Blacksmith questions

[comfortsource]

Has anyone here done any blacksmithing of sorts? I acquired an old leg vise (post vise or Blacksmith's Vise) from my late Dad's estate and it's definitely got me intrigued into the fray of forging, metallurgy and the like. I'd be at ground zero so-to-speak, so any forge tips or tool tips would be a great help. I'm definitely not diving in with both feet here as there is way too much research and things to do before hand. I simply wanted the vise before the building collapsed around it (Dad's old garage on the farm). I think a Blacksmiths vise has a good purpose even if it's just a general vise at this point. I think we all want something to work on or project or hobby with as a way to appreciate the end result or even just to remember those who have gone before......

J

pics after it's cleaned up, it's been a minute since it was last used

 

[Heinz]

Good for you. You have a good vice for pounding and bending. You might want to set a brick or a chunk of 2x4 in the dirt beneath the leg post Beware that the vice handle is fully down before messing about with whatever you have clamped in the jaws. I gave my second oldest grandson a 95 pound Peter Wright anvil for his birthday

 

[Jaco1234]

Blacksmithing is a craft that has simple techniques that require a high level of devlopment. it is not flailing away at a piece of warm steel. It takes time and effort to master the basics.
There is most likely a blacksmith club in your area. Contacting one is a good place to start. A beginners workshops will give you a chance to see what itis all about.
Good luck and if the bug bites you will be hooked

John
Smithing since 1972. Still forging st 76

 

[H Richard]

I always liked watching Forged In Fire. Mostly how they cut and stacked and created up to hundreds of layers the knife making. How they created the patterns in the blade design are an art form.

 

[Protocall_Design]

I have 2 CNC mills, a big lathe, surface grinder, etc., etc. People looking around at the shop for the first time will sometimes say "You have 2 CNC mills, what could you possibly need an anvil for?"

Anvil, hammer, file, punch, chisel, fire, etc. have been around for thousands of years. They are still needed and relevant. Regardless of our level of technology, we will always still need those tools.

 

[Jaco1234]

Anvil, hammer, file, punch, chisel, fire, etc. have been around for thousands of years. They are still needed and relevant. Regardless of our level of technology, we will always still need those tools.

Along with a hacksaw tode are the most misunderstood tools.

 

[Mike SC Hunter]

I have my Dad's anvil.....Still use it when needed..........Have you priced OLD, GOOD anvils latetly??? They go for $100's of $$$.

 

[NYlakesider]

Right after I got my journeyman status in the steamfitters (1975) I went to a large chemical plant. I was assigned to this rather gruff appearing older welder.

Actually he was one of the best people that I ever partnered up with. His gruffness was mostly a act but do not get him mad as he was as strong as a bull. We talked a lot and I found out he started out as a blacksmith, then he was a underwater welder for the navy.

He on occasion to do special projects he would rely on his blacksmith back ground. He sure had a way of moving hot metal around. I learned a lot from him!

 

[comfortsource]

anvils USED to be around $1/lb but they are ridiculously high now.....

but I do have a couple small sections of railroad iron to start. I appreciate everyone's feedback. I'm definitely going to reach out to a couple fella's out this way to see what it's all about.

 

[tops]

Forge, anvil and hammer. You can make your own tongs, cutters, etc. Larry

 

[Bald1]

I have my Dad's anvil.....Still use it when needed..........Have you priced OLD, GOOD anvils latetly??? They go for $100's of $$$.

You can thank American Pickers for that. $4 a pound.

 

[Rustyt1953]

My 15 yo grandson Ian yesterday.