How to sell your work and pay for your tools
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As we continue our look at affordable blacksmithing in part 4, its time to try and sell what we have been working on. Ideally we can sell the simple forgings from the previous video and earn enough to not only reimburse the money spent on tools and supplies, but also to be able to reinvest in more supplies and materials.
Blacksmith Supply: www.blacksmithsupply.com/
Use discount code "bear5"
Anvil provided by; Fontanini Anvil
www.stevefontaniniblacksmith.com
Precut blanks for forging available from:
www.blacksmithingblanks.com
use coupon code John at checkout.
My blacksmiths apron
www.Forge-Aprons.com use code BBF
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Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L Lens - adorama.rfvk.net/6bb7yV
Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8 L Lens - adorama.rfvk.net/rneRoG
Sony ZV1 point and shoot camera - adorama.rfvk.net/BXKMkJ
Rode Wireless Go microphone - adorama.rfvk.net/YggLRm
Deity V Mic D3 pro - adorama.rfvk.net/mxO51
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Mailing address:
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P.O. Box 4
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Below you will find useful links that will help you in your journey as a blacksmith.
To find more information in blacksmithing in the US or to search for your local ABANA affiliate group visit.
www.abana.org/
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.t yourself.
@codycampbell2607 11 ай бұрын
Can’t get over the fact a man who made his living doing this craft went back to basics to teach a community his trade that he payed the bills with. Amen brother your awesome
@ryanthomas2374 7 ай бұрын
A master knows the importance of basics
@Jay-kk2rd 11 ай бұрын
I started forging about five years ago after taking my first class at a local teaching farm. I have since taken more classes, including an apprenticeship through a grant I received. I have a nice little shop and have managed to fund my entire operation by selling items. My advice is keep the quality high. Your reputation is all you’ve got. It’s not worth letting things get out with your name on them if you’re not happy with them. Great video John!
@RedneckForge 11 ай бұрын
I got started last October I know I got a lot of work to do to get where I want to be at but I am having fun getting there.
@forgedbythor 11 ай бұрын
Agreed. Items I forge that I’m not happy with become mine and not a customers. Customers get the best quality pieces because word of mouth is everything in this business.
@wesleymccravy901 11 ай бұрын
At the peak of my blacksmithing career I made the majority of my money by advertising on Facebook Marketplace, or everyday prior to going into the shop I would spend two to three hours just sitting in the driveway in front of my shop looking through post after post on every Facebook group involving blacksmithing; I would find where someone had inquired about a tool or a hammer or a specific art project or so project or something that they wanted forged, and I would then send them a private message simply telling them that I would be glad to give them an estimate of what it would cost or options of how to be made and what level of craftsmanship and quality they could expect. Often I would get a bite, and that led to sales. It took lots of leg work though
@dr.froghopper6711 11 ай бұрын
Years ago I was going to historical reenactment gigs with my own crudely forged S hooks, cook set for campfires and the like. I was rough and so was my stuff. A man came by with his young son and gave the kid a very serious lecture about how you could tell that my goods were very old antiques due to the rugged appearance. I didn’t bust the guy but my stuff was rough because some of it had been tent stakes a week earlier, I’d quickly roughed it out to make the event. No antiquities were harmed, lol!
@forgedbythor 11 ай бұрын
Selling your work is definitely a marathon and not a sprint. For the past 9 months I've been selling my work. I started my own website 6 months ago to sell on and have been selling on Etsy for nearly 3 months. The in-person events (craft fairs and the like) has been the best source of income. The second best source has been Etsy. It's been a slow start with Etsy but it's gaining momentum. Last is my own website. That's mostly been orders from locals I meet at the in-person events or business cards I hand out in general. It takes time and effort to sell your items but the satisfaction of having people enjoy your work enough to spend their hard earned money on is wonderful.
