Glen, thanks for the shout out! My main reason for recent posts is sharing my experience living in Shanghai China during the outbreak. Of course there is other stuff too. Forging and chiseling brass hardware. Stay safe! Thanks again to you for the shoutout!
There is no blacksmith on youtube that comes up with all the great jigs , fixtures and ideas that you do. You my friend are very intelligent ! Not to mention the quality of your work. Fantastic! Thank You
You give me way too much credit. True, I like to think outside the box but frequently that box is in a landfill and so outside is nothing but trash. Thanks for your kind comment.
Hey Glen. We used to use hold fasts on cast iron platen tables (we called them dogs and the table hot slabs) that had a grid of holes we used for bending pipe filled with stones around formers. There was a diesel furnace with three burners next to the table to heat the pipe and a capstan rope winch and pulleys to pull the pipe around a former. I think the biggest diameter we did while i was there was 16" pipe. We also used smaller slabs for other hot bending and straightening work. The fitments to hold the pipe end and former and the pulley blocks had pins into the table holes and were nailed down with hold fasts. Large wide wedges were used to hold the pipe in the fitment to hold the pipe end. The pulley block on the hit slab had to be quickly moved as the bend progressed. So the only tools used were sledge hammers and big pry bars. The bend was pulled in one heat as once bent it would not fit back on the furnace. So time was of essence. The dogs or hold fasts were 1 1/4" to 1 1/2" diameter bar from memory and 1 " on the smaller slabs. They were a sloppy fit. Real old tech that all gone to scrap now.
My wife is sitting on the couch drinking coffee in her own world I thought until you made the 1/2 inch comment. All these years I thought I was the only one who could make her laugh like that but I see now you can to. Loved the video.
I'm reading your comment and just as I'm thinking "what bird?" the screen changes to a wee bird on the window sill. Now I have to risk being recorded and put on my scuba dry suit, full face motorcycle helmet, strap on a couple dive tanks for positive air pressure and head out to buy a lottery ticket. Last time I got dressed up like that was to evict a raccoon from my porch attic. Apparently raccoons have a problem with anything resembling Jacques Cousteau and like 3 finger Joe keeps saying, chew on little one, very fast teeth you have there.
Making a hold fast was my second ever tool-making endeavor. It was also a study in making a 45 degree bend on the exterior edge of square stock. It worked, although it's not as pretty as yours. I don't use it as often as I should, but it's a functional tool when needed. Thanks for your videos. I look forward to each one!
Always love your work, you may want to think about making some spacers for your vice so it doesn't rack the jaws so much. I remember all the work you put into getting that vice working! Thanks again.
I like your design. One thing I would have done is not put the depression for round stock in line with the hold fast post that inserts in your pritzle hole. Rotated 90° or even 45° I think would be more useful.
A lot fancier and involved than I usually make but I like that straight down hold, it has a lot of potential to work on both side of the pressure point. As always thanks for your time and effort, I learn something every time I see you work.
I put my groove in at a slight angle so that if I'm holding round stock with some length, it will pass by the hold fast and still be straight in the groove. I love your anvil shapes. I'm stuck with my london pattern and double horn. They seem boring next to yours....
Your pieces definitely follow your own unique art style, interesting design. Always enjoy your take on traditional proven tools, you always manage to inspire creativity. That sneaky joke...XD
I had to slip that joke in. Lots of what I do is non-traditional. Some projects work, others, not so much. This one falls somewhere into the works but can be improved upon category. Thanks.
You really are one of my favorite smiths on UA-cam. All of your designs are just so clean. Do you think you'd be willing to make a video on your design philosophy? Sort of how you come up with your ideas? Specifically with your tongs, the designs are so incredibly clean Best wishes from Canada! Stay safe!
I appreciate your kind comment. My design philosophy is pretty rudimentary - I mainly just figure stuff out as I'm going along. But I maybe can share some useful info. on getting ideas so thanks for suggesting that and I'll touch on this topic in upcoming videos. I've made so many tongs that I'm always thinking and trying new things sometimes just from being bored. Thanks and stay safe.
Hi Glen - what I more like on your works, more than your blacksmithing abilities, are your knowledge about distributing resistance to your devices by flatting in corret directions and the incredible anvils you use - my preferable sunday morning watching youtube, Thanks for sharing
I love your attitude. In my opinion we are suffering from our own mistakes. Keep in contact, and remember, we are ready to help should you ask, and or need it. We are far but waling. Wishing the best to all of you with good health, love, and prosperity.
