Parallel Jaw Blacksmith Tongs - Are They Any Good?
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2 жыл бұрынGet a 60-day free trial at ShipStation.com/forge. Thanks to ShipStation for sponsoring the show!
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Alec Steele Blacksmith 2022
@monsternside1509 2 жыл бұрын
When did this become a Blacksmithing channel??? I came here for more of KZfaq's premier Brick Laying Video's.
@TheLynxer 2 жыл бұрын
I'm here for when they cook pizza in the oven.
@starhawke380 2 жыл бұрын
Im thinking back, and I do remember there being some talk of blacksmithing on this channel. In the distant past I think...
@michaelwalsh9881 2 жыл бұрын
I am here for homemade green wood chairs
@moconnell663 2 жыл бұрын
I was hoping there might be some pipe-laying videos in the near future
@pokerboyfakerish3266 2 жыл бұрын
I thought this was a pants design youtube channel :O
@smyro 2 жыл бұрын
I really like the first hammering scene. No slow mo or close up gives a real feel of the hammering power.
@leviathan7477 2 жыл бұрын
I was just thinking the same thing. It also really highlights the level of skill Alec has acquired from so much practice.
@samueljackson1247 2 жыл бұрын
I must say, the one take forging sequence was a thing of beauty.
@skullian12 2 жыл бұрын
Loved the single take shot of Alec forging, really gets you into the rhythm and precision he has!
@MaleniaLi 2 жыл бұрын
I think one of the most impressive skills that Alec has is being able to take such a powerful and large swing while still retaining accuracy. If I tried the best I could get is a pancake at best.
@JokerInk-CustomBuilds 2 жыл бұрын
practice... I am an electrician and we spend alot of time hammering cableclips, and knocking out holes and grooves in brick walls...you kinda learn to balance accuracy, speed and power... :)
@jeanladoire4141 2 жыл бұрын
Start by hammering lightly with a medium sized hammer and practice accuracy. 10 000 blows later, you will be able to swing hard and keep the accuracy
@jakeronimo6115 2 жыл бұрын
I also love the hint of farrier form in his swing
@frankierzucekjr 2 жыл бұрын
Years of practice, he's been doing this for a very long time. I can only imagine how good he will be in another 10 to 20 years. I like that he's willing to teach others. Because I always love to learn something new.
@jeanladoire4141 2 жыл бұрын
@@frankierzucekjr meh i'm somewhat disappointed that alec doesn't take the time to make actual classes on his yt channel. I know he taught classes before, and i know it's not what he wants to do anymore, but the Your Edge series by Ilya is much more in depht in terms of explanations.
@bow-tiedengineer4453 2 жыл бұрын
Maybe you should make another like this with a larger hole spaceing to increase the swing distance. It would also slightly decrease grip strength, but would allow for holding larger material.
@fakjbf3129 2 жыл бұрын
Yeah, basically the thickest thing he can grip will be roughly equal to the distance between the pivot points on the swing bars. And you can actually only use a portion of that distance because if you open the jaws too wide then you won't be able to grip both handles in one hand.
@FeuerToifel 2 жыл бұрын
i think the holding bits would also need to be longer then.
@Zackfish12345 2 жыл бұрын
I second this. I love a quick interesting build, and a larger set of these would be great to watch!
@illagevidiot8254 2 жыл бұрын
@@fakjbf3129 Not necessarily, if you make it with a more obtuse angle for the closure that would fix the issue entirely. Longer spacing with a wider angle, instead of the ~135º angle that these are bent to, maybe go 155º or something. I think there's a certain point where these things will grip un-evenly the larger you go though, and I think that it's not necessarily a "one size fits all" tool. Notice how the top handle piece pulls back as you open them? Eventually that difference is going to cause issues. I think its a "one size fits most," however and would be perfectly sufficient to create a second set with the intention of having them not be fully closed, instead having the smallest gap being slightly below what this one's maximum is. The only question I'd have to see to know is how the force applied would be affected by the angle. I'd imagine it would have quite a bit less leverage. I'm not particularly good at math, so I couldn't figure out the force due to the compound levers at the angle they're at. Having two tools to fit a large array of sizes is substantially better than 6 tools to do the same, provided they are both effective at what they do.
