This is looking great. Watched the video on my television, then came to my phone to find the Community page thing. Looks like I will need to log in on my computer to find it. But, just incase I can't, my vote is for the forged choice. Since the rest of the latch is forged, that part should be as well...IMHO.
Forged for sure. The 'machined' keeper has a cleaner look, without doubt, but that makes it IMO a jarring contrast to the rest of the forged work. "Oh hey, look, I hand-forged all of this! (Well, except for this easy bit here that I was too lazy forge)'. :-)
I’m glad that I got to see the progress for both. If the backing plate is textured I’d go with forged. If smooth, I’d go with machined. Love the program. Keep it up.
Hello from Perth Western Australia I found your videos on fb and had to come see what other awsome videos you have on UA-cam love the videos mate also currently 8.20pm Sunday here haha
Great work John, don’t get community link her but my vote goes to the forged version! Appearance is much more rough and ready and a lot less factory made! Just my choice, thanks mate!
Thanks for a great video. I'll try a ball swage and see how it works on flat bar. The forged fits the theme best. A little file work could make it perfect and retain the hand forged character. Great video, thanks.
I don’t know how you manage to do it but last night I was literally thinking about how I would make a slide latch for a set of doors that I want to build
Great video! So much to take in, I'm sure to add several to the watch count. Thanks so much for doing THIS video! Well wishes and blessings aboundant Crawford out🙏🔥⚒️🧙🏼♂️
It's probably not a big deal to you, but watching you make that round finial out of flat stock was really impressive! Looking forward to the next part!
Hi John, I can see the appeal of both of the Keepers, one for accuracy and one for appearance, personally I think if I was buying a 'forged latch' I would definitely not be willing to pay for a part that isn't forged. Having said that, how difficult would it be to forge a more accurate keeper or conversely, could you put the machined keeper in the forge, warm it up a little, beat it with a hammer to remove the shine and smoothness of it?
Always feel free to use the power hammer when you can! We might not all have one but can still learn without you going through extra work by hand when you have the better tools available
John, been following you for about a year now and havent commented on anything yet. But i do prefer the forged holder. Thanks for all your videos and knowledge. From steve in Missouri
As long ago you talked about advantages of slot punch and I built one a love it practically for boss for my tongs after having lots of problems then solved. The instance I saw that set-up I knew some small problems are fixed. Again you have such useful knowledge and love of teaching ❤ Thanks Mr Switzer
Thanks John for another great video! I appreciate that you show the little mistakes that we all make. Just shows it's not just me, ha. I like the machined one for the cleaner look, but the forged one will probably fit the project better.
⭕ i personally think it depends on the door and the location within its use... example: front door to a home = forged gate to a fence around the perimeter = machined, unless there's a moat before it. it's part of nostalgia and true to its original use.
Good morning John, I voted for the forged version of the keeper, but would like to see it cleaned up a little. Just my opinion. Thanks for the great video!
Great video, I really like the old tools my dad also loved this type of work and really it's almost a lost art, but thanks to guy's like you keeping it going other's will learn and hopefully get involved. I have a small gun shop and most of the tools I use are the older ones which are the best. I like the forged version just seems it will go better with the other forged parts, thanks for the great videos.
That ball finial is amazing. Great job. Interesting to see how much work goes into that. I’ve been wondering if/how that could be done. Thanks for going thru all of that work for us. I’m looking forward to you wrapping up the next part of this.
Absolutely awesome John, can't wait to see next video in this build. Very nice job explaining it as always John. Keep up the great craftsmanship and hard work my friend. Forge on. Keep making. God bless.
The one bought in hardware store because i dont need to spend 1h making it :) We take things for granted like nails,screws ,bolts and rest of small hardware.Thank god for industrial revolution,i cant picture myself spending whole day making nails or trying to cut screw thread with chisel and hammer!
Hello John A very good Projekt. Usefull and teachfull what else we want more. A good New Week and take care Yours Frank Galetzka Ah by the way you are Black Bear FORGE and not Black Bear Mashine Produktion Sorry but i had to write this dont be angry 😉😉
Going to look for link, aesthetics wise ,, forge all the way 👌, multiple x for sale,,, drill and grind, both excellent options for different reasons 👍🏻 cheers John 🍻 pity about the first one, that kinda stuff normally mooses my sense of humour so bad it's game over for the day. 😀 👍🏻 nice recovery on the re-do.
About the question all Forge done by artist and machine if attempted by myself unless it's in my personal place such as my garden gate. If it's stamped by YOU SIR YES Thanks
I have been watching these for a while and do appreciate that you try to give metric conversions. One that has bugged me a lot is calling 3/4 inch 20mm as it is almost perfectly 19mm. This is so close that a large number of tool manufacturers supply tools labeled as 19mm/3/4". I do like what you do and have learnt a lot from watching you, this is just one of those stupid little things that bumps a button in my brain.