I'm willing to try something different just for the sake of doing something different. Doesn't always work out but this time, it worked well enough. Thanks.
Nice little hold fast, It’s a shame your hole didn’t pass through that semicircle but we work with what we have. If you had made it longer you could not then hold the smaller flat bar. My anvil only has a 7/16 hole so my Holdfast is a bit weedy. Keep up the good work and all the best from North Yorkshire, UK.
Daniel Rosales Well thats easy, find the 1080 steel in huge chunks, go to Taipei, find the machinist Glen uses and bribe him to copy Glens design, easy, job done! Or.... email Glen and ask him to get one made for you, whatever’s easier!
Nice, neat looking holdfast. I really like the upsetting block you used. My upsets usually go all wonky and I spend a lot of heat time keeping them straight. I have a block that size that I will try to drill a hole through (depending on my most used upset size). I have made monkey tools, but not any upsetting blocks.
Glen GS Tongs I reworked mine and it works pretty good now. My problem was that it was too stiff to bend a little, it needs to be springy. I drew out the arm thinner like yours and it works.
Yours is the only holdfast I've seen with the fuller for holding rod. Not sure how often that'll be useful but it's an easy modification with no drawback I can see.
Likewise, I hope you and your family are well. Trust me, China is the last place I would give a shout-out to. Just thought I'd help a fellow expat a little since he asked and is a friend of the channel.
Rather interesting design. Works and that's all that counts. Meant in the best way. I like the way it contacts the anvil and item at 90deg. In theory I should put equal pressure on both sides...or would that be radially 360 around the contact foot. Really interesting. Thank you for sharing. Hello Birdy. Looking forward to seeing your take and ideas on the other ones you forge. 🙏 Blessed be now and y'all stay well over there. No covid cuddies lol Crawford out ⚒️🧙♂️
That probably would work so long as I bent the foot downward to mate with the anvil face. But it would also be tricky since I have limited room to go forward on my anvil face. Thanks for sharing.
Glen Hope all is well for you and yours. Have you ever tried to make a lock? just thinking since were all stuck inside why not right? God Bless you and yours from me and mine..... Martin
I actually prefer a small dia. as it tends to not get stuck in the hole as bad. .........................Jeezus, I just read what I typed........... Anyway........... The hold down tends not to get overly jammed too tight in the pritchel hole and pops out fast with less of a beating...... OK, I give up...........XD
Glen, thanks for the shout out! My main reason for recent posts is sharing my experience living in Shanghai China during the outbreak. Of course there is other stuff too. Forging and chiseling brass hardware. Stay safe! Thanks again to you for the shoutout!
Don't mention it. Be safe and I hope we all come through this and better for it. Thanks.
There is no blacksmith on youtube that comes up with all the great jigs , fixtures and ideas that you do. You my friend are very intelligent ! Not to mention the quality of your work. Fantastic! Thank You
You give me way too much credit. True, I like to think outside the box but frequently that box is in a landfill and so outside is nothing but trash. Thanks for your kind comment.
Hey Glen. We used to use hold fasts on cast iron platen tables (we called them dogs and the table hot slabs) that had a grid of holes we used for bending pipe filled with stones around formers.
There was a diesel furnace with three burners next to the table to heat the pipe and a capstan rope winch and pulleys to pull the pipe around a former.
I think the biggest diameter we did while i was there was 16" pipe.
We also used smaller slabs for other hot bending and straightening work.
The fitments to hold the pipe end and former and the pulley blocks had pins into the table holes and were nailed down with hold fasts.
Large wide wedges were used to hold the pipe in the fitment to hold the pipe end.
The pulley block on the hit slab had to be quickly moved as the bend progressed. So the only tools used were sledge hammers and big pry bars.
The bend was pulled in one heat as once bent it would not fit back on the furnace. So time was of essence.
The dogs or hold fasts were 1 1/4" to 1 1/2" diameter bar from memory and 1 " on the smaller slabs. They were a sloppy fit.
Real old tech that all gone to scrap now.
Thanks for sharing this detailed information - very interesting. A lot of old tech is long gone but many blacksmiths keep some stuff alive.
Nicely done. Thank You for the demo. I could watch you all day...
As always, you're too kind. I will drop by your channel... Thanks.
