Forging a Traditional Holdfast
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- Опубліковано 21 сер 2020
- Woodworkers holdfasts are one of my most popular items here at Black bear Forge. Today I am making a small batch of traditional holdfasts with an upset square corner. Only it isn't really upset.
#holdfast #workbench #blackbearforge
My name is John Switzer, I operate Black Bear Forge, a small one person blacksmith shop located in southern Colorado. My current focus is shifting away from commissions and customer orders and towards education through these videos on UA-cam. Thank you for watching
To provide financial support use one of the two links below.
www.paypal.me/BlackBearForge
Or you may set up a monthly contribution through Patreon
/ blackbearforge
Mailing address:
Black Bear Forge
P.O. Box 4
Beulah, CO 81023
If you are curious about some of my other interests, you may like my second channel
John Switzer
/ @johnswitzer
Find my online at:
www.blackbearforge.com
www.blackbearforge.etsy.com
/ blackbearforge
/ black-bear-forge-20986...
Below you will find useful links that will help you in your journey as a blacksmith.
My blacksmiths apron
www.Forge-Aprons.com use code BBF
RZmask 99.5% dust mask
rzmask.com?afmc=ay
To find more information in blacksmithing in the US or to search for your local ABANA affiliate group visit.
www.abana.org/
Blacksmithing tools and supplies
Self contained air hammers - www.saymakhammers.com/
General blacksmithing supplies - www.oleoacresfarriersupply.com/
General blacksmithing supplies - www.piehtoolco.com/
General blacksmithing supplies - www.centaurforge.com/
General blacksmithing supplies - www.blacksmithsdepot.com/
General blacksmithing supplies - www.blacksmithsupply.com/
Square head bolts and lags - www.blacksmithbolt.com/
New anvils - www.oldworldanvils.com/
New anvils - www.nimbaanvils.com/
New anvils -
Industrial supplier - www.mcmaster.com
Tong blanks and tools - kensironstore.com/
Fire brick and refractory - refwest.com
Most of my videos are shot on the Canon M50
adorama.evyy.net/NEnJV
Audio is recorded using the RodeLink Filmmaker Wireless Microphone Kit
adorama.evyy.net/g5vXA
I have set up a Facebook group just for you, the viewers of this UA-cam channel.
If you would like to share your work that was inspired by my videos
This is the place to do that
/ 101400907400310
Blacksmithing and related activities can be hazardous. These videos are not a substitute for competent professional instruction. Your safety is your sole responsibility. Always use appropriate safety equipment including eye and ear protection when working in the shop. Follow manufactures safety guidelines for the use of all equipment. In the event something shown in one of these videos seems unsafe, it is up to you to make the appropriate changes to protect yourself.
I don't care what anybody says. Your videos are awesome! I've learned so much as a beginner blacksmith. I have a TV in my garage and you're on it all the time!
I reckon the quality of your videos is outstanding either way.
Personally I enjoy you explaining what you are doing, we all make errors and have to re-phrase ourselves occasionally and there is no harm unless you’re doing surgery or working with explosives. The nit-pickers are out there and will always find fault with others . You’re doing a great job, thanks for sharing with us. Do what makes you happy. Those “ hold fasts” turned out great. Thanks for sharing with us.
Yes I like it when things get explained. As I am planning to build a forge for myself, I really like it when the steps are commented on so I don't miss or get stuff wrong as I am a beginner. I can sometimes use a mobile forge my friends own so it is helpful when I can just memorise the summarized "essence" of each step. Thank you for all of your great videos.
I have to say I watch your videos because you're one of the few that actually explains what you're doing. When I realize I'm watching a video and they aren't telling me what's going on I usually move on to the next video. Keep up the great videos and I would even suggest if you did a voice over during editing explaining what you're doing works just as well as talking while you're doing it if that helps any
I prefer the talk through videos.
Remember I'm a rookie so the more you talk and describe the more I learn without guessing.
So please talk us through.
Thank you !
Ram
For what it's worth, your more informative style reminds me of the Woodwrights Shop, which is what I really enjoyed about it. Theres lots of folks on youtube that do the silent, focus on the work style, and its pleasing but im here to learn and hear the thoughts of a master! I hope you can find a good stncretic style that gives you the views you need without losing what makes your video format unique and informative.
Finding the perfect balance between what I enjoy making, what people enjoy watching and what brings in more viewers is always the trick.