Watching you make that ball on the end of that rod reminded me; a long time ago when I was about 8 years old (~1959) this friend’s dad had built him a toy rifle that was bolt action. I don’t remember much detail about it nor how his dad built it. It was pretty cool compared to the cap guns of the day. It had a wood stock and the rest was metal: barrel, trigger, sights, trigger guard, buttplate and what even intrigued me at the time was the bolt action with all the parts hand made! He even had shells with bullets in them! The action would have been fairly similar to what we call in the modern day as a barrel bolt locking mechanism for a door or gate.👍😝‼️
The forged piece matches the rest of the project but the machined version will most likely work smoother. I'd beat up a little if I was going to use it though. John, I love your videos and have learned so much. You are a true craftsman and an excellent teacher. I also thinks it's wonderful that you always remind folks to wear their safety glasses. Accidents happen. Thanks John
Regarding the transition to the finial, if one had more time than steel could you MIG weld the area that was necked down to far before normalising the piece instead of starting again? Basically I'm wondering if you can forge welded areas.
You did a shop tour last year where you explained the difference between a welder, a machinist and a blacksmith, pointing out the strengths and weaknesses of each, but ultimately that a blacksmith can do things neither a welder nor a machinist can do. Use the forged piece!
It's funny . Blacksmiths slowly turned into farriers then welders machinist foundry . The mechine piece looks nicer however there is no carrier to it it's clean fits nice but no spirit . When done the Forged & machine elements will bring it to life and pleasing to the eye
Forged version for sure the machined version is probably more a up like you said but the overall piece was forged so I’d stay with the forged look through out the piece
Near my house I would go for the forged one. If it is for one of my out buildings by the field, I would go for the machined one since my buildings are a contemporary style
Either or will do. However, if the hand cut versions will make a better stronger connection, I would heat it up in the forge, use a hammer or ball pein to texture it and use it.
I like the forged piece the drilled and ground looks a lot cleaner but the forge piece gives it the authentic and rustic look love the video John can’t wait to see part two
I believe I would go with the forged version, it would compliment the rest of the latch. Mr. Switzer, be expecting a package soon. I hope you can understand the note and also the contents will be useful. Keep up the teaching and fine blacksmithing. I do enjoy and look forward to each one.
I like having the mass isolated for things like this. It helps to be able to hook the shoulder of what will become the ball on the edge of the anvil or in the vise.
When you cut the keep off in the Smithin' Magician, the stock was oriented vertically, Is it better or easier to do the cut g with the stock vertical or flat?
This is looking great. Watched the video on my television, then came to my phone to find the Community page thing. Looks like I will need to log in on my computer to find it. But, just incase I can't, my vote is for the forged choice. Since the rest of the latch is forged, that part should be as well...IMHO.
Forged for sure. The 'machined' keeper has a cleaner look, without doubt, but that makes it IMO a jarring contrast to the rest of the forged work. "Oh hey, look, I hand-forged all of this! (Well, except for this easy bit here that I was too lazy forge)'. :-)
I’m glad that I got to see the progress for both. If the backing plate is textured I’d go with forged. If smooth, I’d go with machined. Love the program. Keep it up.
I like the the forge one better. And a great job as always
Hello from Perth Western Australia I found your videos on fb and had to come see what other awsome videos you have on UA-cam love the videos mate also currently 8.20pm Sunday here haha
Welcome aboard!
Another vote for the forged version
Great work John, don’t get community link her but my vote goes to the forged version! Appearance is much more rough and ready and a lot less factory made! Just my choice, thanks mate!
I’m in a welding academy and my teacher sent me here. We’re learning blacksmithing right now and man… this channel is a gold mine of info!
Hey John. I prefer the forged version. More appealing to the eye. Machined version doesn’t match the rest of the latch. Keep up the good work
Machined looks cleaner for sure but since it's a traditionally forged piece, I prefer the forged one.
Great video!
Forged version for sure. Keeps the piece in character.
Thanks for a great video. I'll try a ball swage and see how it works on flat bar. The forged fits the theme best.
A little file work could make it perfect and retain the hand forged character.
Great video, thanks.
Добрый день , а с грузом не цепи очень хорошая идея ! Спасибо !
Both are great looking but forged is forged. This is my first video and your tools are very cool! I used to collect tools. Nice work!
Mixed feelings! Machined one is crispy but I have to go with a more touchable feel of the forged one.
I don’t know how you manage to do it but last night I was literally thinking about how I would make a slide latch for a set of doors that I want to build
Great video! So much to take in, I'm sure to add several to the watch count. Thanks so much for doing THIS video!