@pjamestx 11 ай бұрын
Great advice! One of the things I've seen really help at a craft show was a blacksmith had taken a couple of pieces of scrap wood, fashioned them into an L shape and stained it, then mounted a couple of his hooks on the face of it. Definitely stood out from the rest of us that had our items laying flat on the table, you could see it from much farther away, and he also hung his keychains and bottle openers on it as well. Good luck to everyone starting down this path!
@Bangalangs 11 ай бұрын
It’s a bit of a grind starting out selling stuff, but it’s always nice when you can make a craft pay for itself. The prices on all this stuff are right around what I price my stuff at. Some people are more likely to buy your stuff if you can mention to them that you’re reinvesting your profits into your craft. Another excellent video sir, I look forward to seeing how selling that stuff goes.
@PatriotForgeOhio 11 ай бұрын
I started blacksmithing 3 months back. I had the bright idea to set up at the local flea market. Has not worked out too well for me. I seemed to take right to blacksmithing. All this information have been very useful. I'm designing my own things, making what I think will sell, some things work some things do not. It really is a trial and error business. I am setting up a small country store because my specific location is a good one for anything hand made. I live adjacent to a winery, and in close proximity to an Amish community. I'm considering making videos to help as well I just don't care much for speaking while I work.
@mandolinman2006 11 ай бұрын
If you're not interested in talking while working, doing a voiceover during editing may be perfect for you.
@PatriotForgeOhio 11 ай бұрын
@@mandolinman2006 I may do just that, I think a small welding class for anyone starting to blacksmith would be a very good idea. Great suggestion. I think it would be good for all blacksmiths here, and aspiring blacksmiths to have a page together. Share problems and solutions. Project ideas, stuff you make that don't work as a bit of a warning.
@mandolinman2006 11 ай бұрын
@@PatriotForgeOhio yep. I find it's interesting to watch videos from people who've done it a while. One reason I haven't invested in blacksmithing myself is, I learned when trying to learn welding from videos of certified welders, an expert can explain what's going on and someone with a clue can figure it out. But a novice like me, and I'm sure I've got other things as well, sometimes the expert makes it easier than it is. So, seeing beginners and their struggles could be interesting.
@stevenolan7972 11 ай бұрын
@@mandolinman2006 I’m a certified welder and the best teacher is hands on practicing over and over and over. Forge welding tho is another beast…. For me the best comparison would be oxy- acetylene welding with out using filler rod.
@abitoffblacksmithing9985 11 ай бұрын
I feel ya... I'm still honing my craft and building my workshop. I live in a summer tourist location and hand made stuff sells quite well . I have spoken to other local smiths and functional sells the best as opposed to strictly decorative. So that what I have been working on ,is wood and metal combined along with just copper and steel.
@RRINTHESHOP 11 ай бұрын
I have done just what you have discussed here but with machining. I have built an entire home machine shop building and tools. This has taken me 8 yrs. But I also have paid for my entire wood shop and tools. You are spot on and the method works but it does take time and commitment. Thanks for sharing your thoughts John, well done.
@jakeradford6012 Ай бұрын
Probably one of the most informative and professional smith I've ever seen, please keep em coming john your showing a generation a truly dying trade and how to profit from it, your doing God's work sir and I and the community can't thank you enough, got a cold beer for yea if your ever up in canada ehh
@consultmjp 11 ай бұрын
I really look forward to sitting down with my morning coffee and watching the latest Black Bear Forge video. Thanks John!
@jimknowlton342 11 ай бұрын
I made my first hooks last night based on your recent beginner videos. They are ROUGH! I learned a lot about how the metal moves and how skilled you are John, because it's not as easy as you make it look. I'm going to make a lot more of them and keep practicing, I like it!
@kenbultman8670 11 ай бұрын
😂
@MyName-tb9oz 8 ай бұрын
I'm teaching my kids to drive. I had them back up the car the other day. One of them says to me, "You make it look so _easy_ dad!" ROFLMAO! That's always the way it goes when you're learning something from someone else. Don't worry. Keep working and learning.