@iainburgess8577 2 жыл бұрын
This is why the modern sample had that complex adjustment (knipex) I agree you can move the pivots for wider hold range, and there a few ways to incorporate adjustment for the handles, to maintain workable grip width & hold power. The problem is that it's another increase in complexity, & that rabbit hole just keeps going.
@bandana_girl6507 2 жыл бұрын
Increase the Link distance and decrease its angle with the jaw surface to increase the clamping range. Also bonus that these tongs are less likely to leave an impression in a piece (so long as its sides are parallel) even if you have more total force gripping it because the pressure is lower
@hipjazzbone 2 жыл бұрын
I know you focus on being out of practice forging, but that one-heat tongue blank was beautiful forging to watch. Very efficient and a great goal for me (and people like me) to aspire to. A constant for years now is that I love watching you make tools; forged (tongs, hammers, axes, etc) and machined (ratchet or even the small wheel attachment years ago). Tools are the ultimate for a maker as they expand your means to make.
@guitarplay9 2 жыл бұрын
That socket wrench shot at 3:39
@InformatrIIcks 2 жыл бұрын
That first forging sequence was amazing! Please more raw, unedited forging !
@lukeleese1871 2 жыл бұрын
Great to see you forging again! Now you should make another designed on fusion and made on the mill as a comparison.
@jonarific8504 2 жыл бұрын
"I've numbered all the parts." [Shot of parts labelled B, L, H, and T] "I'm gonna start with number B". [Pedants roll up sleeves] "Well..."
@audreydodgen8699 2 жыл бұрын
Real pedants roll… 😂
@vwegert 2 жыл бұрын
"How do you define 'number'?"
@WildAcresFarms 2 жыл бұрын
@@vwegert something other than a letter, generally.
@skullian12 2 жыл бұрын
That first heat sequence was so lovely to watch! No edits made it really easy to see your skill and precision
@simongrea1440 2 жыл бұрын
love seeing you forge things and try things alec, brings me back memories when i first watched your videos in highschool and at the university. Now i'm learning steel working, thanks to you !
@jaydendarrington7192 2 жыл бұрын
I am loving the new direction Alec. Finding tools (or just fun things) from other professions that can be made in a mill or a forge and not only making them yourself but also learning/teaching how they work. Can't wait to see what the next project is!
@dan725 2 жыл бұрын
LOVE that one-take hammering of one heat!! So accurate and shows the years of experience of Alec, BUT, also Great impromptu camera work too! An amazing duo of talent!
@HadronWolf 2 жыл бұрын
I'm so glad to see a return of some toolsmithing, I've been binging your old videos and its a goldmine of useful tricks and techniques.
@TobiasKornmayer 2 жыл бұрын
Hey Alec, if you made the two links of threaded rods, you could have it being adjustable and then affix the setting with one counter nut on each link, what do you think? You'd need to have each pivot pin welded to a nut, each link would also need to have left and right handed threads for it to open and close, so the threaded rod would be a lathe or welding job joining two counter threaded rods.
@cameronwebster6866 2 жыл бұрын
Or start with a turnbuckle.
@andrewyork3869 2 жыл бұрын
Yeah basically a giant pair of vise grips.
@99Etien 2 жыл бұрын
But then again, it would be faster and more convenient to just grab onto another pair of tongs.
@hookenz 2 жыл бұрын
I'm sure with a little tweaking to the design you can make them open from zero to much wider!
@KeltonCSmith 2 жыл бұрын
Missing a new video my guy! Also wanted to just say that I've been watching for a while now, and have found motivation to start blacksmithing. Built a simple coal forge, made my first pair of tongs, just waiting to aquire an anvil. Thank you for the motivation, and the educational videos. Your awesome.
@Lermoth 2 жыл бұрын
I love seeing you doing some proper forging at the anvil again and I had almost forgot how amazingly brilliant at forging you are. The finish and accuracy you achieve without any grinding is astounding.
@TheBenzaifarmer 2 жыл бұрын
It’s like we’re all back in the shed with a dirt floor again!! Glad you still remember how to do all this stuff!!
@CaptIronfoundersson 2 жыл бұрын
Wait just a second. Are you telling me this isn't a brick laying channel?
