Chris Madrid demonstrates how to make the 5/8" Bolt Jaw Tongs that are on the Virginia 2015 competition list. Cool video for anyone who is interested in making tongs.
HANDS DOWN. The best instructional on bolt head tong making I have seen on UA-cam. Chris, you made specific clarifications and your strikes and movements were clear and well captured. Thank you for doing such fine work.
Economy of materials, beauty and functionality. One could not ask for more from any pair of tongs. Executed with the highest ability. Thank you for this straight forward and humble presentation. I salute you.
This is the most interesting and effective technique for forging tongs I've seen so far without use of a power hammer. I have to try this method. Well done, lads.
I've watched 1/2 of your videos. There is somebody calming and peaceful about watching masters at their craft demonstrating for those of us that only hope to be at that level. Hope to see more in the future.
it is ALWAYS amazing to me, to see something useful being made out of pure nothing. just like that, take some steel and turn it in to a useful tool. pure awesome. thank you for this vid guys! rock on!!!
Alright. I've watched this video about 10 times and am on my second set of these. The first is not pretty, but they work and not horrible for my first fully from scratch tongs. Just bought another 9 feet of 3/8"X1" stock to keep practicing. I'd really like to see some more tong/tool making videos from you guys(HINT HINT Chris Madrid) You guys are seriously the Mike Tyson's and Michal Jordans of smithing. I've been watching some of the horse shoe videos, just to pick up tips, and while not my thing, I've still learned from them. Just had to drop another comment in appreciation. Thanks fellas!
First pair? I wish I could make something like that and call it "my first pair". in retrospect I know this guy is skilled at what he does. glad I found this channel. very informative and detailed. Only sort of complain that I have would be audio, but knowing the type of work being performed I really can't hold that against the channel. some of the instructions get drowned by the hammering, but that's why it's called blacksmithing and not pillow making. Thanks for posting, please keep more videos coming whenever possible. is very relaxing. peace from los Angeles.
FANTASTIC BUILD!!! I truly enjoy talent, and this young man is extremely talented. I also appreciate more than you could know, the fantastic camera work during the forging process. The explanation is without fault. It was so easy to see, follow and understand the steps and the descriptions the young man was giving while he made the bolt jaw tongs. I've seen a lot of videos on different blacksmithing builds. They were alright, but were nowhere near as detailed as this one. The video editing is outstanding and moved very well and almost flawlessly. It has great continuity and I enjoyed the little bit of humor thrown in. It made watching the film not so static and added exactly enough of a break that allowed me to continue watching. A lot of the other video postings aren't so well executed and tend to have either too much description, or none at all, and many of the filmmakers and demonstrators always ruin their videos with too much music, too loud of a music background that makes it hard to hear and understand the narratives. The only real problem with this video is the audio. There are several places where the audio was dropping out because the on-board mic of the camera was being overloaded. That is understandable. Even a lapel and remote microphone would suffer the same audio issue due to noise overload from forging. There were parts that were hard to hear because of it. Other than that small shortfall of the video production, it is an overall excellent video. It clearly illustrated the skill of the demonstrator. I truly enjoy the well thought and care that went into making this film and it answered a lot of lingering questions that I have. My only remaining question is: what kind of steel are you using in the build? It appears to be some kind of a mild steel, which I believe is preferable for tongs. I know that high carbon and harden-able steels will tend to split, crack and shatter if heated too many times and could pose a safety hazard. There are 2 differing talents and skills here... First and foremost, the talented blacksmith. Second, the filmmaker, the preproduction, production and post production work. This is an excellent, informative and a very educational film. I know what I am saying. I am a self-taught blacksmith/knifemaker and I am also a filmmaker. I understand the process of both mediums very well. THANK YOU!
Awesome work guys, one day I hope I can do a little bit of blacksmithing, make some carving knives, I did make wood lathe chisels out of old metal files, anyways, keep up the good job, greetings from Mexico,
What this tool is used for? I am not familiar with this kind of things. Anyway, great job, I am happy to see people at work sharing their job with others.
Where can I find more info on that vise that did NOT slip???By the way, maybe the best looking pair of bolt tongs I have ever seen to this point. Great video!
That is a farrier's vice. You'll never find one at any blacksmith supply, look at any farrier supply website and you'll find them. Took me a while to figure it out, too.