@AtholIronworks 11 ай бұрын
Wonderful video. One thing I would also mention is to consider your audience. Decorative wall art may not sell well at a county fair and spatulas and railroad spike knives may not sell at an art show.
@BlackBearForge 11 ай бұрын
Great point
@Jeffrose_ 10 ай бұрын
Might need to sell a couple hooks and get those lights back on. Someone had to say it. Thank you for the advice. I appreciate it very much. 😊
@davidwatsonii9469 11 ай бұрын
AS GRUNT BLACKSMITH, I HAVE GAIN VERY MUCH INFO FROM YOU, YOU ARE A GOOD TEACHER
@BlackBearForge 11 ай бұрын
Glad it helps. Have fun
@maknifeandrods7701 11 ай бұрын
Going to start selling my knives and fly rods on Etsy. I also find these little items nice as a change in just doing knives and rods. This helps a lot, thank you for all the years I have had to watch you and your site grow. Happy Father’s Day
@smurf233223 10 ай бұрын
Thank you so much for taking time to share your skills with all of us that are still learning. Many of us are very grateful that you are willing to share your knowledge.
@BlackBearForge 10 ай бұрын
You are so welcome!
@mikevansickle2735 11 ай бұрын
It's interesting to see the business side of the craft and see how much time beyond just the making goes into things. Thanks for bringing us along!
@BlackBearForge 11 ай бұрын
Thanks for watching!
@itdogodownbruh6094 10 ай бұрын
i do pretty well for myself and do blacksmithing as a hobby, i find it really enjoyable and being able to make money from something i love is just so gratifying. love your videos man
@jeffcoffey6078 11 ай бұрын
Hey John this is awesome man. As to the voice over, I like it and I think I hear in your voice a different level of calmness. I've been a subscriber here for pretty close to six years. I have basically learned to be a blacksmith right here from you. I am more appreciative than you can know. My story is much longer than I care to get into here and now. Just keep up the great work brother. I'm with you all the way.
@mikelastname 11 ай бұрын
THANK YOU JOHN! I was so inspired by this new series you are doing, I made some hooks on the weekend and just sold one on Etsy. I'm so pleased! I may even be able to upgrade from a hunk of rail to a cheap anvil soon 🙂
@BlackBearForge 11 ай бұрын
Great job!
@dingodog5677 10 ай бұрын
I started forging about five years ago with Johns, and other, videos. Started from the basics and just built and made everything from scratch. Sold a few things but mainly just make stuff and give them to friends. It’s great to see the same comments but budding smiths today as there was when I started. It’s great hobby.
@toddcaldwell5614 11 ай бұрын
I ordered 2 of those hangers and one spiral keychain last night , 132lbs Vevor anvil came in this morning to replace my 50Lb Vulcan . Thank you for sharing the knowledge and ideas .
@BlackBearForge 11 ай бұрын
Thank you, I appreciate the support. Those will be out in today's mail.
@dragonstonegemironworkscra4740 11 ай бұрын
Happy father's day Mr John. Great information and video. I'm sure everyone will have something to take away from this now or later when they think of it "on their own" from the seeds you've planted! Blessings aboundant my friend Crawford out 🙏🔥⚒️🧙🏼♂️
@stevenginnever5343 3 ай бұрын
This must be one of the best, down to earth video's on pricing I have ever seen. I have just got back into welding, after a 30 year gap. Some of the products on the internet I am thinking of making are costing upwards of £800. I'm thinking I could make and sell that for half the price. But after watching this video I can see that I would be making very little. Superb informative video, has saved me a lot of hardwork for nowt. Thank you loads.
@samuelbodhaine2830 11 ай бұрын
Thanks a bunch for this video. It is super helpful. I really appreciate you thinking about all of us new blacksmiths who don’t really know how to sell this stuff.
@DogsaladSalad 11 ай бұрын
16:40 i could have sworn the boxes that disappeared out of your hands was an intentional effect!