Glen, I'm so constantly impressed by your knowledge, ingenuity, and talent. Thank you for the great videos.
You're being way too kind with your praise. But I appreciate it. Thanks.
Cool design. Holds very nicely round as well as flat stock👍👍👍👍
I just figured I use more rounds than anything else. Thanks.
My wife is sitting on the couch drinking coffee in her own world I thought until you made the 1/2 inch comment. All these years I thought I was the only one who could make her laugh like that but I see now you can to.
Loved the video.
Lmr6973...you made me laugh too!!!!!
You sir win the best comment of the video award. Really made me laugh... Thanks.
His comment really is funny.
🦜 I was just thinking about that bird last week. Glad to see he still keeps you company.
I'm reading your comment and just as I'm thinking "what bird?" the screen changes to a wee bird on the window sill. Now I have to risk being recorded and put on my scuba dry suit, full face motorcycle helmet, strap on a couple dive tanks for positive air pressure and head out to buy a lottery ticket. Last time I got dressed up like that was to evict a raccoon from my porch attic. Apparently raccoons have a problem with anything resembling Jacques Cousteau and like 3 finger Joe keeps saying, chew on little one, very fast teeth you have there.
I'm very happy to see my buddy again. It had been a while... Beautiful creature. Thanks.
Interesting comment. A good read. Stay safe out there.
Making a hold fast was my second ever tool-making endeavor. It was also a study in making a 45 degree bend on the exterior edge of square stock. It worked, although it's not as pretty as yours. I don't use it as often as I should, but it's a functional tool when needed. Thanks for your videos. I look forward to each one!
I need to do this again - wish I kept the pritchel end longer. Like yours, this one works but is not ideal. Thanks for watching and sharing.
Very awesome design I've only seen traditional hold fast so this one was really interesting to me great video love the content as always
Most of what I do is non-traditional. Some projects works out, some don't... Thanks for sure.
I like the elephant foot design. You should also make some spacers to keep your post vise jaws from twisting like that. 🍻
You're the first to mention spacers for the vise, followed by many others... Good idea. Thanks.
Always love your work, you may want to think about making some spacers for your vice so it doesn't rack the jaws so much. I remember all the work you put into getting that vice working! Thanks again.
You're the second person to mention spacers. Good idea. Thanks.
I like your design. One thing I would have done is not put the depression for round stock in line with the hold fast post that inserts in your pritzle hole. Rotated 90° or even 45° I think would be more useful.
I think that largely depends on the workpiece being held and how it needs to be worked. But good idea. Thanks.
@@gstongs you're right, the reason I made the comment is I made one with the same depression as you did.
I've been waiting for you to make a holdfast video, enjoyed very much. Can't wait to see the follow ups 👍👍👍👍👍👍
I finally got around to this. This turned out OK but I can improve upon it so stay tuned. Thanks.
A lot fancier and involved than I usually make but I like that straight down hold, it has a lot of potential to work on both side of the pressure point. As always thanks for your time and effort, I learn something every time I see you work.
This works fine, just wish I left the pritchel hole end longer. Thanks.
I put my groove in at a slight angle so that if I'm holding round stock with some length, it will pass by the hold fast and still be straight in the groove. I love your anvil shapes. I'm stuck with my london pattern and double horn. They seem boring next to yours....
Your pieces definitely follow your own unique art style, interesting design. Always enjoy your take on traditional proven tools, you always manage to inspire creativity. That sneaky joke...XD
I had to slip that joke in. Lots of what I do is non-traditional. Some projects work, others, not so much. This one falls somewhere into the works but can be improved upon category. Thanks.
You really are one of my favorite smiths on UA-cam. All of your designs are just so clean. Do you think you'd be willing to make a video on your design philosophy? Sort of how you come up with your ideas?
Specifically with your tongs, the designs are so incredibly clean
Best wishes from Canada! Stay safe!
I appreciate your kind comment. My design philosophy is pretty rudimentary - I mainly just figure stuff out as I'm going along. But I maybe can share some useful info. on getting ideas so thanks for suggesting that and I'll touch on this topic in upcoming videos. I've made so many tongs that I'm always thinking and trying new things sometimes just from being bored. Thanks and stay safe.
Hi Glen - what I more like on your works, more than your blacksmithing abilities, are your knowledge about distributing resistance to your devices by flatting in corret directions and the incredible anvils you use - my preferable sunday morning watching youtube, Thanks for sharing
You continue to think outside the box, and your results are thought-provoking. Thanks for giving me something more constructive to contemplate!
