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Sourcing and buying materials for the blacksmith shop

I am often asked about what sizes and types of steel a beginning blacksmith should have on hand. While each shop has different needs I will discuss some material options and take a trip to the steel yard.
Thank you for watching. Black Bear Forge is a small one person shop located in Southern Colorado.
If you would like to take a more active role in the production of these videos, you may provide financial support through one of the two links below.
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Find my shop on line at:
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The following list provides just a few resources to help you find supplies and equipment for blacksmithing.
www.piehtoolco....
www.centaurforg...
www.blacksmith...
www.blacksmithb...
www.oldworldan...
www.nimbaanvils...
fontaninianvila...
www.abana.org/
www.mcmaster.com
kensironstore....
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.

Пікірлер: 184

  • @8023120SL
    @8023120SL3 жыл бұрын

    There's no such thing "scrap steel" - there's just bits of steel i haven't found a use for yet.

  • @glennadair883
    @glennadair8832 күн бұрын

    I keep looking at these comments ts while thi video is playing. I swear, I've found my people. Thank you sir for the content, you've passed the bug on. Thank you so much for your knowledge!!!!

  • @oldoldpilgrim7898
    @oldoldpilgrim7898 Жыл бұрын

    When i saw your outside rack I found myself thinking, "You've got some nice looking steel".

  • @dwayneburbridge3283
    @dwayneburbridge32834 жыл бұрын

    ThanksJohn! My local steel supplier’s “drop” rack funds their Christmas party. I have never spent more than $20 (cash only) for basically whatever I can hand-carry out in one trip.

  • @scottjosen2606
    @scottjosen26066 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for taking the time. I'm not a cat person but have a former feral that took up residence in covered wood pile. She would run into the pile every time she saw me. Eventually I set a resin chair out there and held a piece of bacon to her entrance until a pink nose agreed to it. Over two weeks I moved the chair away a bit and.....bacon is awesome! She is my shadow now, constantly talking to me as I work out there. Got a dog to replace the Border Collier, hard loss, a Border/English Setter and after testing, my free range cat is all over that dog. being the creative sort, I named her Kitty Cat. No more bacon after those two weeks..... I guess you're a cat person if you post a cat story here.... Sorry folks!

  • @BlackBearForge

    @BlackBearForge

    6 жыл бұрын

    Cats have a way of changing people into cat people.

  • @standaffern6595

    @standaffern6595

    6 жыл бұрын

    I too have a stray that wandered in, I fed and it never left. His name is Kitty. He is quite the talker, and gets along well with my dogs.

  • @johndilsaver8409

    @johndilsaver8409

    6 жыл бұрын

    My stray cat loves to perch on my vintage jeep, so his name is Willy. My stray dog showed up about 5 years ago, quickly named himself. His name is Kaos. He's a well named Australian Shepherd. They make shop time more fun.

  • @jamesmcmillen4828

    @jamesmcmillen4828

    6 жыл бұрын

    We have Jersey and her kitten...hereto unnamed, so we call her "Fattywad" since she was the only survivor of Jersey's first litter and getting all the milk. We have a rambunctious little cat named Angus, and a stray that has adopted us (he just walks into the house when he feels like it) we named Titus. Plus our old hound dog, Wilbur. I'm a cat person that was converted by a cat named Shadow (passed now).

  • @wesleymccravy901

    @wesleymccravy901

    4 жыл бұрын

    @@BlackBearForge they really do. One can even get annoyed and yell at them; they shoo away and 20 min later they act like you never didn't like them.

  • @bennyhill3642
    @bennyhill3642 Жыл бұрын

    It sounds like you like alot of us have put our hands in our pockets only to pull out lint lol that's 1 reason I like watching your vids Mr John😇😁

  • @samuelg6686
    @samuelg66865 ай бұрын

    Outstanding video. Especially invaluable for a beginner looking at placing a first time order at a steel supplier. Saved me so much time and embarrassment haha.

  • @alanpaige9192
    @alanpaige91925 жыл бұрын

    This reminds me of the local blacksmith that my Dad told me about. He retired (died) in the 60’s.He would go to town every so often with his 36 ford and get steel and bring it back strapped to the side and over the roof. It would take him all day there and back. Roads have greatly improved its a 20 minute run now one way. Just thought I would share. By the way he also was one of the best baseball pitchers around here and played into his late 60’s. keep on keeping on

  • @mikemullenix6956
    @mikemullenix6956 Жыл бұрын

    You definitely got a nice location , my suppliers will not allow the customers to cut there stock. Insurance regulations.