Well wishes and blessings aboundant
Crawford out🙏🔥⚒️🧙🏼♂️
Really nice job! I like the result! Keep it up... 💪👍🔥
Thanks for sharing with us John, keep up the good work. Fred
It's probably not a big deal to you, but watching you make that round finial out of flat stock was really impressive! Looking forward to the next part!
Hi John, I can see the appeal of both of the Keepers, one for accuracy and one for appearance, personally I think if I was buying a 'forged latch' I would definitely not be willing to pay for a part that isn't forged.
Having said that, how difficult would it be to forge a more accurate keeper or conversely, could you put the machined keeper in the forge, warm it up a little, beat it with a hammer to remove the shine and smoothness of it?
Always feel free to use the power hammer when you can! We might not all have one but can still learn without you going through extra work by hand when you have the better tools available
Great work! I like the machined piece best
John, been following you for about a year now and havent commented on anything yet. But i do prefer the forged holder. Thanks for all your videos and knowledge. From steve in Missouri
Hi John, I enjoy watching your videos, I would use the forged one myself.
Community tab doesn’t work on the iPad… but I vote forged version :)
Hey John, another great video. My vote is for the forged one. It will fit the esthetics of the rest of the project much better.
I always enjoy your videos! Giving me good ideas to try myself! Thank you John!
Glad you like them!
Hey, about punching stock with a handheld punch, would tack welding a small sheet metal disc to it, below your hand, help block the heat?
As long ago you talked about advantages of slot punch and I built one a love it practically for boss for my tongs after having lots of problems then solved. The instance I saw that set-up I knew some small problems are fixed.
Again you have such useful knowledge and love of teaching ❤
Thanks Mr Switzer
Thanks John for another great video! I appreciate that you show the little mistakes that we all make. Just shows it's not just me, ha. I like the machined one for the cleaner look, but the forged one will probably fit the project better.
My vote is for the Forged piece. The other piece is beautiful, but it just doesn't have the same character
Always go with forged look 100 times better you can buy a lot of machined pieces
Another job and video well done.👏thank you sir.
⭕ i personally think it depends on the door and the location within its use... example: front door to a home = forged
gate to a fence around the perimeter = machined, unless there's a moat before it. it's part of nostalgia and true to its original use.
Good morning John, I voted for the forged version of the keeper, but would like to see it cleaned up a little. Just my opinion. Thanks for the great video!
forged version. Great work, thank you for sharing!
Amazing work , what special talent you have ! Great videos , thank you !
A true master makes it look easy and it's really not. Thanks for the inspiration!
Great video, I really like the old tools my dad also loved this type of work and really it's almost a lost art, but thanks to guy's like you keeping it going other's will learn and hopefully get involved. I have a small gun shop and most of the tools I use are the older ones which are the best. I like the forged version just seems it will go better with the other forged parts, thanks for the great videos.
I kinda like the machined version. Fits my capabilities at this point in time.
Awesome project John. I, of course, love the look of the forged keeper.
Hello John, i have been looking for a video about latches. Great work! I like the machined piece best.
Glad you like it
Cool project John. I have to ask, would forging the ball in a swedge have been easier?
Once its close to size. Providing you have the correct swage, which I didn't. Sounds like a future video idea
Forged for me John. Beautiful piece. Nothing beats the look of home made... great content, See you on the next one. Take care
Nice work and presentation. I go with forged.
Forged version matches the rest of the piece better in my opinion. Always fun to watch you create these items! Thanks, Clinton
That ball finial is amazing. Great job. Interesting to see how much work goes into that. I’ve been wondering if/how that could be done. Thanks for going thru all of that work for us. I’m looking forward to you wrapping up the next part of this.
Forging is by far the way to go..! Can't wait for the next installment, John. 🇺🇲👍
Absolutely awesome John, can't wait to see next video in this build. Very nice job explaining it as always John. Keep up the great craftsmanship and hard work my friend. Forge on. Keep making. God bless.
Always love your videos keep up the good work.
I think the forged has a more rustic look is better
I was literally on the site looking at the magician yesterday debating on the kit versus the finished tool. Great timing on that discount code!
Glad I could help!
I'm vote for forged too, it's classic.
Forged version all the way!
The forged one.........nice work
A minute ago? Good timing.
I like the forge
The one bought in hardware store because i dont need to spend 1h making it :) We take things for granted like nails,screws ,bolts and rest of small hardware.Thank god for industrial revolution,i cant picture myself spending whole day making nails or trying to cut screw thread with chisel and hammer!
I like the forged one better
Hello John
A very good Projekt.
Usefull and teachfull what else we want more.
A good New Week and take care
Yours Frank Galetzka
Ah by the way you are Black Bear FORGE and not Black Bear Mashine Produktion Sorry but i had to write this dont be angry 😉😉
Going to look for link, aesthetics wise ,, forge all the way 👌, multiple x for sale,,, drill and grind, both excellent options for different reasons 👍🏻 cheers John 🍻 pity about the first one, that kinda stuff normally mooses my sense of humour so bad it's game over for the day. 😀 👍🏻 nice recovery on the re-do.