Glad you can find some inspiration but be careful, many of my ideas are nonsensical. Though this does work... Thanks.
Hi thank you for sharing, and my best wishes for you and your family to be safe, with good heath, love and prosperity.
Likewise, I wish you and you r family nothing but the best. We'll come out of this better for the experience. Thanks.
I love your attitude. In my opinion we are suffering from our own mistakes.
Keep in contact, and remember, we are ready to help should you ask, and or need it. We are far but waling. Wishing the best to all of you with good health, love, and prosperity.
Fuller for round. There is brilliance in simple functionality
It seemed to be logical since I mostly use rounds. Thanks.
You have the cleanest used daily anvils I have ever seen
I don't have many tools so what I have I try to maintain. Thanks.
I love how you always experiment with a new approach to making a common item. Sure freaks the straights out. Roflmbo
I'm willing to try something different just for the sake of doing something different. Doesn't always work out but this time, it worked well enough. Thanks.
Nice little hold fast, It’s a shame your hole didn’t pass through that semicircle but we work with what we have. If you had made it longer you could not then hold the smaller flat bar. My anvil only has a 7/16 hole so my Holdfast is a bit weedy. Keep up the good work and all the best from North Yorkshire, UK.
Yes, the way my anvil is arranged, I'm limited to what one holdfast can do. Thanks.
As a newbie, have learned a lotta great little tricks from your vids... thx, man!
Very glad you can learn anything from watching. Thanks.
Just checked out Eric’s channel. Very cool stuff! Subscribed and looking forward to seeing more! Great hold down!
KillerKane thanks for the subscription!
Thanks for watching and for your support.
Thanks Glen. I have a small anvil (110#) and this configuration will work well. Thanks for the tutorial.
I can improve upon this and will do more alternative holdfast videos. But overall, this is a decent design for anvils like mine. Thanks.
That anvil wow is probably the best I have seen. Where can I get one like it?
Awesome work too. Thanks for sharing.
Daniel Rosales
Well thats easy, find the 1080 steel in huge chunks, go to Taipei, find the machinist Glen uses and bribe him to copy Glens design, easy, job done! Or.... email Glen and ask him to get one made for you, whatever’s easier!
You have a very engineering mind. Great stuff on all your videos. Thx for all your fun videos.
I like the idea of your design. Works well.
Nice, neat looking holdfast. I really like the upsetting block you used. My upsets usually go all wonky and I spend a lot of heat time keeping them straight. I have a block that size that I will try to drill a hole through (depending on my most used upset size). I have made monkey tools, but not any upsetting blocks.
That simple block really does help. After you drill, taper the hole some, roughly to the diameter you want, on the bottom end. Thanks.
Very good, got two or three new ideas on how to make my holdfast hold fast.
Glad this could give you some ideas. Mine works but can be improved upon for sure. Thanks.
Glen GS Tongs I reworked mine and it works pretty good now. My problem was that it was too stiff to bend a little, it needs to be springy. I drew out the arm thinner like yours and it works.
The bird is really cool!
He says hello.
You should make a spacer for your leg vice when you’re using stock that’s offset like that. So you don’t wrack your jaws and wear out the screw.
Good idea. You're third person to make that comment so I know it's something I should investigate. Thanks.
Very interesting I’ve only made a tradition holdfast
Most of what I do is non-traditional and ridiculous. But this works though I think it can be improved upon. Thanks.
Yours is the only holdfast I've seen with the fuller for holding rod. Not sure how often that'll be useful but it's an easy modification with no drawback I can see.
Since I manly use rounds, I really thought this would be useful. It works but can be improved upon. Thanks.
Really nice job Glen.
Thanks Dave.
Hope these times are treating you and yours well. I always enjoy your channels and content. Ooch! China shout-out.
Likewise, I hope you and your family are well. Trust me, China is the last place I would give a shout-out to. Just thought I'd help a fellow expat a little since he asked and is a friend of the channel.
Superb Glen.
Glad you like this one Will.
Rather interesting design. Works and that's all that counts. Meant in the best way. I like the way it contacts the anvil and item at 90deg. In theory I should put equal pressure on both sides...or would that be radially 360 around the contact foot.
Really interesting. Thank you for sharing. Hello Birdy.