@rbfcaf 11 ай бұрын
Great video John. Excellent info. Thanks.
@michaelrowland1326 11 ай бұрын
Love the new shop and the direction you are taking it. Good information for new and old smiths who are taking that next step from friends and family to the general public. Please keep the videos coming.
@BlackBearForge 11 ай бұрын
Thanks 👍
@chewyakarieckenicholas6049 11 ай бұрын
I truly enjoy watching this series of videos I have learned quite a bit more especially about the logistics thanks very much for your knowledge
@olddawgdreaming5715 11 ай бұрын
Great job John, you covered that really well and fair to the pricing. Thanks so much for sharing with us. Stay safe and keep up the good videos, work and fun you have around there. Fred.
@Vic1943_ 11 ай бұрын
thanks for the info have a wonderful father's day God bless
@SchysCraftCo. 11 ай бұрын
Very nice video this week John. Loving this beginning Blacksmithing video series. Can't wait to see more videos soon my friend. Keep up the great craftsmanship and hard work my friend Forge On. Fab On. Weld On. Keep Forge Lit. Keep Making. God Bless.
@jonas.rystedt.blacksmith 11 ай бұрын
Great video, thanks John!
@paulhedman7387 11 ай бұрын
Thanks, this is very informative and will be interesting to follow.
@angelopedretti83 11 ай бұрын
Which show in Iowa are you going to?
@BlackBearForge 11 ай бұрын
Hand Works
@Ludick.J 11 ай бұрын
I'm glad to hear you mention that if the lable you print from etsy has the wrong info on, It's what the customer provided. I have heard it all too often in customer service that the online platform they used made a mistake and then the item gets delivered to someone else. Especially when said customer has more than one addresses on, it's always the platform that chooses the other address.
@sirkai007 11 ай бұрын
One of the best series of videos you've put out. Thank you sir. You've helped me reframe how to do this.
@BlackBearForge 11 ай бұрын
Glad to help
@facumb8576 11 ай бұрын
Hey! i don't really start blacksmithing yet but i've been thinking of it for a while and your videos are so helpfull and also entertaining. Maybe i start my own mini shop soon. Thank you for your videos, your incredible work an also thank you for the free month at skillshare!!!
@josephmaschari1073 11 ай бұрын
Very informative, thank you.
@SamuelMcCunemusic 8 ай бұрын
Great information thanks for sharing!
@Alextherelic1 5 ай бұрын
Man I want to start blacksmithing but i have like zero dollars to spare I’m just trying to make money from leather working right now and use that to do blacksmithing
@jds653q 11 ай бұрын
Great info!
@ShootingUtah 5 ай бұрын
The biggest problem is other people under pricing their work. Some people are happy to get the cost of steel back from selling things but it makes it impossible for anyone to make even minimum wage.
@Imnoexpert69420 11 ай бұрын
Thank you for that, it certainly gave me food for thought when it comes to selling my work.
@BlackBearForge 11 ай бұрын
Very welcome!
@theSimpleGeorgian 11 ай бұрын
Thanks for the information. I've been looking at doing this for a while. I'm currently trying to get my setup to be mobile.
@larryschweitzer4904 9 ай бұрын
I traveled the art & craft show circuit for about 7 years full time. It was fun, met a lot of interesting people. The big well managed shows were great money, the rest just barely worth it, maybe. The biggest disappointment was the Americana craft council show in Dallas, a long time ago. Talk to other exhibitors to find the best locations.
@BuffaloRidgeForge 10 ай бұрын
I enjoy selling at craft shows and festivals. I enjoy the in person sales and sharing my knowledge of the craft. I will do demonstrations which usually bring in customers to my booth. I also get a lot of business from handing out cards. I tried etsy it was good at first ,then became to pricey, so I closed my account. I keep searching for niches in local markets. I also will do custom orders per customers request
@hunterlankowski8634 11 ай бұрын
Very helpful video for someone interested in small business. Thank you. Paints a good broad picture.
