрын

Is that a torch saver you have at 26:00?

@anthonymartin6119 2 жыл бұрын

Have you made a set of tongs that will hold a 2.5" wide piece of leaf spring? I'm needing to make a set and not sure what method to use.

@BlackBearForge 2 жыл бұрын

I have a video on making box jaw tongs. They can be made to suit whatever size you need. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/nMqdh7F8kti0lJc.html You will need to adjust the staring material size to suit (or weld on the cross piece to make the box from