  • @mountainwolf1
    @mountainwolf12 жыл бұрын

    Nice square body truck i drive a 87 and a 84 myself.

  • @aphasia101
    @aphasia1016 жыл бұрын

    Wow sometimes I forget how blessed I am to have so many steel yards , machine shops, scrap yards and salvage yards so close by.

  • @HisWayHomestead
    @HisWayHomestead Жыл бұрын

    nice load of steel! thanks for sharing your thoughts and experience John!!!

  • @BlackBearForge

    @BlackBearForge

    Жыл бұрын

    Any time!

  • @GeorgiaWoodsmen
    @GeorgiaWoodsmen2 жыл бұрын

    I just found me a local steel dealer, thank God because shipping was eating me alive. And they have a drop box that i will hit everytime i go. Thanks for the video.

  • @BlackBearForge

    @BlackBearForge

    2 жыл бұрын

    That is awesome!

  • @randomschittz9461
    @randomschittz94612 жыл бұрын

    Dammit! I loved Smitty, and then I saw the truck. ❤️💯❤️💯❤️💯

  • @bc65925
    @bc659256 жыл бұрын

    Reminded me of a story. I guy brought a 20 foot long creosote rail road beam to the sawmill one day to have them rip it for him. He hauled it there from over in the center of Illinois which was about a 50 mile drive and hauled it on his Pontiac station wagon. He did so by driving over top of it, picking up one end and tied it to the front bumper, picked up the other end and tied it to the back bumper and away he went. I will admit... it worked.

  • @BlackBearForge

    @BlackBearForge

    6 жыл бұрын

    I have actually seen that idea in some sort of old magazine reprint.

  • @putteslaintxtbks5166

    @putteslaintxtbks5166

    5 жыл бұрын

    To bad most new vehicles don't have bumpers that that would work with. That would work great w/20'ft Steel if you have good clearance. And a truck with good clearance, it may be good to weld on some supports for a rod or chain to hook to. Also for those long ladders and lumber. Make sure to tie wire up to chain, etc. good. Don't want to loose a 20ft bar into a car behind you at 60 mph. Also remember a red flag on the end, a canvas bag over both ends, a rope between, tied together would help keep them slidding apart. Center ones slide eazy.

  • @petrash88
    @petrash885 жыл бұрын

    my two favorite things in this video. this guy. that cat. 0:53

  • @jackdawg4579
    @jackdawg45796 жыл бұрын

    My local metal seller has a scrap bin and rack, 20% discount. I rarely buy anything else but out of the scrap racks! Our local hardware store is eye watering expensive for steel. I had to buy a bit of 10mm square to finish a project, only needed a metre or so, it was a Sunday, so no steel suppliers open. Cost me $15 for 2m of it. I was just about crying when I handed over my loot!

  • @BlackBearForge

    @BlackBearForge

    6 жыл бұрын

    Thats an expensive way to go.

  • @_BLANK_BLANK
    @_BLANK_BLANK Жыл бұрын

    I hope smitty is still around! He seems like a good helper.

  • @TonyUrryMakes
    @TonyUrryMakes6 жыл бұрын

    Funny. I’m in augusta Georgia and I’m good friends here with the brother of the shop boss at Midwest- small world!

  • @biggumsliftsv1376
    @biggumsliftsv13762 жыл бұрын

    I'm around alot of old people, I see how to talks, how he carries himself, how he goes about his actions. He gets down, I dont know how many of yall pick up on this.

  • @FunHobbies225
    @FunHobbies2252 жыл бұрын

    wow thats alot of steel you got wish i had a steel yard to buy from only lowes or online where shipping is high

  • @MichaelStevens-uv4uk
    @MichaelStevens-uv4uk2 ай бұрын

    Loving this channel

  • @knutzzl
    @knutzzl3 жыл бұрын

    0:53 & 2:28 kitten!! Smitty thinks correct

  • @evaderknives
    @evaderknives6 жыл бұрын

    I live near D.C & when I first got my mill and lathe I tried going to every scrap yard, they looked at me like I was crazy when i asked to "buy" scrap metal. There is only 1 metal dealer and they only sell full pieces and have a big sign, "No Cutting on location". I found 1 fab shop, so I might try them, because i want to build a anvil type block for some upcoming videos, where i go back to basics(I mainly do stock removal now). I have a propane forge outside, but i haven't use it in a long time because I built a heat treat oven inside. I order all my knife steel online(and other small pieces)... great video. take it easy

  • @priestleyharker4046
    @priestleyharker40465 жыл бұрын

    You're my all time favorite youtuber but after seeing you with the cat smitty, you've gone up even higher!! I've got a helping cat called gus, 🙂

  • @BlackBearForge

    @BlackBearForge

    5 жыл бұрын

    Thanks. Unfortunately Smitty isn't coming to the shop anymore. To keep him away from the nesting birds he became an indoor cat this year. But he is still loads of help in the basement wood shop.

