After considering it for a couple of years, I finally tried by hand at blacksmithing. I built a forge along the lines of the Essential Craftsman (see this episode in particular from March 2019). I already had an anvil that I bought off a local seller in 2018.
First attempt at swinging the hammer was positive. I put a gentle taper in a piece of rebar. But I was keen to try making a pair of tongs — the first tool I’ll need (after a hammer).
Easier said than done. First attempt at a tong-blank was a complete failure as I was going by memory and got the geometry wrong.
The second attempt was slightly better, but only after watching Brian Brazeal’s video multiple times – and trying it out with play-doh!
Only half-way there with my first side.
…to be continued.