Farrier tongs always seem to have a lot more sex appeal than standard blacksmith tongs. I have been trying some different stuff to fancy-up my tong collection and your videos have been a big help. Great work! Also when is this event you spoke of in Virginia, i might like to see that.
Hi guys - what's all that dark flaky material coming off the red hot steel all the time? Is that carbon or something? Great video - this is mesmerising!
This is pure Art! In its finest form! See a Genius working with hot metal like that, a craftsman with skill and a damn good eye and fast moving hands and hammer control!! Love this beautiful tongs!! Men i hope that i'm getting that good some times. I Look up to you guys.
Guys that cutter you use when spitting the reins did u make it and what size material do you think was used to make it, I would like to try and make one, I think it's a beauty.
Hello there nice work i'm sure, but it would be easier to cut the jaws before you put your tongs together. Are you using springsteel or is it mild steel? All the best Blacksmith Filip Ponseele-Belgium
Really beautiful pair of tongs, I love the splitting method! I was looking at your cutting strip/cutting block. At 6:24 it seems to melt a tiny bit, is it aluminum? How does it stand up over time? Also, when Chris marks 1 inch from the end of the bar, he then sets his top fuller behind the mark to forge. Is he lining up the edge of the tool to the mark? Thanks, Great video, Willow
aluminum is often used as a backer. Especially if he shop uses some from time to time and there is a scrap bin of it. I have seen copper used, and steel plate.
I will get my Tongs made up this summer once I get my Tin shed up my floor done and my anvil in place nice and cosey out the rain and wind. Nice tongs guy's.
Used to have a couple kids in the neighborhood that said they were interested and were strikers for a bit.Then,after a while they would run when they smelled the forge firing up!I actually miss those brats ...
its often a wax with graphite flakes in it (nice when doing power hammer work). Other smiths I have seen demonstrate have used a roll through the powdered coal, which helps in unbinding a tool that's getting stuck.
HANDS DOWN. The best instructional on bolt head tong making I have seen on UA-cam. Chris, you made specific clarifications and your strikes and movements were clear and well captured. Thank you for doing such fine work.
You guys realy deserve a world clasd workmanship awards. Amazing video.
Economy of materials, beauty and functionality. One could not ask for more from any pair of tongs. Executed with the highest ability. Thank you for this straight forward and humble presentation. I salute you.
Thanks guy's, you made it look so easy and there's no bigger compliment i can give you.
Thank you Chris and Craig for the video! We all appreciate how much the both of you give back to us!
Chris, watching the process you employ to forge the tongs is incredible. Hearing the file bite as you move it across the tongs is amazing!
Professionals doing their thing professionally.
This is the most interesting and effective technique for forging tongs I've seen so far without use of a power hammer. I have to try this method. Well done, lads.
Wow. So damn impressive. I've watched a few smiths, but the skills here are really next level. KEEP EM COMING!
I'm not a blacksmith. I know it's very difficult to make but very Entertaining to watch. I downloaded the video to watch it over and over again!
Amazing how beautiful a pair of tongs can be. Awesome work.
I've watched 1/2 of your videos. There is somebody calming and peaceful about watching masters at their craft demonstrating for those of us that only hope to be at that level. Hope to see more in the future.
I thoroughly loved this video, such excellent craftsmanship and the finish is spectacular, well done lads.
Excellent performance! Thanks for posting.
it is ALWAYS amazing to me, to see something useful being made out of pure nothing. just like that, take some steel and turn it in to a useful tool. pure awesome. thank you for this vid guys! rock on!!!
Excellent job. Congrats from Brazil.
Liked your spring vise that was pretty cool.
Alright. I've watched this video about 10 times and am on my second set of these. The first is not pretty, but they work and not horrible for my first fully from scratch tongs. Just bought another 9 feet of 3/8"X1" stock to keep practicing. I'd really like to see some more tong/tool making videos from you guys(HINT HINT Chris Madrid) You guys are seriously the Mike Tyson's and Michal Jordans of smithing. I've been watching some of the horse shoe videos, just to pick up tips, and while not my thing, I've still learned from them. Just had to drop another comment in appreciation. Thanks fellas!
I’m gettn seriously stoked watchn these vids.
Wow just Wow!!! You guys made that look too easy.. Great vid.
beautiful work. Thank you for the movie
beautiful hammer control, great work
Love the hardy tool for cutting the jaw. Definitely making one
Great work, and a joy to watch.