@BlackBearForge 11 ай бұрын
Glad it was helpful!
@Erabada 11 ай бұрын
absolutely love your video
@patmunro1982 11 ай бұрын
Thank you for this, this is exactly what I am trying to accomplish with what I am working on, perhaps get to a point I can survive on it. I am lucky I managed to miss out on some of the major starting costs, so I am a bit ahead, so if I manage to sell some things, I can invest more back in and still break even or have something extra. Looking forward to more of this series.
@BlackBearForge 11 ай бұрын
Glad it was helpful!
@PowerForgeWorkshop 9 ай бұрын
Another great video! 👍Thanks, John. You definitely have the goods. I agree Etsy is a great way to sell online. There is competition, but maybe that can help us up our games. I'm catching up on videos, looking forward to seeing part two. Cheers
@scottsammons7747 11 ай бұрын
My blacksmithing group, would devide and conquer around father's day, Thanksgiving (leading into Christmas) each of us taking buckest of stuff to shopping centers, setting up in the parking lot (fees may be involved) fire up a small forge, burn a little coal, and beat on some iron. Soon there would be lines for making sales. All life before internet. It's hard to beat USPS for shipping. Post office delivers everywhere, other shippers cherry pick their routes. Only thing better is when someone shows up at the shop with lots of money and little gab. Almost never happens.
@1scottws 11 ай бұрын
Where are you going in Iowa?
@1scottws 11 ай бұрын
In another comment he said Handwork in Amana.
@MadebyKourmoulis 11 ай бұрын
Thanks for the skill share link.
@dallasquinby2209 10 ай бұрын
I use to live in Spirit Lake Iowa and I've been to a lot of the craft shows as well as the swap meets there I've bought some interesting stuff from the shows out there
@tropifiori 11 ай бұрын
One way to decrease the cost is to spread the cost over time. You don’t need everything available to do good work. I started my forge 10 years ago and only buy a nib or non here and there. Now I have a complete shop and a rack full of scrap I found here and there.
@messylaura 11 ай бұрын
another thing that newbies could take with you to a local craft show is a sample of larger work you can do on commission, that way you don't have to spend a lot of time or money on completing a huge item and trying to get it to shows or shops this could be unique pieces of iron work you have come up with for railings and gates etc
@SDFcrew 11 ай бұрын
you are amazing jhon
@blackhammerartisan 11 ай бұрын
love it.
@knifethrower9733 11 ай бұрын
Pedal hammer was the most useful tool to make and easy to
@nevyngould1744 7 ай бұрын
Re-enactor and renn-faire markets
@RaymondWKing-dn8wf 11 ай бұрын
Hi John, thanks for the thoughts on how to sell my work, this has been a subject of interest to me for a very long time. Shop insurance seems to be nonexistent and, in some cases, Cost prohibitive. I've looked at having an Open Door, Insurance is a barrier, works limited locally in my aria, to and for me. Selling stuff in my Front yard away from my Shop works. I prefer a Closed Door and selling things at another location work better. with less worry that someone will get burnt, Scratched or cut on something sharp. I use both at times.
@rickershomesteadahobbyfarm3291 11 ай бұрын
I just looked up your Etsy shop as this video is playing.
@arlenestanton9955 11 ай бұрын
I just want to mention,that giving items as a gift to family member, other members of the fam, will want items for ‘free’ also.
@caledanielson1193 11 ай бұрын
Thanks for your videos! You should tell us what show you’ll be at in Iowa.
