Thanks for the reminders. Its the Smith that makes the tools. And it is heartlifting to be reminded that even Roy Adams started out without all the tools we see. And to not have the tools at hand and think outside the box definately helps the creative mind grow and appreciate what they have and what the can do. God bless you
Roy, I found a few agricultural disks that do not have holes because the tractor salesman waits to drill them as made-to-order. I found one that was almost a 1/4 inch thick. It works well as a dishing swage although it is 22 inches across. You could also seal a hole by welding a small plug over it.
Hi Roy, I like your comment "Its not the tool that makes the blacksmith, Its the blacksmith that makes the tool". That is what they did back in the olden days. I have been blessed as a builder, I can see hidden tools hiding in the scrap pile. I had a pile of scrap I was saving for a load to the yard, then I got introduced to blacksmithing a few of years ago. Now this pile is stock for projects and tool making, who knows what lies in that pile that can be created. Set your imagination free, and see what happens. Thanks Roy 👍🙏
As a new hobbyist, I have been looking for ideas for swedges/fullers/etc. Thank you for this video, and sharing all the great content you make. "It is not the tools that make the smith. It is the smith that makes the tools." I love it! Thank you!
Around my area, it's very hard to find a swage block. So, I've made some out of the bottom of a couple different sized fire extinguishers. Works good! Also, I have some pieces of pipe that are different sizes that work well. Like, 2", 4" & 6". A lot cheaper & easier to build than trying to find a swage block. but... I'm still gonna keep my eyes open for one! Thanks for the Great video & some good ideas!
Roy, it sounds like you'd make a good military man. One thing I used to hear all the time when I was in the Air Force is this; "don't complain about what you don't have. Use what you've got". Make what you've got work or make up something that "will" work. You improvise. And I've pretty much lived my life like that. It sounds like you have the same thoughts too. Keep up the good work!
And making the tools to make something is so satisfying. Often more so than the actual job😊 Thankyou Roy. Merry Christmas to you and Jessica and your family🌲💕
Another great & informative video Roy. I couldn't agree more about finding ways around not having the tools you need & having to find clever ways and workarounds. Smithing is my hobby so I don't have a lot of spare cash to fund it. As such, I have build and make do where I can. I have built my own belt grinder & attachments which works really well, I also don't have a welder so I have got quite good at thinking of ways to bolt things together instead to make the tools I need. My guillotine tool for example is bolted together and works a treat.
I really appreciate your content sir. You have the tools, there is no reason for you to take your time, time you could be using to make money, and use it to show things like this . No other reason than the genuine desire to help people like myself. It is truly appreciated, thank you man.
Another completely ready made depression of good size is the inner tank of a water heater. I stripped the insulation off a (I'm guessing) a 40 gallon water heater, and the bottom domes inwards. It's 16 or 18 inch diameter if I recall, and wound only need to be cut down to the appropriate height for the user.
Great stuff Roy,I got an end to an oxygen tank for a swage block and all kinds of pipes and stuff for forming...with just one lil swage block I bought for $50.00.Thanks!
I started blacksmithing with a $7 hammer, a rusted piece of metal being used as a boat anchor, and a cooking wok with holes drilled in the bottom. After 14 years, buying and making 1 thing at a time, I have acquired enough stuff for a functioning wood / metal shop. Don’t look at the duck on the calm surface, look at his feet paddling like hell against the invisible current.
Desde Agentina agradezco tus consejos, los cuales sirven para ampliar la capacidad intelectual de muchas personas. Gracias por la traducción al castellano sin lo cual todos los conocimientos que compartes con humildad no podrían ser valorados por millones de personas que necesitan aprender. Muchas Gracias larga y buena vida.
