Primary tools for metalworking

[blacksmithnoob]

I just finished my intro class and I'm really hooked! I'm trying to figure out what primary tools I should invest in first so I can build a basic home shop. I already got my eyes on an anvil, a good set of tongs and a hammer to start. But what else is crucial? For forge, which one is more beginner-friendly between propane or coal? Anyone also knows where I can find affordable but quality hand tools? I don't have a huge budget so I plan to buy smart and start with the essentials. I would appreciate any kind of advice!

 

[Honeymoon Ave.]

I just finished my intro class and I'm really hooked! I'm trying to figure out what primary tools I should invest in first so I can build a basic home shop. I already got my eyes on an anvil, a good set of tongs and a hammer to start. But what else is crucial? For forge, which one is more beginner-friendly between propane or coal? Anyone also knows where I can find affordable but quality hand tools? I don't have a huge budget so I plan to buy smart and start with the essentials. I would appreciate any kind of advice!

Hahaha, I welcome you unto the rabbit hole. Everyone's a little hooked the first time, and trust me, it doesn't die down especially with every "nice job" you tell yourself. Propane is way cleaner and easier for a home setup given that it's got no smoke + better control.

 

[bbqk1ng7]

I just finished my intro class and I'm really hooked! I'm trying to figure out what primary tools I should invest in first so I can build a basic home shop. I already got my eyes on an anvil, a good set of tongs and a hammer to start. But what else is crucial? For forge, which one is more beginner-friendly between propane or coal? Anyone also knows where I can find affordable but quality hand tools? I don't have a huge budget so I plan to buy smart and start with the essentials. I would appreciate any kind of advice!

just want to share that before anything else, invest in good safety glasses (or a face shield), leather gloves, and hearing protection. Fire, flying sparks, and loud hammering are no joke. A fire extinguisher (ABC rated) is also non-negotiable bcs safety always comes first

 

[Ohio Rusty]

For cutting metal, a angle grinder with a metal cutting blade is hard to beat. Harbor freight has those grinders and cutting bladed. I also get the sanding flat disks for the grinder to clean up metal. The investment is inexpensive and is really helpful in the shop.
Ohio Rusty ><>

 

[forge|fellow]

Absolutely! Having an angle grinder with cut-off and sanding disks is crucial for any workshop. It's cost-effective, versatile, and just what you need for quick metalwork.

 

[Ohio Rusty]

I just finished my intro class and I'm really hooked! I'm trying to figure out what primary tools I should invest in first so I can build a basic home shop. I already got my eyes on an anvil, a good set of tongs and a hammer to start. But what else is crucial? For forge, which one is more beginner-friendly between propane or coal? Anyone also knows where I can find affordable but quality hand tools? I don't have a huge budget so I plan to buy smart and start with the essentials. I would appreciate any kind of advice!

You can get a nice gas forge from Amazon for a mere $88 dollars !! The name of the forge is Mr. Volcano. It uses 20 pound propane tanks like you use on your BBQ grill. I know a fellow that makes his hammers he sells in that same forge. Keep you eye open for some decent hammers. A good cross peen and a ball peen, both in the 1.75 pound to 2 pound range probably won't set you back more than 10 dollars if you find good used ones at flea markets. Files are a must have. I know a knife maker that recommends the Nicholson Handi-file. They have a built in handle, they have medium coarse teeth on one side and fine teeth on the other side. That file also has a safe edge with no teeth when you need to get into corners and don't want any file marks. These are maybe $14 at Lowes. A good selection of files is handy to have. Triangular, round and flat files all have good uses. I also recommend a copper or brass hammer. If you need to cut something off on a cutting hardy, the soft copper or brass will protect the sharp edge of your cutting hardy. Also get a wooden mallet. Great for straightening out a bend in hot steel without leaving hammer marks in your metal work. Again , flea markets are good places to find a wooden mallet. Even a croquet mallet would work just fine.
Ohio Rusty ><>

 

[klax0n78]

You can get a nice gas forge from Amazon for a mere $88 dollars !! The name of the forge is Mr. Volcano. It uses 20 pound propane tanks like you use on your BBQ grill. I know a fellow that makes his hammers he sells in that same forge. Keep you eye open for some decent hammers. A good cross peen and a ball peen, both in the 1.75 pound to 2 pound range probably won't set you back more than 10 dollars if you find good used ones at flea markets. Files are a must have. I know a knife maker that recommends the Nicholson Handi-file. They have a built in handle, they have medium coarse teeth on one side and fine teeth on the other side. That file also has a safe edge with no teeth when you need to get into corners and don't want any file marks. These are maybe $14 at Lowes. A good selection of files is handy to have. Triangular, round and flat files all have good uses. I also recommend a copper or brass hammer. If you need to cut something off on a cutting hardy, the soft copper or brass will protect the sharp edge of your cutting hardy. Also get a wooden mallet. Great for straightening out a bend in hot steel without leaving hammer marks in your metal work. Again , flea markets are good places to find a wooden mallet. Even a croquet mallet would work just fine.
Ohio Rusty ><>

That Mr. Volcano forge sounds super budget-friendly! How long does it take to heat up, and does it hold temp well for longer sessions? Also curious, do you use a separate anvil or just a striking surface? I've been eyeing flea markets for tools but haven't had much luck yet.

 

[Ohio Rusty]

I discovered that the Mr. Volcano forge is no longer made ..... bummer ... But there are gas forges on amazon for about $100 that work just as well. These little propane forges heat up immediately and will hold their heat until you turn them off. They will heat anything that fits in them. If you are looking for an actual anvil, there are some affordable options. Vevor has one, Accaiao supplies one, etc. You can do an anvil search for an affordable one that is in your price range.. Having an anvil like this gives you the option of having tool like the cutting hardy that fits in the hardy hole. Stay away from the cast iron anvils at Harbor freight as they are made of poor materials and won't last. I have a separate anvil that I use for my forging.
Ohio Rusty ><>