New Blacksmithing Mini Series

Hi guys, here's what I've been busy with lately...

...Blacksmithing!

Blacksmithing Part I:

I think it's a good idea to have some knowledge of blacksmithing because self-reliance tools like knives, axes, and saws are made of metal.

First, we're going to talk about some basic supplies that you will need if you want to start blacksmithing.

Supplies you'll need:

• anvil
• hammer
• tongs
• bellows
• gloves (optional)
• eye protection 
• quenching bucket
• sand or borax
• oil or water for quenching
• steel files
• forge and fuel
• grinder or grinding stone

My forge and tools used for blacksmithing.

Here's an overview of each tool:

Anvil

An anvil is a hard, flat steel or iron surface. Anvils should have at least one hardy hole in them for tool attachment points and punching holes in steel. Pritchel holes are not necessary as you can just use the hardy hole for punching holes. (It takes up more surface area than you could be using to pound your metal on.) I also use my hardy hole to stick pieces in when hot and use as it as a way to bend the metal. Anvils should generally be as heavy as practical. Steel anvils also have better rebound than cast-iron. It's common to mount anvils to a stump like mine shown below. 

My 55-pound anvil. I put it on top of a palm tree stump.

Here's a view of the face:

You can also see the hardy hole. 

One last view:

The anvil face is about waist height on me. 

And finally, another project!

Piece of I-beam that I plan making into an anvil.

Hammer

A cross pein hammer and a heavy ball pein hammer are good choices. Also maybe a light ball pein hammer with a smooth face for finishing is helpful. 

Cross pein hammer

Tongs

Blacksmithing tongs should be heavy and durable. 16" long is a good length. I am making my own out of rebar. 

Bellows

Bellows are a tool to use to make your forge hotter. I used a hair dryer at first but now am using a shop vac. The best thing to use if you are off-grid or want to be prepared for power outage is hand fireplace bellows or hand crank bellows. 

Gloves

I use leather gloves for safety. Gloves are, however, not necessary. They will keep your hands from getting too hot. 

Eye Protection 

I consider eye protection a necessity because I don't want to lose my eyesight! And you can't be self-reliant if you can't see!

Quenching Bucket

I use a stainless steel bucket but if you have a #10 can it works too. I keep vegetable oil in the stainless bucket and water in the #10 can. You'll need these for quenching to harden steel. 

Quenching buckets 

Sand or Borax

You will want sand or borax for a flux. Flux is what you use when you are forge welding (which I will explain in another post). You will also want sand or maybe some cool ashes for annealing. 

Steel Files

Steel files are useful for sharpening tool edges and points. Once they get worn out, you can also use them to make new knives. The steel in files is pretty high quality. 

2 mill files I use

Forge

You need a forge to get the metal hot enough to work with a hammer. I built mine with leftover cobblestone bricks had lying around as you can see below. (More info on building a forge to come in another post.)

Wood-fired Blacksmith Forge

Fuel
You'll need plenty of dry wood to get your forge nice and hot!

Cut off lumber ends from the lumber yard for fuel. I got it for free. 

Grinder or Grinding Stone

You'll want an electric or manual grinder. This will be used for cleaning up profiles and rough grinding edges. I am currently using an electric grinder but if I got a traditional manual stone grinder that would be super cool. 

Thank you for reading, I hope you enjoyed this post! I will have more about blacksmithing soon. Please comment below and watch for more posts!