Very nice. I have a couple steel blocks, about 5" square, they are manifolds from an old loader for hydraulic or pneumatic lines. So there's a few big holes in each, one hole I machined a small scalloped depression into around the hole, while turning the weld seam off. I was saving them for machine work setup blocks but will probably designate one for swage block uses
My father-in-law gave me the knuckle off of a train or they connect together he worked for the railroad for years and retired and picked it up long long time ago it works great as a swage lock
Just buy some old gas cylinders, the backside is usually a big depression, plus you can cut a ring out of the cylinder, which is even bigger in diameter. The cylinder itself can be used for shaping round forms, or a cutout of thy cylinder can be used to shape negative shapes in... My suggestion is: find an old gas cylinder, cut of the back as a doming form, cut a ring for shaping stuff, cut off half a ring for shaping stuff. Also find a length of thick walled pipe. About 3" diameter - use the hollow end for doming, use the outside for shaping. Cost you about $ 20,- or €15 or so I use mine now for 15 years.... Drum brakes, like shown here are not that good, a bit brittle. You better use those to make a forge for charcoal....
FYI. Don’t for get disc Harrow blades they are great and good steel. Check with agri tractor dealers and repair shops. The blades wear out or have broken centers but are still great dish forms.
Love your boldness in your business name. Been a Christian my entire life but just had my mind blown by Grace. Dude, check out "Grace Walk" book...biblical truths in there we western Christians didn't hear much in our calvinism/arminianism backgrounds
can't believe you missed the easiest one off all, old co2 or oxygen bottle. a lot off them have lovely depretion's in the bottom off them for forming, cut the top off them fill with sand weld a nice chunky plate on the top turn upside down bang!! done, used an old co2 fire extinguisher need to get a oxygen bottle to do the same with, you don't need to fill with sand but it helps dampen the sound as they are a tad noisy otherwise!!
first comment >^o^< I see oreo is still doing well from the live stream last friday watching on my phone today is our cat spookys adoption or gotcha day aniversery 10 years around 3 pm we had him here, as for the swedge alternatives good to note if I ever take up smithing more seriously
@@ChristCenteredIronworks hey someone has to keep the mice and bugs away, and provide entertainment during break, or hold the tongs while your riveting, ok well maybe scratch that last part but I am sure he enjoys trotting around the old barn
Seems like packing dirt/clay into a break drum would work great for a depression and easy for anyone that wouldn't need any other told to make it work.
Thanks for the reminders. Its the Smith that makes the tools. And it is heartlifting to be reminded that even Roy Adams started out without all the tools we see. And to not have the tools at hand and think outside the box definately helps the creative mind grow and appreciate what they have and what the can do. God bless you
That bowl swedge is amazing. “These days it costs considerably more money” 🥺 you are a master of understatement, sir.
Roy, I found a few agricultural disks that do not have holes because the tractor salesman waits to drill them as made-to-order. I found one that was almost a 1/4 inch thick. It works well as a dishing swage although it is 22 inches across. You could also seal a hole by welding a small plug over it.
Hi Roy, I like your comment "Its not the tool that makes the blacksmith, Its the blacksmith that makes the tool". That is what they did back in the olden days. I have been blessed as a builder, I can see hidden tools hiding in the scrap pile. I had a pile of scrap I was saving for a load to the yard, then I got introduced to blacksmithing a few of years ago. Now this pile is stock for projects and tool making, who knows what lies in that pile that can be created. Set your imagination free, and see what happens. Thanks Roy 👍🙏
As a new hobbyist, I have been looking for ideas for swedges/fullers/etc. Thank you for this video, and sharing all the great content you make. "It is not the tools that make the smith. It is the smith that makes the tools." I love it! Thank you!
Glad it was helpful!
I like your pep talk,and that you show some ideas that not costing a lot of money
Around my area, it's very hard to find a swage block. So, I've made some out of the bottom of a couple different sized fire extinguishers. Works good! Also, I have some pieces of pipe that are different sizes that work well. Like, 2", 4" & 6". A lot cheaper & easier to build than trying to find a swage block. but... I'm still gonna keep my eyes open for one! Thanks for the Great video & some good ideas!
