Blacksmith tongs and hammers

[Chris J]

I know some of you out there must have some old blacksmith tools, well this is your lucky day, i am in need of some blacksmith tools, tongs, hammers, etc. if any of you good people here on the stack have any you would like to get rid of / sell, please private message me and tell me about them, thanks for your help, Chris

[John G. Simpson]

Chris.
you are supposed to make your own tools. don't ask me how. i can't do it either.
lotsa luck.

[Chris J]

But John, You need tools to make tools right? If anyone out their has some please contact me, thank you, Chris

[Andy Rafferty]

I have a truck load of tongs and about the time I think I don't need one of the really odd ones I end up making a more usefull tool out of the old one. Yes the previous posts are correct the smith does normally make his own but I recommend you log on to centaurforge.com and order a pair of 3/8" v- bit bolt tongs. you will be out just under $40 bucks but you will love these tongs.
These are excellent examples to copy and simply change the jaws for what you need If you are searching the antique stores and junk traders don't get sucked in to the idea bigger is best. Don't forget you have got to be able to one hand position the work and make adjustments as you go and still be able to lift your arm after the day is out. I have seen some tallented smiths defile the demonstration by breaking out a chrome plated pair of vice-grip or slip joint pliers. Yes if a black smith in the day would have had access to these tools no doubt he would use them. They came up with some simple loops and devices to "lock" the tongs. So while you are building something in private go ahead and break out the chrome plated stuff if safety requires it. But as you get the chance learn to enjoy the old artist's skills path. As for my favorite tongs besides the v-bit a flat duck bill about .5" wide 2" deep with 14" handles. and a pair made from an oversized needle nose pliers with about 12" handles from harbor freight. Have fun. Andy

[Robert Haus]

Originally Posted by Chris J

But John, You need tools to make tools right? If anyone out their has some please contact me, thank you, Chris

Like I have often said, "Mankind did not become advanced when they learned to make tools...they became advanced when they learned that they could use the tools they made to make better tools."

[John G. Simpson]

a fire pit, wood, bellows and a flat rock. borrow a hammer.
if you have some heavy steel or pipe they make pretty good anvils, instead of rocks.
a little practice and you will have fine craft to demonstrate at shows.

[david boothby]

try. a peice of railroad rail for a anvil . that is what i use . dave

[flasks]

send me a personal email at flasks@zoominternet.net I have quite a bit of blacksmithing material I am going to part with either trade or sell. I have anvils, hardies,tongs,hammers, etc.

[Doug S.]

Originally Posted by Chris J

I know some of you out there must have some old blacksmith tools, well this is your lucky day, i am in need of some blacksmith tools, tongs, hammers, etc. if any of you good people here on the stack have any you would like to get rid of / sell, please private message me and tell me about them, thanks for your help, Chris

Chris, I am 30 minutes east of Spokane and have what you need. E-mail me at cmbda@msn.com - Doug

[david boothby]

chris are you still looking for black smith tools let me know dave in ohio

[Brett Thompson]

i have found nice tools at great prices in antique shops just go in and ask the counter person it will save you time.