@gregxkountz 10 ай бұрын
I go to a local farmers market every week to sell stuff like this my booth rent is 15 a week and I don’t have to show up
@fredfchopin 11 ай бұрын
I think I'm going to try doing this myself. I've been taking classes now for the last year and a half, and I've made all my own tools except for a hammer that I started making in a class and just haven't gotten around to finishing yet. I tried finishing it last time I was at the forge, but I didn't have a pair of hammer tongs (the ones for the class are only for use in that class) and then I needed the rounding swage for the power hammer to make the tongs but of course the rounding swage was broken (ironically I'm the one that broke it like a month ago; I filled out the form and reported it though) so I had to fix that which involved a lot of grinding to make a proper weld on the thing. I'm trying to get a workshop built in my backyard this summer but it's slow going. However I have this really small metal tool shed that's just large enough for my forge, anvil, and post vise so I'm going to set those up out there and see what I can do. Just curious what you think about selling tools as well as items like you show here? I can make a variety of tongs plus chisels, punches, etc. so would those sell at all, or is there too much competition with the larger blacksmith supply places and smiths that already have recognition for selling tools?
@thadstuart8544 5 ай бұрын
You're one cool dude. I wish you were my uncle
@wretchedlycreaturesinhighe2536 11 ай бұрын
Can you teach us how to make a grappling hook for archery climbing? 😊
@potsy9973 7 ай бұрын
Its nice when it happens with any medium I currently work with but I have never tried putting my stuff out there intentionally. Though lately that could slowly change. BTW I subscribed recently this is one channel I can watch reg. I am not new to metals being around them most of my life. I began metal spinning brass at age 12 working with brass alloys and copper and a few others through my summers . from that point on I always enjoyed it. Not as much back then, but you know. I made more than all my friends paper routes and I showed it, by blowing through my pays weekly. I'm totally green with blacksmithing but seem to be catching on so far so good. Ill be wielding an angle grinder / flap wheels on aluminum and 304 all day. One of the better ways to spend any Sunday imho (unless its BBQing :)
@lelandhawk6392 11 ай бұрын
I've been considering selling to fund the hobby. Mainly just to pay for some tooling I want.
@holry7778 11 ай бұрын
John looking forward to seeing you at Handworks. If you bring one of your spike knives. I will happily pay you fairly for it.
@BlackBearForge 11 ай бұрын
I’ll see if I can get one made. They aren’t something I do often
@GaryForgingOn 11 ай бұрын
Thanks for that. I use Etsy and forgot to put my items on vacation mode. I had an item that sat on etsy forever and then I sold it at a craft show and came back and it also sold on etsy.... I had to make an exact duplicate of the item. :) I thought about also looking into Ko-fi but I like how Etsy works and I can just bump up my prices to offset their fee increases. Thanks for the helpful tips.
@hosiercraft9675 11 ай бұрын
Hey John I'm really enjoying your video. You got a couple of videos like this and they're always inspiring and informative. I don't know if you're going to recognize my name. That was described to you shortly before you at 1000 subscribers. Original you had it basically advertising for your shop is why you started these videos and you moved and you grew in your channel wait a couple other channels had two pages and groups open and close stuff adjusted move around but you're still here and I'm still here I remember when you hit 1,000 then you could monetize
@BlackBearForge 11 ай бұрын
Thanks for sticking around. Your name is certainly familiar.
@cypherian9821 11 ай бұрын
John , I am curious since you have a very good reputation and following do you think your sales of items might be skewed by the name recognition, once again thank you for the video and all the work you do teaching those of us who attempt to get to half your skill level.:}
@WanderingLostMC 11 ай бұрын
Staying with community events is good in theory. If your community will support it. Local farmers market to me is $10 a day. Still doesn't make any money for me at that cost. Looking further afield for one that might
@jeremyanderson3270 11 ай бұрын
John, I would love to know when and where you will be in Iowa. i live here in Iowa and would love to meet you. Thanks, Jeremy
@willnotcomply1328 6 ай бұрын
What I have learned is when someone says “I could build that for xyz” I always say “well, I’d like to put in an order for 25 of them if you can build them and sell them that cheap”! The answer is always the same… “well, if I had time” or, “I was just saying”. Nope, I want to see you build it at that price! To which they shuffle off mumbling. If folks could do it, they would, but one, they can’t, and two they’re usually too lazy!