Looking forward to seeing your take and ideas on the other ones you forge.
🙏 Blessed be now and y'all stay well over there. No covid cuddies lol
Crawford out ⚒️🧙♂️
Like an old friend of mine says, good enough for this job! The bird says hello. Thanks and God bless.
Love this idea
I'm sure others can improve upon this. Thanks.
I really wanna know where you bought those anvils... Love the vids Glen
Anvils are my own designs which I had made here in Taiwan. Thanks for watching.
i like the design
It could use improving but it works. Thanks.
These must be great when working alone.
Should be useful... Thanks.
"i wish it was just a half inch longer. I probably go to bed saying that every night. " absolute gold 10:50
hi very nice work looking good
Thanks.
Well done!
My pleasure.
Looks like it will work, would pulling that front leg out on a 45° angle give you that extra length in the hardie to hold larger stock?
That probably would work so long as I bent the foot downward to mate with the anvil face. But it would also be tricky since I have limited room to go forward on my anvil face. Thanks for sharing.
Glad to see you made you a hold fast, was afraid you was setting yourself up for a nutcracker 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 nice job sir!!!
Yes, the nutcracker holiday special was going to come early if I didn't sort this out. Thanks.
Buen video, ágil, instructivo y útil
Since that one isn't as long as you want it to be, make a couple more, for your exact needs, like a pair of tongs, one for each task.
Yes, that's exactly right. I will certainly make more and also improve upon this. Thanks for sure.
Also,all you had to do was put a slight bend in the rod where it sits inside the pritchel
Yes, your'e exactly right as I monkeyed around with this later and found that out. Thanks.
Hi Glen, brilliant work. What kind of steel is this? Only iron or Springsteel? Greetings from Germany.
I just found your channel...where did you get that anvil?
Smaller, block style anvils are my own designs which I had made here in Taiwan. Thanks for watching.
Glen Hope all is well for you and yours. Have you ever tried to make a lock? just thinking since were all stuck inside why not right? God Bless you and yours from me and mine..... Martin
This is the video that made me a subscriber...I frickin love that anvil where can I get one
👍👍👍👍
Mild steel is what your using ?
Yes, but I think a higher carbon steel wold make a better holdfast, make it more "springy" and durable. Thanks.
Looks good..
I need to do this one again. A higher carbon steel would be better but it works. Thanks and I appreciate your patience with the mark situation.
@@gstongs it's all good..
What in the world kind of anvil is that??? Can't say that I've ever seen one like it, but it is an interesting design. Nice video!
A whispering anvil. Only one on this particular planet. Beautiful isn't it?
The block style anvils I use are my own designs. In all, I had four styles made and am very pleased with them. Thanks for watching.
Actually, some of my small, block style anvils are one-of-a-kind since I designed them to suit my work space and work style. Thanks.
@@gstongs well they sure look well made. Thank you for the reply!
You hold fast is supposed to be smaller that you hold. It works by lock against the top and bottom of the hole. Not by force fitting it.
좋은영상 감사합니다,
Do you make personalized dies for forging and marking your work?
I don't but I work with a professional engraver here who does. Thanks.
I like how you pronounce Pérez. ¿Hablas español?
I hear ya buddy!
I probably go to bed saying that every night, lol ha
Thought I would slip that cheeky comment in there.
Glen, what is the dimension across the top of the hold down? Thanks
From the back of the pritchel hole to the front of the holdfast is about 3 inches. It might seem bigger since my anvils are small. Thanks.
Nice work, why Thailand?
i really have to get making a set of tongs. where are you and why. a couple of your hammers gave me a hint you were in asia
I actually prefer a small dia. as it tends to not get stuck in the hole as bad. .........................Jeezus, I just read what I typed...........
Anyway........... The hold down tends not to get overly jammed too tight in the pritchel hole and pops out fast with less of a beating...... OK, I give up...........XD
Hey, I see what you did there. As the Brits seem to say, very cheeky... Thanks.
Maybe fold over to fit Hardie hole
2nd place. Now i can rest.
Rest well. Thanks.
@@gstongs Thoughtful of you, thanks. Next sleep in 5 days. Take care.
Haha... oh for another half inch...
I thought I'd slip that in there and see if anyone was paying attention. Thanks.
You finally made it! I I'm surprised, lol jk
Better late than never I suppose.
Eric Māoris and co
Like
Thanks.