First pair? I wish I could make something like that and call it "my first pair". in retrospect I know this guy is skilled at what he does. glad I found this channel. very informative and detailed. Only sort of complain that I have would be audio, but knowing the type of work being performed I really can't hold that against the channel. some of the instructions get drowned by the hammering, but that's why it's called blacksmithing and not pillow making. Thanks for posting, please keep more videos coming whenever possible. is very relaxing. peace from los Angeles.
Beautiful pair of tongs mate very nice thank you
Love these tongs, so nice, well done.
Loved the video! Well done.
Nice tongs mate, well forged. Steve Nottingham England.
First pair... hot damn you have skills! Thanks for sharing.
WOW you guys are just gems. It was like a poetry I watch the whole process and enjoyed and learned..God bless you both aamin.
Love the look of that pair
skilled man loved to watch this
I'm not a blacksmith, but boy that sure is pretty to watch, and the result is little short of amazing. Great stuff. NZ
nice job they look great
Nice job and good team ,image quality together a really show . All the best boy!!
As a newbie, this is amazing!
Most excellent job I salute you both.
FANTASTIC BUILD!!! I truly enjoy talent, and this young man is extremely talented. I also appreciate more than you could know, the fantastic camera work during the forging process. The explanation is without fault. It was so easy to see, follow and understand the steps and the descriptions the young man was giving while he made the bolt jaw tongs. I've seen a lot of videos on different blacksmithing builds. They were alright, but were nowhere near as detailed as this one. The video editing is outstanding and moved very well and almost flawlessly. It has great continuity and I enjoyed the little bit of humor thrown in. It made watching the film not so static and added exactly enough of a break that allowed me to continue watching.
A lot of the other video postings aren't so well executed and tend to have either too much description, or none at all, and many of the filmmakers and demonstrators always ruin their videos with too much music, too loud of a music background that makes it hard to hear and understand the narratives.
The only real problem with this video is the audio. There are several places where the audio was dropping out because the on-board mic of the camera was being overloaded. That is understandable. Even a lapel and remote microphone would suffer the same audio issue due to noise overload from forging. There were parts that were hard to hear because of it. Other than that small shortfall of the video production, it is an overall excellent video. It clearly illustrated the skill of the demonstrator.
I truly enjoy the well thought and care that went into making this film and it answered a lot of lingering questions that I have. My only remaining question is: what kind of steel are you using in the build? It appears to be some kind of a mild steel, which I believe is preferable for tongs. I know that high carbon and harden-able steels will tend to split, crack and shatter if heated too many times and could pose a safety hazard.
There are 2 differing talents and skills here... First and foremost, the talented blacksmith. Second, the filmmaker, the preproduction, production and post production work. This is an excellent, informative and a very educational film. I know what I am saying. I am a self-taught blacksmith/knifemaker and I am also a filmmaker. I understand the process of both mediums very well. THANK YOU!
thank U starting up my own privat workshop and this is giving me the abslout best motivation
This is excellent and I want more.
That guy is no joke. Nice job👍
Guys this is a brutal technique thanks for sharing your wisdom with us all i'am going to start doing this in my forge.
fantastic tongs boys a work of art to nice to use learned a lot thanks
Pretty obvious you REALLY know what you are doing. Masterful manipulation of your material. Thanks. :)
Is there a video about making that awesome green spring powered work holder?
I love all your videos Craig. Chris, how did you do in Virginia 2015? Is there any video from that event?
Great video and job
Nice to see such skill in a young guy! (Either that or you really wear your age well!) Great set of tongs! Wish they we're mine!
very impressive. real champion to do this so easily. super vdo. wow
Awesome work guys, one day I hope I can do a little bit of blacksmithing, make some carving knives, I did make wood lathe chisels out of old metal files, anyways, keep up the good job, greetings from Mexico,
Professional work 👍
Great video alot to learn there
Great work
Congratulations boys.......... very good.
What this tool is used for? I am not familiar with this kind of things. Anyway, great job, I am happy to see people at work sharing their job with others.
Είσαι αρχηγός μεγάλε πολλή καλή δουλειά!!!!!!!!!
Where can I find more info on that vise that did NOT slip???By the way, maybe the best looking pair of bolt tongs I have ever seen to this point. Great video!
That is a farrier's vice. You'll never find one at any blacksmith supply, look at any farrier supply website and you'll find them. Took me a while to figure it out, too.
Nicely done set of tongs! Is that a map of Lake Powell on your wall???