I absolutely love the woodwright's shop and I've watched every episode where they visit the blacksmith. They even make this traditional hold fast in one of the episodes
Couldn't have said it better myself. Very well said.
Not a blacksmith but I love watching your videos no matter the format.
I go to your channel first when I'm in the mood for some UA-cam blacksmithing. I do that because of the blacksmithing commentary. When I watch other smithing videos I'll see places where a detail will go by without comment and say to my self "John would have warned us about what could go wrong here". Nothing wrong with mixing up the styles a bit, but I think you are one of the best teachers on UA-cam because of your style.
Your description is a great aid.
I love knowing about stock size., And yes you can make object that weigh a pound out of a block of steel that is about 20 percent heavier than a pound of steel.
John Switzer teaching is some of the best instructions I relate to.
Also I don't like getting hurt and love a caution safety speach because it helps Sir.
Thanks
Good to know!
Ive learnt a collossal amount from watching your inventory of videos. Cant thank you enough!! Dont ever change!
I always watch your videos, but i watch them for the way you teach blacksmithing, grew up in blacksmithing and was told do it this way but never why, u teach the why thanks John for your work
Either way, John. You've never been one to hide your mistakes and the way you fix them. Whether you talk as you forge or do a voice-over, you are still teaching and we're learning (and being entertained)
Honestly I really like how educational these videos are, even if you don’t talk while you are forging it’s still very clear to see how you do it, but I also love to see and here you talk about it and explain a little before and after, all in all the videos are very professional and very helpful and I learn something new every time I watch, so thank you for working so hard on keeping your channel going and I’m excited to see what you do next.
Jingle Bells! My 9 year old son was watching this video with me, and right after you put your makers mark on, at about 11:50 seconds your hammer starts pounding out jingle bells. 😂🤣
I didn’t notice but he sure did!
A moving picture says a thousand words.
Personally I like both styles of videos. I just enjoy your content.
Thank you so much for this.
I grew up in a car racing shop and from an early age fell in love with pretty and elegant tools that were also tough and functional
.
In this you not only answered some of my questions about traditional woodworking but you also taught me a lot about blacksmithing.
Again Thank you
I prefer your verbal instruction, what you are doing while you are working and the short cuts, pitfall etc. either way you are doing a great job in future generations of blacksmiths.
I plan to watch your videos no matter what format you adopt; however, I do prefer the detailed discussion format. In any case, you’re much appreciated.
Please don’t stop the detailed description, it’s what makes your videos great.
I like both. I believe those of us who are also blacksmiths like the commentary more but as long as you are making great content and are able to do this. I am happy.
The cinematography in this is top notch
I love the description while working, as others have said we love getting the little tidbits of knowledge that we wouldn't have gleaned otherwise. Also you remind me of my dad and he's not around much anymore so it is nice getting the thoughts that are on the top of your head. As always, critics are always the loud minority. Focus on the people that love what you do, the ones who don't will move on anyways. Cheers
Yours was one of the first blacksmithing channels I found when I took up smithing as a hobby and the amount of knowledge I have been able to gain from watching you has been very helpful. I find that the running commentary during the work is valuable especially to those like myself that still have so much to learn about the craft. Whichever style you choose, you will still be my go to " UA-cam professor "
Your great commentary is what puts your videos way above many others on UA-cam. I suspect those who complain about the informative commentary are here simply to watch you make things.
Those of us who are here to learn value your willingness to share your knowledge - thank you.
First off Thank you John. I enjoy all your videos, whoever I am a beginner blacksmith and I get so much more out of a video when you explain what you are doing. Thank you once again. Stay safe and bless you.
Keep talking. Hearing you describe what your doing and more importantly why you're doing it this way is one of the things that set your videos apart from the rest.
John, I enjoy and learn from your videos in whatever format you do them. Just please keep doing them!
Thanks, will do!
I really like those holdfasts, they are very elegant.
I started watching and stayed due to the well made videos and think the commentary is an added plus. Many times information can be gleaned from an added comment that would not be obvious just from watching the video.
Adding comments in the form of narrating the video during editing, may also be a viable method that would make the editing process easier.
Voice over is certainly an option. Watching other peoples videos I find some if it really helps and some of it seems more like listening to your uncle while showing slides from his vacation.
Those hold fast's are superb John and I enjoy your vids whether or not your giving a running commentary. Fact of the matter is you teach us guys out here so much and we are thankfull for that. Thank You John for all your education
I learn something every time I watch your videos. Keep doing what you do and thanks.