  • @priestleyharker4046

    @priestleyharker4046

    5 жыл бұрын

    Thats completely understandable. You're a good owner, he likes you a lot

  • @thanumgaming
    @thanumgaming2 жыл бұрын

    A fun ride along and an awesome truck! Nothing beats old iron... in all it's forms!

  • @bentoombs
    @bentoombs6 жыл бұрын

    I love my local store. It has a whole part that is .50c per lb. on all remnants. They have chunks of hydrologic cylinder rods alot

  • @JustinTopp
    @JustinTopp5 жыл бұрын

    Mine steel shop will sell you what ever you want at any size. Cut offs are dirt cheap and it’s only a little extra cost to take day 10’ of a 20’ bar. They even cut for free. I love it. They also have a cat in the office it’s great.

  • @waskasoometalworks3329
    @waskasoometalworks33294 жыл бұрын

    We have an industrial metal supplier here (im in oil country, my city manufactures a ton of stuff for oilfield) as long as im buying over $100 at a time i can pay as low as 30C Canadian for 3/8 square

  • @johnwalker5938
    @johnwalker59386 жыл бұрын

    Great video, cool cat and awesome pick-up truck!

  • @damianfries7262
    @damianfries72625 жыл бұрын

    I love your truck...brings back memories! lol

  • @Nitro-er8ul

    @Nitro-er8ul

    3 жыл бұрын

    going to the hardware store with grandpa

  • @robphone4895
    @robphone48956 жыл бұрын

    I think I saw a pussy cat, I did, I did see a pussy cat! I'm very happy with my local metalconstruction company, always time for a coffy and they like to hear about my little projects. They cut everything for free and help me out with ideas, what more can I wish?!

  • @ronthacker211
    @ronthacker2116 жыл бұрын

    Very informative video. i've got one metal fab business source where i trade farm veggies in the fall, for going through his scrap and cut off bins for various materials.

  • @BlackBearForge

    @BlackBearForge

    6 жыл бұрын

    Trade is always nice

  • @paulorchard7960
    @paulorchard79603 жыл бұрын

    Thanks John, most of my steel is recycled but I do buy mild at my local supplier. They are very fair with me and will often let me scavenge odd bits and pieces from their saleable scrap at no cost!

  • @indianatone218
    @indianatone2183 жыл бұрын

    thanks for showing us round your gaff john ,looks pleasant out there ,its always chucking it down here in wales .cant leave steel out in the open here it will soon rust ,take care Ant.

  • @roydawson4882
    @roydawson48824 жыл бұрын

    A bit late this but if youput the buckets on bricks and punch a hole or two it will hold the rust back a bit,but thinking about it i bet you allready done that.

  • @analogplanet9675
    @analogplanet96752 жыл бұрын

    I bring two pieces of heavy tubing to help me bend in half the 12 and 20 foot round and square bars up to about 3/8. They usually don't charge me for the cuts on anything bigger unless they're super busy. I've also brought a chisel and bought a brick-sized piece of mild for 2$ to use as a cold cutting anvil, in the parking lot. Worked out.

  • @mathewlommerse8973
    @mathewlommerse89734 жыл бұрын

    Smity seems to be a great helper

  • @BlackBearForge

    @BlackBearForge

    4 жыл бұрын

    He thinks he's the best

  • @elharris5
    @elharris53 жыл бұрын

    Came for the knowledge, love your content, stayed for the cat.

  • @BlackBearForge

    @BlackBearForge

    3 жыл бұрын

    Awesome! Thank you!

  • @coffeesstudios2122
    @coffeesstudios21225 жыл бұрын

    Nice stock pile sir. I know that steel yard well. Lived in the area many years .

  • @charlesmay8251
    @charlesmay82516 жыл бұрын

    hey I'm a blackamith too! thanks for the field trip!

  • @matonmongo
    @matonmongo4 жыл бұрын

    Out here in the sticks and too far from any decent steel supply house. But plenty of wrecking yards nearby, and love your tip about carrying a portable cutting rig of some sort, even just a cordless grinder (with extra discs and batteries of course)... thx!