@MrDukaman 11 ай бұрын
Happy farthest day my friend🇺🇸⚒🔥
@BlackBearForge 11 ай бұрын
Same to you!
@billwoehl3051 11 ай бұрын
Coming to Iowa? Couple hours west on 90, first Chamberlain exit, vets Whoa and go, Mon - Thurs. Overnights, stop by and say Howdy.
@brandonfrench1586 11 ай бұрын
Hi John in this video you mentioned you are going to Iowa for a show what show is that and what date’s are you there I’m from Iowa love watching your videos
@BlackBearForge 11 ай бұрын
handworks.co/
@rock7282 11 ай бұрын
I’ve got about 100 pounds of d2 scraps in 3/8”. And I honestly can’t think of what to do with them. Thoughts. Most are 2”-4” long. 1/2 wide and under
@furchaser 11 ай бұрын
Where in Iowa are you going to be? I live between Des Moines and Ames. Love to come and see some of your work and maybe pick up a piece or two
@BlackBearForge 11 ай бұрын
Amana for Hand Works
@patmunro1982 Жыл бұрын
Loving this series, planning on trying to sell some of my wqork soonish. So thank you for these, also, just as a heads up, this video is only appearing in the Blacksmithing on a budget playlist, shows 'unlisted' below the title and is not showing up in just the normal video list.
@BlackBearForge Жыл бұрын
Yes, this video won't be public until Sunday morning. I didn't realize it showed up in the playlist
@patmunro1982 Жыл бұрын
@@BlackBearForge Ahh ok, good video regardless, looks like it is still in the playlist. I will watch it again on Sunday.
@kenbultman8670 11 ай бұрын
John when is the show in Iowa, and where is it located.I would love to go there 😊
@BlackBearForge 11 ай бұрын
handworks.co/
@joedt1980 11 ай бұрын
Where are you going to in iowa? I'd love to stop by!
@BlackBearForge 11 ай бұрын
handworks.co/
@andregrenierjr7622 11 ай бұрын
My only problem that im struggling with is selling my products i have the tools and self taught myself just cant sell anything 😔 kinda discouraged about it been doing blacksmithing for 3 years now
@verndahl3848 11 ай бұрын
That would be discouraging. Are your prices fair? I am only able/willing to sell locally at the farmers market. I price my things lower than what I see on Etsy. More like pricing it for the market not finding a market for my price.
@tonystanley8186 11 ай бұрын
How are you going about selling your items? I've been selling for the past 9 months and the best source of income is local craft fairs, artisan fairs, etc. I'd love to not have to do those and rely on online orders but for now it's where I make most of my money.
@xFalconFixer 11 ай бұрын
John, again I (we) appreciate you sharing your skills and knowledge. I'm at a similar point as your other users. For the last few years, I have given away most of my creations. I do think we can earn a decent living - but we aren't going to get rich fast. When I first started, Blacksmithing wasn't as popular as it is now. (Damn Forged in Fire - just kidding.) When selling our creations, I have added to the package a few less perfect items. I figure any buyer would appreciate even our not-so-perfect items as a bonus-free addition in their box Anyway, I appreciate everything that you do!
@barrybertin1268 11 ай бұрын
What products are you making, and struggling to sell?
@andregrenierjr7622 11 ай бұрын
@@wrysadhbjjokinf12743 i dont have website or a youtube channel cause of lack of video cameras
@billwoehl3051 11 ай бұрын
Made a tripod, evidently to thick a material and to short, was 3/4" mild rnd stock, 5' long to start, pointed on one end, 3" loop with a wrapped around tapered end. Ended up about 4' tall tripod. What dimensions should I start and end up with? And what's a good connecting loop size? I don't like the huge 3" loops, they seem to sloppy.
@BlackBearForge 11 ай бұрын
I start with 1/2 X 48 or 5/8 X 60
@tomcarlson3244 11 ай бұрын
When and where in DesMoines. I would love to meet you
@jaybachani1819 11 ай бұрын
Great information John. Got a question, how do you like that single burner forge and anvil? Have you tried the two burner forge yet and if so which do you like better or recommend?