As a beginner, I liked the commentary on the videos aimed at those of us who are completely clueless. Your explanation on the split cross taught me a lot as well as the expansive episode on tong making and hammer work on the anvil. Thank you. In the end, you do what works best for you.
Personally I like the way you do your educational videos it helped me out a lot as a bargaining Smith I’ve been doing it part-time 8 or 9 years My job keeps me away to 3 weeks at the time I get home and have to do honeydews so the next best thing is watching you thank you John keep up the good work
Hi John! I watch a lot of your videos and very much appreciate your accompanying discussions of what you are doing and why you are completing each step. Thank you for the lessons.
I definitely love hearing you talking step by step! Great videos!
I like both formats. I think the less talk when you are using the power tools makes sense for me as I don’t have any of those anyway, so it’s just fun to watch. I think with hand forging it makes more sense to have tutorial and indefinitely appreciate it when you are doing something a little more technical.
Also don’t discount the fact that a lot of people watch these videos because we just think you are a cool person on top of some great forging.
John, your videos have been good either way. There are times when I've listened to you talk all the way through it, misspeak yourself (because you're human), make a flub because you were distracted, and then have to go back and remake something, or tell us you had to go back and do it. You've also done a few where you did the commenting at the end, so you could concentrate on the work at hand. What I like about your videos is that you strive to produce a quality product, period. When we see you make an error, it becomes a learning experience for all of us. Lately, I've been watching A LOT of UA-cam videos from a variety of makers. Blacksmiths, machinists, woodworkers, and mechanics mostly. One of the things I've seen in most of them is that they put corrections in as captions during their editing. But regardless of the style that you use, your purpose is still the same, to teach, just like them. You are a fantastic teacher and I love seeing the things you make, whether it's something you do day-after-day, or trying something new and taking us along for the ride. Thank you for everything you've done and continue to do. While I may never take up a hammer and forge something I very much appreciate your workmanship. Hopefully, when this whole virus mess is behind us, I'd like for my wife and I to take a trip out your way, and possibly get to see your shop firsthand. If not, I can certainly enjoy it from this side of the camera. Keep up the good work!
Please don’t ever stop making blacksmith videos.
I like your videos both ways, they both provide enough information, just 1 has more talking in it. Fantastic work as always
As far as explanation goes, I think as long as you are giving enough explanation to get the point across, it's all good. Naturally, that means it's a sliding scale; some processes will require more explanation than others. The best I can come up with is, if it FEELS like you need to explain it a bit more, do so. You won't get any complaints from this quarter.
I really prefer the explanation as you forge a project. What attracted me as a VERY newbie hobby blacksmith to your channel is that you explained the nuances of what you are doing as the project developed. If your style changes, don't worry, I'll still watch!
I must say I enjoy your videos more than others because you talk us through it. I'm about 50/50 learning by listening and visual. So for me I love your videos I can learn either way you teach. Fantastic content, I love what you are doing keep up the great work!
The first time I saw these 4-5 years ago I've made some ane they are a priceless addition to the shop
I like how informative you are. Sometimes a little redundant, but I prefer that over people who don't discuss what they are doing at all.
Description and detail working steps are great. A common way to combine that without the drawbacks you mentioned is voiceover.
I like this format. I LOVE AND PREFER your explanation videos. I know it's hard to walk and chew gum at the same time, but as a beginner, the explanation is great. And as another commenter said, it reminds me of the Woodwright Shop.
I really appreciate the instructional style as I learn a lot more that way but I still enjoy watching you forge, not sure which category that puts me in lol
I'm 75 yo and a beginner I forging. I need to know how and why . Wanted to forge since I was a kid. Now I have more knowledge ,time and means Thanks
I like both ways. Enjoy watching your work and learning from you. Thanks for all you do!!!
I very much like the rustic look of these and they certainly look sturdy.
Great video John,, like always! People can always mute and watch in silence if they are "visual only" learners. If it weren't for people like you making educational style videos, I wouldn't be 1/4 of the craftsman I am today. Thank you for all you've done for me and countless others.
This video is just right for me. It keeps the video shorter.
Some people learn by watching, some by hearing and others by both. Mixing it up might be an option?
Some youtubers have good content but drag a video out too long for me with too much visiting.
I like your work and your videos, I'll most likely be watching either way.