@djscotty06 2 жыл бұрын
I havnt watched your channel in ages Alec. I’ve been to busy. What a great video. Reminds me of your old live streams from back in the UK. You’ve got me hooked again. 👍
@taitano12 2 жыл бұрын
Heat'n and beat'n and the old style of music as well? You're getting back to the stuff that got me to subscribe and I love it. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy the machining and powerhammer stuff, but I'd like to see more of the old school stuff like this. 😉
@JackPinesBlacksmithing 2 жыл бұрын
It’s no secret that Alec inspires me since I start every live stream with a leaf keyring charm. However, I think he’s done it again and I’ll need to try my hand at making these tongs…after I finish my current flat jaw tongs project.
@RVsbladesnthangs 2 жыл бұрын
So excited to see a little Blacksmithing going on!
@ShootLiegh 2 жыл бұрын
The big projects are cool, but I really enjoy these one-offs. Especially any project that's making more tools for blacksmithing.
@roberthoffman2932 2 жыл бұрын
Really dig the uncut shots in this one while you're forging
@joshhhy__4661 2 жыл бұрын
Awesome vid Alec.. good to see some blacksmithing again👌🏻
@PeterKNoone 2 жыл бұрын
My Knipex tools are probably my favorites. Love this idea for forging tongs.
@martinfrappier1434 2 жыл бұрын
This is a great idea! I beleive every blacksmith should try to make a couple of these. They seem useful and they can be good practice for beginners like myself.
@sethbaldwin6050 2 жыл бұрын
I love you get really focused on forging. Lately it’s been focusing on math and tooling but just seeing you go quiet and swing a hammer is so nice to see!
@jimq 2 жыл бұрын
CJ Forge! That's where I took my blacksmith class at here in Michigan! Great guys over there. Very welcoming to anyone.
@bliviont 2 жыл бұрын
I LOVE my Knipex parallel jaw pliers. A great replacement for a C-wrench in most cases. You can even use them for a small amount of sheet metal bending in a pinch.
@MrPatrik246 2 жыл бұрын
Hey Alec, I recently watched The Northman movie, and they had a pretty cool sword, I think it would be fun for you to recreate it
@EmilReiko 2 жыл бұрын
Is it the Vendel Era ringsword he takes from the Draug?
@ChristCenteredIronworks 2 жыл бұрын
Great bit of forging Alec
@TheConcussiveBarrage 2 жыл бұрын
I love the range of content from this mad lad!
@joshuahaney2232 2 жыл бұрын
Great to see you doing some good work back to your roots. Great video.
@lanmastersassistant659 2 жыл бұрын
Such interesting content now your back from the states. I find it all the more inspirational, now your making all sorts of different things
@nieronfire7203 2 жыл бұрын
So good to see you back at smithing !
@nielscremer599 2 жыл бұрын
Yoooo you're on a roll!! Loving the frequent uploads 😀
@alexparadi522 2 жыл бұрын
Are you sure you're a blacksmith still? Not sure I've seen you forge something for a long time ;) Love see you get back to heating and beating (and struggling with stuff and overcoming it) more often! :)
@cleverusername9369 2 жыл бұрын
He just got done making a Zippo, a giant war hammer, and has been working on a Damascus socket wrench, I think he's still got it.
@victornunes9845 2 жыл бұрын
@@cleverusername9369 I don't know man, I don't think those are of the same caliber as his brick wall. I think Alec is a professional bricklayer
@alexparadi522 2 жыл бұрын
@@cleverusername9369 Those are manufacturing projects (with some Damascus billet-making) vs blacksmithing/bladesmithing projects. Just saying that I prefer the blacksmithing stuff to the machining work. Though to be honest - what I really miss is seeing the journey of discovery consistently. In years past the videos were more focused on Alec struggling and learning. Encountering a problem and then working his way around it and bringing us along for the ride. They do still have that at times, but not as much as I prefer
@kalelinford 2 жыл бұрын
@@alexparadi522 get over it
@aserta 2 жыл бұрын
He's busy with the house whilst trying to keep the YT channel floating, can't be easy. I was saddled with a house to fix in the last 4 years and i can barely keep up with what was my normal life.