About the question all Forge done by artist and machine if attempted by myself unless it's in my personal place such as my garden gate.
If it's stamped by YOU SIR YES
Thanks
I have been watching these for a while and do appreciate that you try to give metric conversions. One that has bugged me a lot is calling 3/4 inch 20mm as it is almost perfectly 19mm.
This is so close that a large number of tool manufacturers supply tools labeled as 19mm/3/4". I do like what you do and have learnt a lot from watching you, this is just one of those stupid little things that bumps a button in my brain.
Fantastic work as always. You’re so detailed on explaining your work. Thank you. Bad thanks for always sharing!!!! 👍🏻
Watching you make that ball on the end of that rod reminded me; a long time ago when I was about 8 years old (~1959) this friend’s dad had built him a toy rifle that was bolt action. I don’t remember much detail about it nor how his dad built it. It was pretty cool compared to the cap guns of the day. It had a wood stock and the rest was metal: barrel, trigger, sights, trigger guard, buttplate and what even intrigued me at the time was the bolt action with all the parts hand made! He even had shells with bullets in them! The action would have been fairly similar to what we call in the modern day as a barrel bolt locking mechanism for a door or gate.👍😝‼️
The forged piece matches the rest of the project but the machined version will most likely work smoother. I'd beat up a little if I was going to use it though. John, I love your videos and have learned so much. You are a true craftsman and an excellent teacher. I also thinks it's wonderful that you always remind folks to wear their safety glasses. Accidents happen. Thanks John
Forged version Shows the Love!
Unless the cold machined piece matters.
Your Hammer marks are why we love you!
Regarding the transition to the finial, if one had more time than steel could you MIG weld the area that was necked down to far before normalising the piece instead of starting again?
Basically I'm wondering if you can forge welded areas.
You did a shop tour last year where you explained the difference between a welder, a machinist and a blacksmith, pointing out the strengths and weaknesses of each, but ultimately that a blacksmith can do things neither a welder nor a machinist can do. Use the forged piece!
Now I must watch the second part, I am having trouble picturing this device. And seeing is believing so I'll be back.
Good morning
It's funny . Blacksmiths slowly turned into farriers then welders machinist foundry . The mechine piece looks nicer however there is no carrier to it it's clean fits nice but no spirit . When done the Forged & machine elements will bring it to life and pleasing to the eye
Great work John, I like the forged keeper, although I like the look of the machines one better for this particular piece. 👍
Forged version for sure the machined version is probably more a up like you said but the overall piece was forged so I’d stay with the forged look through out the piece
Near my house I would go for the forged one. If it is for one of my out buildings by the field, I would go for the machined one since my buildings are a contemporary style
Couldn’t access the link but I like the forged one for this project.
Either or will do. However, if the hand cut versions will make a better stronger connection, I would heat it up in the forge, use a hammer or ball pein to texture it and use it.
I like the forged piece the drilled and ground looks a lot cleaner but the forge piece gives it the authentic and rustic look love the video John can’t wait to see part two
Always forged pieces Look much better. Thx🌶
Please Sir , stay forged with forged !!! by the way , nice work on the finale !!!
Beautiful work sir. I believe that the forged version speaks to the entire project.
Prefer the forged but know machined is faster, easier, and cheaper to build.
After seeing it all on the bench right at the end of the video my vote is also forged, it will match that ball handle much better 👍🏼
Great job! I'd say use both versions. What are you going to do, just throw one away?
Very nice project and video. Thanks you...
I VOTED FOR THE FORGED PIECE, IF THE PART WAS ALL MACHINED I WOULD OF VOTED THAT WAY
Great work.but i like forged better.maybe its just me
i voted forged purely because it matches the rest of the build,
I say forged your blacksmith gotta Forge it
Maaaan I love your channel and content keep up.the great work
I believe I would go with the forged version, it would compliment the rest of the latch. Mr. Switzer, be expecting a package soon. I hope you can understand the note and also the contents will be useful. Keep up the teaching and fine blacksmithing. I do enjoy and look forward to each one.
Thanks in advance
So why did you not do the ball while the rest of the bar was a bit thicker, and then draw it out to length?
I like having the mass isolated for things like this. It helps to be able to hook the shoulder of what will become the ball on the edge of the anvil or in the vise.
“FORGED” always forged
Great project. I think the forged version
I recon the forged one more Traditional , Cheers.
When you cut the keep off in the Smithin' Magician, the stock was oriented vertically, Is it better or easier to do the cut g with the stock vertical or flat?
Less resistance and seems to cut faster, but I don't think it really matters in the finished piece.
The forged one goes with the rest of the project 👍😁
The forged one keeps the handcrafted look.