I personally land on preferring more commentary, particularly when there's a part that easy to make a mistake on. For example in this one I imagine that isolating and shaping the corner point before you bend is a key detail.
As an apprentice blacksmith, my Journeyman didn't talk much either. He would answer questions with A WORD or two (not all printable), and tell me to watch him. Your descriptions while forging have been invaluable, but also, WATCHING carefully sometimes has more information. Like today, how did you get that square upset? you worked it in while pressing and hammering the shape out. Brilliant!!!
I appreciate the detailed description. I also appreciate the largely uninterrupted modeling of the process. Both assist learning, and both are necessary to gain insight into what is happening at the forge. Thanks for the hard work!
Hello John. I have been enjoying your videos for the last couple of weeks and in the process of setting up to start forging as a hobby. I certainly find the running commentary the most instructive. Helps me understand what you are doing and how (method), but most importantly for me as a beginner, why (reasoning). This is where your experience is most valuable. Many thanks Ant
Love this format.
Ya can always voice over anything that needs to be said...
For what my comments worth mate, I actually watch your channel for the excellent tutorials you give..
I appreciate that!
i love all of your videos. but for sure, what drew me to your videos in the 1st place was YOU as a host; your descriptions; and your commentary. i'll keep watching regardless, but i certainly like the vids with your commentary better than just the forging alone. thanks and keep up the good work!!
I like and prefer your comments as you forge just as you have been. maybe just mix comments on then off on different projects. my opinion . I will keep watching whatever you decide. Thanks for the videos and your hard work!
When I first started as an apprentice bricklayer, I watched, listened and practiced. It is a little difficult to do all that at once I image with hot stuff but you demonstrated and described how and why so that leaves try. Your videos like others is very much like a vocational class room with hundreds of students. I know because I taught masonry in a vocational school! Thanks, Greg.
I really appreciate the amount of work that goes into such a simple tool that gets so much use. Close toss up which I use more, marking knife or holdfasts
I enjoy Blacksmithing and have had some, not a lot, personal instruction from a very experienced Smith. There are three reasons I keep coming back to you.
1) It reminds me of what it was like as an apprentice. The details, warnings, tips, and tricks are what enables us to recreate what you have shown us.
2) You provide instruction on how to do the core concepts in Blacksmithing. Finery is nice but if you don't have the core concepts under your belt finery will take far longer to complete than it should and even then it wont look right.
3) You show a mixture of classical and modern methods and tools. Most of the good Blacksmithing channels I have seen only show the classical methods. Knowing both methods provides a much wider knowledge base from which to produce what is needed at the time.
4) Your production is well done. You use a microphone, eliminate extra noises, use proper lighting, different angles, and post-production. There is nothing worse when trying to learn something than having distractions or obstructions.
Thank you for giving it your all and for continuing to work to make it even better.
Always great videos. Thanks for also reminding people about safety. Hopefully your skill and knowledge passes on to others. I appreciate every bit of it. Stay well.
Hello John
I like the work and dont talk Videos of you
Your Videos were great i learned everytime i watch you working
My father said to me as i start learing as a car mechanik
Dont ask to much dont Talk to much
Look and learn thats the way and i Think he was right
I learned 3 more Jobs and all got well
Have a good Weekend and stay healthy
Yours Frank
You get my get my thumbs up on this new format. Just the right amount of explanation and your forging does the rest.
I like hearing all of the steps and explanations as too why
Might as well smash the like button now.
That was good... hahaha
After a failure earlier today. I managed to make a nice one this afternoon. Thank you for your help.
I really appreciate U narrating thru your videos , telling everybody what U are doing , how U are doing something . I really Hate when I watch a video from someone and they dont say a word . Keep up the Excellant work .
Now those are videos I like the most
I have no complaints about your videos I love to watch them all !! And thank you
I am seariously dreaming of starting blacksmithing as a hobby. I found your channel by accident and immediatly subscribed, because of your explanations of what your doing and what can go wrong. I have tried to watch vidios of other people working, but would loose interest easily and turn off because they did not do any discussion and thebwork went so fast you could not keep up. You are a most valued teacher for those of us that are just beginning. YHANK YOU so much!!!
I have a small machine shop and have to make tools and tooling on a regular basis, and often forging is the best option. I've done it for about fifty years, but just a piece here and a piece there. I really enjoy the clear intent whether outlined before, then clarified in the final pieces or as you just did. I may never use that exact thing, but the technique is as critical as the object. I learn something from pretty much every video I watch, regardless. Very nice work, I too like the shape, and believe it matters in holding power. Have to get/make a power hammer. Thanks for a fine display of technique and skill.