@thisisnotmyname91 2 жыл бұрын
Cool to see you back to forging, but I do love your machining heavy projects as well.
@RidpathLifts 2 жыл бұрын
3:39, i like the cheeky showing off of that amazing ratchet
@colvinwellborn 2 жыл бұрын
This is super cool. I knew parallel jaw pliers were a thing, but I never would have thought to make parallel jaw tongs! Gonna have to try to make some.
@smokertwashington 2 жыл бұрын
Always thinking and Always communicating clearly. We’ll done bro!
@oldschoolcfi3833 2 жыл бұрын
YAY blacksmithing video! my favorite.
@andrejohnson6731 2 жыл бұрын
Boy, Alec and Jamie are really cranking these videos out! Dynamic Duo
@NeelsVandenBerg 2 жыл бұрын
I need a set!!
@markschwegler1100 2 жыл бұрын
Best vid in ages!!! Bringing us back to barker st days!!!! Just Alec and some red hot steel!!!!
@Lorddanielrushton371 2 жыл бұрын
Nicely done. This showed your true blacksmithing. Excellent tongs.
@michaelgibson1844 2 жыл бұрын
I found those Knipex pliers a few years ago and they changed my life!
@beardedchair3 2 жыл бұрын
The ASMR out of the first hammer strikes were gold!
@lewismorris5170 2 жыл бұрын
Nice to see you blacksmithing again.
@brokenspork2030 2 жыл бұрын
FINALLY ANOTHER BLACKSMITH VIDEO YAY
@mr.eckshun4947 2 жыл бұрын
Pure nostalgia all the way from that old shed you started in. I love the throwback. Would you ever consider doing a katana in the traditional way? I.e. heating iron sand, separating out high/low carbon for use in blade and spine. There's a great 45 min KZfaq doc on it
@nkcbooker 2 жыл бұрын
like all your products but it takes me back to your primary forging days and it was enjoyable. Like to see you do some more forging and having fun!!
@jaydowns4230 2 жыл бұрын
I miss your live stream... you went back for a second... glad to see you get back to roots, bro
@SchysCraftCo. 2 жыл бұрын
Alec always good to see a new video my friend. This is a very interestin and useful video today Alec. 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 Making. God Bless.
@jaquo25 2 жыл бұрын
Dude is a beast on that anvil. Thanks for at least pretending to be tired after that. Makes us feel a little better.
@mr.smallshop9787 2 жыл бұрын
I look forward to these videos after a stressful day.
@ootoriazumi1349 2 жыл бұрын
if you make the distance between the pivots on each section sections longer, you can make it open wider. you can also double up the mechanism to have it on both sides (though it'll make it physically less durable due to more parts) and it'll also open wider. Plus it'll keep the tips of the tongs from shifting forward/backward in relation to each other.
@Nomand55 2 жыл бұрын
Good to see the socket wrench getting some use.
@PheelTheJoy 2 жыл бұрын
Look at you go! Hitting hot metal bits with other less hot but more heavy metal bits. I doubt there are many brick layers or machinist that could do what you do. Such a talented fellow, I applaud you, your talents, and the work it took you to get as good as you are. A real master of moving metal, in any fashion.
@RyanFerreri 2 жыл бұрын
This episode brings me back to the live shows you used to do at Barker Street. Good to see you doing "real" blacksmithing once in a while.
@enderlord5412 2 жыл бұрын
Oh I've missed this ❤️, this is exactly what I subscribed for 👍
@creativework 2 жыл бұрын
Good job Alec
@hoinckotheneighbor 2 жыл бұрын
Got to love how every single time Alec needs something he either buys it or he makes it and I prefer when you make it
@kwiebusch 2 жыл бұрын
Yep. Bought a Knipex Pliers wrench recently too for times when a pipe wrench wouldn't work.
@sprinkleLPs 2 жыл бұрын
I hope to see some more bladesmithing!
@katoblepas1234 2 жыл бұрын
you should make one of those Tuna Butcher knifes they are really impressive for what they do and i saw a blacksmith using a way to sharpen the blade really weird, it was like a tool for woodworking but on metal
@kysersoze3632 2 жыл бұрын
That segway into the advert is the smoothest thing on youtube
@pauldevey8628 2 жыл бұрын
This channel is so infrequent. I wish it was regular like it used to be.