Roy, it sounds like you'd make a good military man. One thing I used to hear all the time when I was in the Air Force is this; "don't complain about what you don't have. Use what you've got". Make what you've got work or make up something that "will" work. You improvise. And I've pretty much lived my life like that. It sounds like you have the same thoughts too. Keep up the good work!
Great ideas Roy! Thanks and God Bless you guys!
Thanks for the morning pep talk Roy!
Appreciate the good content and encouragement Roy
Awesome and very helpful video thank you so much Roy. Keep up the great craftsmanship and hard work my friend. Forge on. God bless
And making the tools to make something is so satisfying. Often more so than the actual job😊
Thankyou Roy. Merry Christmas to you and Jessica and your family🌲💕
Another great & informative video Roy. I couldn't agree more about finding ways around not having the tools you need & having to find clever ways and workarounds. Smithing is my hobby so I don't have a lot of spare cash to fund it. As such, I have build and make do where I can. I have built my own belt grinder & attachments which works really well, I also don't have a welder so I have got quite good at thinking of ways to bolt things together instead to make the tools I need. My guillotine tool for example is bolted together and works a treat.
I really appreciate your content sir. You have the tools, there is no reason for you to take your time, time you could be using to make money, and use it to show things like this . No other reason than the genuine desire to help people like myself. It is truly appreciated, thank you man.
All great advise. Thanks Roy!
What fantastic amazing ideas. Thank you so much Roy!!!!😃🙏🏼
Another completely ready made depression of good size is the inner tank of a water heater. I stripped the insulation off a (I'm guessing) a 40 gallon water heater, and the bottom domes inwards. It's 16 or 18 inch diameter if I recall, and wound only need to be cut down to the appropriate height for the user.
Great stuff Roy,I got an end to an oxygen tank for a swage block and all kinds of pipes and stuff for forming...with just one lil swage block I bought for $50.00.Thanks!
Great idea's Roy. Thanks.
I started blacksmithing with a $7 hammer, a rusted piece of metal being used as a boat anchor, and a cooking wok with holes drilled in the bottom. After 14 years, buying and making 1 thing at a time, I have acquired enough stuff for a functioning wood / metal shop.
Don’t look at the duck on the calm surface, look at his feet paddling like hell against the invisible current.
That’s amazing. Thank you for posting.
As always you open my eye to new options
As always! Informative and encouraging!
I absolutely love making my own swages, tools, jigs & forms
Great ideas, creativity will get you a quote variety of tools than purchasing will. Great job, keep up the good work
Thanks 👍
What do you said hit the nail on the head you are very right my friend the blacksmith makes his own tools
Desde Agentina agradezco tus consejos, los cuales sirven para ampliar la capacidad intelectual de muchas personas.
Gracias por la traducción al castellano sin lo cual todos los conocimientos que compartes con humildad no podrían ser valorados por millones de personas que necesitan aprender.
Muchas Gracias larga y buena vida.
Great advice very well put. If I can't buy it make it just sharpen my skill and determination right. Keep rocking the house boss 😎
Always helpful thanks Roy
Great options. I just started on a cupping tool out of 3” pipe. I will start looking for a brake rotor
It does work great.
Great video Roy.. very inspiring! 🤘🔥
Very nice.
I have a couple steel blocks, about 5" square, they are manifolds from an old loader for hydraulic or pneumatic lines. So there's a few big holes in each, one hole I machined a small scalloped depression into around the hole, while turning the weld seam off.
I was saving them for machine work setup blocks but will probably designate one for swage block uses
Thank you for sharing your knowledge and skills...
Very welcome
Great insightful video
Bottom of a oxygen tank works really well also.
Wow yeah this changes some plans for me, thanks man!
Your welcome
I,m taking it to my heart, we have to do what we need to do!! I'm still trying to get over losing my father 2 weeks ago!😢
I am sorry to hear that, my condolences. Our prayers are with you and your family.
@@ChristCenteredIronworks Thanks Roy, thanks for the prayers.
thank you this was helpful
Thank you for the tips!
Happy to help!