John do what’s best for you ! I’ll enjoy either way!!!
Just keep being yourself and i appreciate all the tips and enjoy the fact that you keep it Real
I'm glad you do (make holdfasts), I just bought two, from you. Thanks!
I liked this vidio just as much as the other way it was a welcome change but don't stop teaching. Stay healthy
Love the format on production batching but still like the intimate how to’s
I prefer the commentary along the way explaining what you're doing and why you're doing it. I'm slowly gathering what I need to be able to start and I've really enjoyed the instructional videos so I can learn the how's and why's. I find myself not being able to be interested in keeping watching other blacksmiths that don't and it's one of the reasons I've watched all of your videos and am excited when more are posted. Maybe an alternative would be a voice over? I don't know that it'd be as fluid as during, but it might be another way. Another option might be Primitive Technology style, he does all of the commentary as subtitles/closed captions . That seems to work well for him. I also cast them up to my TV and my 3 and 11 year old daughters stop what they're doing to watch. Either way, keep up the great work. I hope to be like you some day! You're a real role model.
Can’t please everyone. Just continue the way you like it and more comfortable you are. The video will be of better quality.
As you said, if editing is difficult - you can always do voice over..
Thanks for taking us through the process of making the holdfast. I like both style of videos, however, i prefer the videos where you explain things, i feel i pay better attention to the video that way.
I enjoy the video no matter what
They are always inspirational
Nice production run John, good to see the machines in action today 👍 have a great weekend.
Nice video, and nice demo. I have made a few square-cornered holdfasts by the method of upsetting to form the sharp (ish) corner. In my experience, I can't say that they hold better, however I find that it takes gentler mallet blows to engage and disengage the holdfast when in use, and this I think is easier on the bench and causes less wear on the holes in the bench top.
Thanks for this informative presentation.
There's a lot of videos of people who just say a few words a the start. What makes yours stand out to me are how you explain it as you go.
You might learn a few things just watching, but you learn more when the teacher tells you what and why.
If you worried about saying it wrong as you record you could always do voice overs and add them separately.
Which ever you do I hope you keep on teaching.
Another great video John as usual, you could tell that you have made more than a few of these. You were working very efficiently.
Personally I like it when you’re relatively quiet & tell me what you are doing either before or after
Thank you sir
John thanks for sharing.
The information you give is value added to your videos.
Thanks again for all you’ve done and I hope continue to do.
Dave.
I like the way you built this hold down. While I don't have a press or power hammer, at least I can now make one. Oh sure, it will take more muscle and time, but, that's what it is about
I"m here for the instructional explanation most of the time. That said - I loved this video. Gave me a few ideas on how to use my own power hammer more effectively for different types of projects. The material isolation vs upsetting looks way easier with that set of tools.
Thanks for the video, I've been married 45 years, talk all you want, I only hear what I want.
I like your videos both ways. I'm always learning from you. Thanks
John- I specifically seek out your videos because of your explanations. I may not always need them but when the occasion arises, I can always rely on at least one of your clips for reference. Thanks.
Might be late to the party, but I find that detailed descriptions are what set your channel apart from many other youtube smiths
great video! i for one like the commentary while you forge. even if the piece comes out a bit off we still get to see the process and hear how it works. some folks learn visually and others auditory. having both in your videos plays too a wider audience
I love your videos. I just found them today and can't say I have developed a preference as to style of how you do them, but... I totally get the value of working and not talking at the same time. Lord knows, if I tried to make videos while forging, it wouldn't be pretty.
I look forward to watching more of the videos you have posted, and hope to see new stuff!
Well I enjoyed that ...interesting to see your process without it being all hand forged, and I really like your flypress...most excellent
I like it when you explain as you go, I find it very helpful.
I watch the videos to learn how to do things. I adapt blacksmith methods to other areas as well and understanding why and how they are done is critical for me. Your explanations are why I watch this channel. The explanations can be done during forging (my preference) or later with a voice-over. If there is a misspoken comment, then a little pop-up note works for me. When something doesn't work during forging, it is great to know the thought process on what was expected, how to know it went wrong, and then how to fix the issue. I skip videos from providers that don't provide comments during their work, unless it is for an artsy purpose. You do a great job for what I am looking for.