@laanyan 2 жыл бұрын
I'm glad I'm not the only one who makes mockups.
@truthandjustice975 2 жыл бұрын
Yes!! As much as I like the machining videos, I subscribed to the channel for the forging! It is good to see some again.
@michaelprice5399 2 жыл бұрын
Good to see the Damascus socket wrench coming in handy so soon ❤️
@michaelgatford6194 2 жыл бұрын
Great job Alec. You should definitely make some more a refine the design. One set of tongs to rule them all. Also I think i spied you using your damascus ratchet to 3:39
@Throned1781 2 жыл бұрын
Alec I can see you taking on a full metal works chess board and pieces all Damascus and engraved and jeweled. Would be cool to see anyway....50 episodes who knows :)
@lewisalderfer2920 2 жыл бұрын
Happy to see the forge alight once more
@KrakenCasting 2 жыл бұрын
Alec back in the forge?! You love to see it!
@BraxxJuventa 2 жыл бұрын
Looking great Alec! 👍😁
@croisetguillaume2223 2 жыл бұрын
A very interesting video, since long time. Make more of this, Sir please.
@AndreasHontzia 2 жыл бұрын
There are so many fascinating mechanical designs, which solve fun problems, that there must be another project for you to do. You should sketch them in CAD, but the paper one was great.
@joeytheghost4211 2 жыл бұрын
Now that is a cool idea
@davidsanchez1233 2 жыл бұрын
Hey Alex, as always great job! I just recently learned about the axes used in Timbersports. You should forge some awesome Competition Axes and then have a competition
@snapperthmj 2 жыл бұрын
I think to make them open further I would elongate the upper hole with some notches for locking in place. Great work Alec!!!!!
@magnushaulrich-hansen8700 2 жыл бұрын
Now that were doing more maching I would like to see Alec making a pair og Damaskus calipars. Always a big fan of the content.
@cerocero2817 2 жыл бұрын
I made a very simple parallel pair of bolt tongs simply by having one of the jaws hinging on a pivot. Like all "all purporse" tongs they had many problems, the range of material was pretty good but when trying to grab something that is far from the optimal size the jaws don't align perfectly, and the hinge tended to seize. I see them just as a tool for when I don't feel like making another pair of tongs. I'be been meaning to try a design with an adjustable jaw, like the knipex you showed. That way you get mechanical advantage, optimal grip position and wide range. The challenge is making it in a way that can take a propper beating.
@Futt.Buckerson 2 жыл бұрын
Those lovely "adjustable pliers" are called Channelocks where I come from. My grandfather worked in the original factory. 😁
@MegaBensley 2 жыл бұрын
Love the idea, but we (my son and I) challenge you to make some parallel jaw tongs which open wider to be able to hold a wider range of materials. We are going to make some from wood (we don't have a forge yet) and will send you a picture when they are finished!
@Hathos96 2 жыл бұрын
The uninterrupted forging segment was awesome!
@mikeking7470 2 жыл бұрын
Clever build! Good thing most blacksmiths can make their own tongs and repurpose them when some new type of holding is needed.
@dennisw7350 2 жыл бұрын
Great video. Fascinating tongs.
@foxkitsune2413 2 жыл бұрын
I've been watching you work for some time and I love the work you do. With that said I have an idea: Forging a blade out of the metal from cellphones.. can it be done.
@foxkitsune2413 2 жыл бұрын
I work as a device repair technician, and got to thinking about the metal in phones. Could it be forged into a type of knife? And by extension, a sword? Crazy idea im sure.
@jerrydean2555 2 жыл бұрын
Hey Alec. I would love to see you make a bunch of Damascus rod blanks and take them to a golf manufacturer and have them forged into irons. Or try to forge a set yourself.
@damirlorca1298 2 жыл бұрын
do the wim hof method for recuperation and havo more energy for work!
@Isabelle-Dias 2 жыл бұрын
well done Alec, I hope that this tong will be the first of many of that style o/
@FilthyAnimal_ 2 жыл бұрын
Beautiful work
@DaveVespa 2 жыл бұрын
Good to see someone using your American forge.
@mikedooley8269 2 жыл бұрын
Glad to see you back at the anvil