Morning everyone
Good morning
Great video! Thanks for the suggestions, do you have any alternatives for the smaller swages along the side of the block?
Well ya convinced me.... gonna bushhog the backyard and dig up a brake rotor...
Just wanted to say l really like that apron
But Rooooyyyyyyyyy, I don't have .....
Great stuff Roy!
Absolutely! Need a tool, make a tool.
Thanks man. Good stuff. :)
Thank you for the Alternatives I probably will never own them a switchblock thank you
Well I do need to change my brake drums so now I know what to do with the old ones haha
My father-in-law gave me the knuckle off of a train or they connect together he worked for the railroad for years and retired and picked it up long long time ago it works great as a swage lock
Thanks Roy! How do you know what size depression to use for the bowl you want to make? Is there a rule of thumb?
I never thought of that I have a bunch rotors and brake drums just sitting around
Thanks good info👍
Just buy some old gas cylinders, the backside is usually a big depression, plus you can cut a ring out of the cylinder, which is even bigger in diameter. The cylinder itself can be used for shaping round forms, or a cutout of thy cylinder can be used to shape negative shapes in...
My suggestion is: find an old gas cylinder, cut of the back as a doming form, cut a ring for shaping stuff, cut off half a ring for shaping stuff.
Also find a length of thick walled pipe. About 3" diameter - use the hollow end for doming, use the outside for shaping.
Cost you about $ 20,- or €15 or so I use mine now for 15 years....
Drum brakes, like shown here are not that good, a bit brittle.
You better use those to make a forge for charcoal....
FYI. Don’t for get disc Harrow blades they are great and good steel. Check with agri tractor dealers and repair shops. The blades wear out or have broken centers but are still great dish forms.
At the 8:35ish mark I did for a second wonder "where do you pick up battleship drive shafts?"
Well said sir!
Love your boldness in your business name. Been a Christian my entire life but just had my mind blown by Grace. Dude, check out "Grace Walk" book...biblical truths in there we western Christians didn't hear much in our calvinism/arminianism backgrounds
Question: exhaust hood, fan forced? If so, is the fan inside the chimney? Or is it off to the side using a syphoning effect?
@christcenteredironworks any ideas on just flat swage blocks ?
It's snowing in your workshop, slits in the walls? Or a hole in the roof?
can't believe you missed the easiest one off all, old co2 or oxygen bottle. a lot off them have lovely depretion's in the bottom off them for forming, cut the top off them fill with sand weld a nice chunky plate on the top turn upside down bang!! done, used an old co2 fire extinguisher need to get a oxygen bottle to do the same with, you don't need to fill with sand but it helps dampen the sound as they are a tad noisy otherwise!!
@christcenteredironworks thanks for the video gives me ideas. And Roy stop throwing that flux about lol.
It's hard to do I just love the stuff so much :-)
first comment >^o^< I see oreo is still doing well from the live stream last friday watching on my phone today is our cat spookys adoption or gotcha day aniversery 10 years around 3 pm we had him here, as for the swedge alternatives good to note if I ever take up smithing more seriously
Yep he's still doin good and under foot lol :-)
@@ChristCenteredIronworks hey someone has to keep the mice and bugs away, and provide entertainment during break, or hold the tongs while your riveting, ok well maybe scratch that last part but I am sure he enjoys trotting around the old barn
Seems like packing dirt/clay into a break drum would work great for a depression and easy for anyone that wouldn't need any other told to make it work.
Good
Hope you dont mind but im putting your quote on my wall somewhere. It will keep me thinking.
Go for it!
Is it snowing inside the shop.
It is
👍
Bottom of a gas cylinder is primo
You got your swage from the wild? Don't you think a farm raised swage would be more sustainable? Jk great video
No money for a swedge block? How about a stump and a grinder?
Is it snowing inside there man.
You think 😆 it's cold to
Need a tool? Make the tool!
And if nothing else a stump or block of wood will work
Makes me feel guilty about smashing all those drums now🤔
Evolution in the Christian foundry, how ironic.