What tools do you need to start blacksmithing

Summary

The video begins a back-to-basics series on blacksmithing. The presenter argues that advanced projects depend on sound fundamentals, and that beginners should focus on a practical set of basic tools rather than assuming a forge, hammer, and anvil are all they need.

The specific tools can vary with budget. Improvised or low-cost equipment can work, while higher-end options may be worthwhile for those able to invest more.

Basic Tools and Equipment

• Forge or other heat source: A way to heat metal to forging temperature is essential. Options include a simple solid-fuel forge, a propane forge, or an oxy-fuel torch for small work.
• Anvil: A conventional anvil is useful, but beginners can start with alternatives such as a sledgehammer head or a piece of railroad track. A more traditional anvil may become desirable as skills and projects grow.
• Hammer: Choose a weight you can swing comfortably. A lighter hammer—around 1½ to 2 pounds—may be best for beginners, as heavier hammers can increase the risk of wrist or elbow injuries. A cross-peen hammer is a good general-purpose starting point, though preferences vary.
• Cutting tools: Cutting material will be necessary early on:
  • A hacksaw is useful for rough-cutting cold stock before forging.
  • A cut-off hardy fits the anvil’s hardy hole, if it has one, and can cut material under hammer blows.
  • Handheld or handled chisels are other options. Handled chisels keep the hand farther from the hot work and hammer.
• Vice: A simple vice holds material for sawing or other work. It need not be large or expensive, but it should be mounted securely.
• Files: Files help remove burrs and clean up defects such as cold shuts. A 10-inch half-round file is a reasonable starting point, followed by a selection of shapes and coarseness. Use handles to avoid injuring your hand on a file’s tang.
• Fire-lighting supplies: Have a reliable way to start the forge. Depending on the forge and fuel, options include a handheld propane torch, matches, paper, and kindling.
• Tongs: Tongs are needed to hold shorter pieces safely while forging. Different designs suit different stock and tasks, so an assortment is useful. Examples include V-bit, flat-jaw, pickup, and wolf-jaw tongs. Vice grips and pliers can sometimes help, but they are not a substitute for properly fitting forging tongs.

Safety Essentials

Before forging hot steel, the presenter recommends:

• Wearing non-synthetic clothing, which is less likely to melt onto the skin.
• Wearing sturdy shoes; steel-toe or composite-toe footwear is ideal.
• Using eye protection to guard against material flying toward the face.
• Using hearing protection when noise levels warrant it. Earbuds that play music are not necessarily hearing protection; hearing-protection earmuffs with speakers are one possible option.

Minimum Starter Setup

The presenter’s basic list for getting started includes a forge or heat source, hammer, anvil, vice, hacksaw, files, a way to light the fire, tongs, hearing protection, and eye protection.

The video emphasizes starting with manageable stock and simple projects, choosing a hammer weight appropriate to the user, and adding tools as needs become clearer.

The series is expected to cover individual tools in more depth and introduce foundational forging skills. The next planned lesson is drawing out steel, a technique the presenter describes as one of the most frequently used in blacksmithing.

Speakers and Sources Featured

• Black Bear Forge narrator and host: The sole speaker in the subtitles. Channel metadata identifies the host as John Switzer.
• No other speakers or quoted sources are featured.