Mind-blown just wow 👏
Farrier tongs always seem to have a lot more sex appeal than standard blacksmith tongs. I have been trying some different stuff to fancy-up my tong collection and your videos have been a big help. Great work! Also when is this event you spoke of in Virginia, i might like to see that.
Your work is as always impressive. Pat asked what I am asking: the vise?? Us Amigo Siempre.
I noticed an eye liner for hammer and other handled tools. Is this rubber? Looks like a good idea.
I want the website for the "Ginsu" knife vee bit splitter.
Hi guys - what's all that dark flaky material coming off the red hot steel all the time? Is that carbon or something? Great video - this is mesmerising!
Screw power hammers, I just need this guy
Love these tongs, tell me is the stock 3/8" x 1" couldn't quite hear you say it at the start of the video??
Lenblacksmith yes, they are 3/8 x 1. Glad you love the tongs!
I do made a pair yesterday. Not as good as yours but my first split reins tongs.
This is pure Art! In its finest form! See a Genius working with hot metal like that, a craftsman with skill and a damn good eye and fast moving hands and hammer control!!
Love this beautiful tongs!!
Men i hope that i'm getting that good some times. I Look up to you guys.
Unglaublich gute Schmiedearbeit!
Brilliant !
sois unos maestros artistas
Guys that cutter you use when spitting the reins did u make it and what size material do you think was used to make it, I would like to try and make one, I think it's a beauty.
Lenblacksmith It is a splitter that Chris Madrid made. We think out of H-13.
Ok nice tool that one.
Hello there nice work i'm sure, but it would be easier
to cut the jaws before you put your tongs together.
Are you using springsteel or is it mild steel?
All the best
Blacksmith Filip Ponseele-Belgium
Well there are tongs and then there are tongs like those ones, very nice
Very nice work. Can you let us know what that green vice is called or where you got that?
made by Lieser Land Forge
Really beautiful pair of tongs, I love the splitting method! I was looking at your cutting strip/cutting block. At 6:24 it seems to melt a tiny bit, is it aluminum? How does it stand up over time? Also, when Chris marks 1 inch from the end of the bar, he then sets his top fuller behind the mark to forge. Is he lining up the edge of the tool to the mark?
Thanks,
Great video,
Willow
+Willow Zietman Never mind about the cutting plate. Saw that it was a sticker burning off or sth. Still curious about the top tool stuff, though.
aluminum is often used as a backer. Especially if he shop uses some from time to time and there is a scrap bin of it. I have seen copper used, and steel plate.
RESPECT!
youre a great black smith
I will get my Tongs made up this summer once I get my Tin shed up my floor done and my anvil in place nice and cosey out the rain and wind. Nice tongs guy's.
the circle may not be perfect, and they may be a bit long, but it definitely a servicable pair of tongs. nice work.
Excellent.....!
Dang! I have a bucket full of failed tongs. Still working on a pair that I want to love
You are definitely on the path! A failed set of tongs was merely a stepping stone to a series of beautiful ones. Grats on taking the first steps.
Have you made a pair you love yet?
Perfekt!
the blacksmithing was exelent
Used to have a couple kids in the neighborhood that said they were interested and were strikers for a bit.Then,after a while they would run when they smelled the forge firing up!I actually miss those brats ...
very nice
Great video, and that was the best shameless Plug EVER!! LMAO.
You deserve both to be champions congratulations from FRANCE
.. A lot of work ,.. Ace job ,...
Excellent smithing
What anvil and anvil-stand are those?
saubere arbeit ! grüsse aus germany !
Спасибо мужики!
You selling the practice stuff?
What is that thing on the side of your anvil that you dip the hot punch into?
+Lord BoaZ (Anti- Theist) I was wondering the same
a cup of water
It's hot punch lube. Basically molly/graph grease with extra graphite and sometimes some coal dust or powdered steel scale added.
Some people use bees wax. It acts as a lubricant to keep the punches from sticking.
its often a wax with graphite flakes in it (nice when doing power hammer work). Other smiths I have seen demonstrate have used a roll through the powdered coal, which helps in unbinding a tool that's getting stuck.
Master have gold hand👍
Jeez, that was fast
Showing my ignorance, but what is the material that sluffs off the metal when you are working it?
its called slag its a thin layer of burnt metal
MOOOOOORE!!
What is the size of the fuller ,is it 5/8
Золотые руки!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!