Beginner problems?

[Shinji_Ikari]

Been wanting to do some blacksmithing for a long time, finally took the plunge and got a vevor 2 burner forge (did the rigidizer and 2 coats of refractory cement). I have a HF blue ASO, yeah it is dead, no rebound, meaning I have to do all the work when lifting the hammer, I could tell a difference when I was using my 1/4 in punch. When using the punch I could feel the hammer bounce off.

A couple other problems I am having:

1. When trying to draw a point I lift the bar off the face of the anvil and attempt to strike with a matching angle of the face of the hammer, but the bar either falls out of the tongs or the bar bends above where I struck the piece.

2. When attempting to draw material out I am able to lengthen it, I am mostly using the horn, but and unable to get the material into a squared shape. I am starting with 3/8th round.

3. When I have done bending for the 2 hooks I have made I started them on the horn but due to the size of the horn on the HF ASO I have not been able to finish the bend over the horn and when attempting it over the edge of the face it ends up closing like I am trying to just double the material over. I have been able to use a vise and channel lock pliers to adjust some bends.

Also think that a bit of my problem is just not being used to swinging a 2lb hammer. I am just going to have to get stronger or more acclimated to that.

Any suggestions will be appreciated.

 

[Alan]

Your hammer rebound might be holding you back, consider using a harder anvil face or a lighter hammer for better control. When it comes to drawing points and bends, make sure you have the right support, apply consistent pressure, and use a smaller horn or bending fork. Getting used to your hammer will also make a difference.

 

[Shinji_Ikari]

Tuesday would be the soonest I can get back out there. I have a regular claw hammer that I could try. I went ahead and cut off a couple blanks for more hooks. I want to try getting to where I am somewhat happy with what I can do making a hook before I go on to something else. I may also try making another set of tongs later in the week.

Thank you.

 

[david hill_]

When using the punch I could feel the hammer bounce off.

yeah, don't worry about the 2lb hammer, you'll get used to it quickly. The key is in the swing, not brute force.
don't hit the steel with your arm, try to accelerate the hammer with your wrist and elbow, using your shoulder mostly to guide the swing. Think of it as throwing the hammer, not pushing it down.

 

[Alan]

Great tip! Focusing on the wrist and elbow for smoother and controlled swing.

 

[FPDoc]

Tuesday would be the soonest I can get back out there. I have a regular claw hammer that I could try. I went ahead and cut off a couple blanks for more hooks. I want to try getting to where I am somewhat happy with what I can do making a hook before I go on to something else. I may also try making another set of tongs later in the week.

Thank you.

When making hooks etc., try to leave the material intact until you have to cut it off the bar stock, it's much easier to handle without using tongs until you have to.. esp when drawing to a taper. Also, forge the round to square before trying to taper at first (avoiding the pat youŕ head while rubbing your tummy problem). If the piece is bending you're hitting the piece behind where you should be (not catching it between anvil and hammer), remember how you do it though for when you want a gentle curve. To stay square you need to evaluate the result of each blow and see if it did what you intended, if not fix it before the next blow.. (Dremel Tool Syndrome), or "we are lost.. but we are making good time". While forging, while you are readying the next blow and in synch with your pace you can look down the length of the piece and check for square/straight and make appropriate decisions about adjustment in that heat.. try to make your last blows in a heat give you a perfect start for when you pull the iron from the fire next, no corrections needed before the next forging stage.. also, when you get a diamond cross section instead of square, smack the diamond through the wide diameter and get back to alternating blows 90° apart.. hope that this all makes sense and hope someone new or struggling reads this.. Have fun and take pride in how each project is a little better than the last.. (once you've made all the mistakes and overcome each in turn, you will be both skilled and competent, so don't be shy about making mistakes.