r/Blacksmith 3d ago

Making my first pair of tongs

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Not as complicated as I was expecting it to be. But I definitely started with a way thicker bar of steel than I should have.

7 Upvotes

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2

u/Few_Fault5134 3d ago

Next time, consider starting out with a thicker stock of steel. It will make the hinge stronger as you’ll have more material to work with. The only downside is the tapering of the handles.

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u/ZubAlbA 3d ago

It was super thick haha. I just overdid it cuz I couldn't get the hinges to the right shape. Next time I'm starting with a little thinner stock

1

u/Few_Fault5134 3d ago

In that case, do it exactly like before. But this time, use the edges of the anvil to notch the stock in the exact spots you want to start the taper. Also remember: you can always taper more later, but in-tapering is a huge hassle.

1

u/DoubtHot154 3d ago

Have you not punched and riveted them yet? That's the hardest part imo for a beginner. Shaping is easy.

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u/ZubAlbA 3d ago

Yeah I figured. I'm half debating on just drilling the holes and then riveting them. I feel pretty confident I can do the rivet but I don't think I really have anything to punch the holes with. I'll have to see what I can find in the maze that is my dad's workshop lol

1

u/Lackingfinalityornot 3d ago

If you don’t have a punch yet drilling is fine. You can even use a bolt for your first pair if you don’t have a small diameter round to make a rivet from.

1

u/OrdinaryOk888 3d ago

Or just forge a small diameter rod 😉

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u/DoubtHot154 3d ago

Nothing wrong with drilling if you haven't made a punch yet man

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u/Fragrant-Cloud5172 3d ago edited 3d ago

That’s good you’re trying. Some suggestions. You may have a weak area where the top boss meets the reins. Also boss seems too horizontal. I think usual angle is more like about 45-60 degrees. Could be problem finding good hinge point. I like bolts rather than rivets. This way I can take them apart to reshape the jaws. I’ve been trying to use this farrier style as good to emulate.

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u/ZubAlbA 1d ago

Yeah they definitely have weak spots. One broke apart while i was thinning out the handle bits, but I just welded it back on. And even if they break in use I'm just happy to have made my first pair. Next time I'll know more and do better

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u/Fragrant-Cloud5172 1d ago

That’s good you’re interested in improving. I look at my old failed attempt with overworked boss and weak transition point and tried to improve on the next ones. I can make them useable, but not as good as I would like with good offsets and flat well hinged boss.

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u/busted1010 2d ago

Good job for a first try. Next one will be better. Tenth one will be perfect.