@BlackBearForge 11 ай бұрын
I haven't tried the 2 burner yet. For these simple project the single burner has worked out very well.
@StanErvin-yo9vl 11 ай бұрын
@@BlackBearForge Excellent business plan John. I was having too much fun to make a living. Was the learning experience with the various talented fellow blacksmiths of NCABANA that kept me going. Anywhere from eight to twenty smiths would gather for tips and show & tell. Add coffee and doughnuts in the morning and burgers or hotdogs for lunch and Iron In The Hat and a full Saturday is about all a man, woman, young or old can take. We had a Master Bladesmith that would sometimes show up. Think that his name was John Dillon. He made the parts for a 40 caliber flintlock pistol with a twist steel barrel in about 8 hours. The next month we held meeting at a huge shop in Durham and he showed us heat treatment and grooving the bore in a lathe. I never got that good. 😎👍🐻🔥🐾🌭🍔🍩☕🧋🏹🪕🎬💾⚒️🪓⚔️🏁🇺🇲
@randallhackworth421 11 ай бұрын
Will you paint these? Would you advise painting or polishing, or leave them natural color?
@BlackBearForge 11 ай бұрын
While paint is an option, I prefer to use a paste wax finish
@cacklingpikeman4303 11 ай бұрын
Hey John, I've been watching and learning from you for the better part of six years, and I am beyond appreciative of you for your expertise and advise. I wasn't sure whether you were going to address this in your follow-up video, but as I start broaching on marketing and selling my work, I've run up against a wall when it comes to choosing to operate as a Sole Proprietorship, or as an LLC. I'm curious as to whether you'd be comfortable sharing which you chose to operate under, and what lead you to your choice. I understand the requirements of both, as well as how to pay my taxes as a business owner, so I don't intend to take it as legal advise, but I do value your input. Thank you again!
@BlackBearForge 11 ай бұрын
I'll try to mention those things in the next video on the series.
@cacklingpikeman4303 11 ай бұрын
Thank you.
@jaybachani1819 11 ай бұрын
John a question nobody has talked about yet. How do you know when to change your quenching oil?
@BlackBearForge 11 ай бұрын
I don't have anything specific plan. Usually I just swap it out when it looks old.
@thehammeredbass9522 11 ай бұрын
Aloha John when and where are you going to Iowa I am very interested
@BlackBearForge 11 ай бұрын
handworks.co/
@billwoehl3051 11 ай бұрын
What kind of merch stock do you made a bunch of, and what kind merch stock is by custom orders only?
@BlackBearForge 11 ай бұрын
Holdfasts for wood workers are my number one best seller. I don't do any custom work anymore, it always ran into more time than I estimated.
@robertcampbell5485 8 ай бұрын
Each one of those items handmade by hand are worth atleast 25 and up . The cost of fuel overhead the steel the tools required and skill. 10-12 bucks is to low
@johnvradenburg192 11 ай бұрын
where is the show in Iowa?
@BlackBearForge 11 ай бұрын
handworks.co/
@dridahook7284 11 ай бұрын
Did you review the vevor anvil you have been using? Couldn't find it if you did
@BlackBearForge 11 ай бұрын
I did that over on the other channel. I suppose I should move it over here for more people to see. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/n617lKmD2tHdZ30.html
@dridahook7284 11 ай бұрын
@@BlackBearForge thanks
@dridahook7284 11 ай бұрын
Great I can just afford the 40kg version , I,m going to get one to get started and make some of the things you've been demonstrating... Thanks again...wish me luck please
@billwoehl3051 3 ай бұрын
Do you have que cards or notes to remember all the information you want to share in your videos?
@BlackBearForge 3 ай бұрын
Occasionally I will have some notes, but I've never gone as far as making que cards.
Daniel Moss
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