  • @joeblankenship2360
    @joeblankenship23606 жыл бұрын

    Thank you for taking us along. As always a great, educational video, and of course a blacksmiths cat has to be named Smitty.

  • @BlackBearForge

    @BlackBearForge

    6 жыл бұрын

    Pretty obvious huh?

  • @lastlostone
    @lastlostone3 жыл бұрын

    Over here in Scotland mild steel is easy to come by and relatively cheap, my local guys cut it for free too. Tool steel/hardenable on the other hand is quite difficult. Most of what i use is from scrap or you know when you buy a set of hole punches but really only needed one.

  • @Romezview
    @Romezview6 жыл бұрын

    I work close to a steel supplier that only sells mild steel also deals in scrap. I look for the remenance that they throw into the scrap bins. cause I know what it is and it doesn't have all the rust...I pay .50 a lb for it. and it right on my way home from work. great video!!

  • @marcs4738
    @marcs47386 жыл бұрын

    Vary helpful. Remnants is key word for me, we have a machine shop not far from here I'm hoping they can supply me with enough to support my hobby/education

  • @HWPcville
    @HWPcville5 жыл бұрын

    Here's a suggestion: I like to use 1/4 round for hooks and small trivets. The stands that hold funeral wreaths are 1/4" and are very useful stock if you can get any. There is an old cemetery near me and whomever was maintaining the grounds had for years thrown the old stands (with the Styrofoam rings that hold the flower arrangements still attached) over the back fence into the woods. Most were covered with leaves with just a portion showing. I recovered several dozen stands from the woods. They have 3 legs with about 10' of 1/4 rod. NOTE: I did NOT take any stand from inside the cemetery grounds. That would be reprehensible if not illegal. I also found buried under years of accumulated tree litter a 1" square rod, about 6' long, that sparked like wrought iron. I gave it to a buddy as a Christmas present. I would recommend checking around the boundaries of cemeteries for discarded metal.

  • @williambarnhartblacksmith414
    @williambarnhartblacksmith4146 жыл бұрын

    We live about 30 minutes from town too. Further if we want to go to the steel shop, but we have a scrap yard right down the hill maybe a 5 minute drive and going through there, it almost all looks like it has a place in or outside of my shop, Lol.

  • @popgrubbs
    @popgrubbs6 жыл бұрын

    I recently attended a farm auction and they couldn't get a bid on a four-section spring tooth harrow. I bought it for $25 and now have about 30 quality spring steel bars that are about 2 1/2" X 1/4" and about 30" long. Lots of blades hidden in all that spring steel. Farm auctions are sometimes a great place to pick up material for the shop.

  • @BlackBearForge

    @BlackBearForge

    6 жыл бұрын

    There is some pretty good steel in old farm implements.

  • @putteslaintxtbks5166

    @putteslaintxtbks5166

    5 жыл бұрын

    Why is it that the old steel iike pre 1950's, can sit for years in a grove of trees and only have a dusting of surface rust, and no galv., but not so with modern steel?

  • @cre8tivesolutions
    @cre8tivesolutions6 жыл бұрын

    From Centennial, South East of Denver. Just getting into blacksmithing. Made blades in the past stock removal method. Forged smaller projects like straight razors, strikers, camp forks etc. Thanks for sharing the knowledge.

  • @BlackBearForge

    @BlackBearForge

    6 жыл бұрын

    Not to far away then. Are you familiar with Rocky Mountain Smiths? Our next demo is on the 21st in Broomfield.

  • @cre8tivesolutions

    @cre8tivesolutions

    6 жыл бұрын

    Black Bear Forge I'm

  • @cre8tivesolutions

    @cre8tivesolutions

    6 жыл бұрын

    I'm not, if you could / have the time to forward me the information I would enjoy attending, if it's an open venue.

  • @rayandrews23

    @rayandrews23

    6 жыл бұрын

    Say John where is the demo in Broomfield? I am in Arvada.

  • @BlackBearForge

    @BlackBearForge

    6 жыл бұрын

    There will be a flier with directions on the RMS web site at www.rockymountainsmiths.org

  • @886014
    @8860145 жыл бұрын

    Down here the factory ends of bars are painted with a colour matching the grade of steel. Unlike paint markers, the paint ends doesn't generally rub off. Personally I only cut from one end of a bar so the factory end remains intact and I can instantly see what it is. At a pinch, mark that end rather than the centre of the bar because chances are you'll cut your marking off, forget to re-write it, and much later be wondering what it is. Don't ask how I know that ;)

  • @brettsayers7768
    @brettsayers77686 жыл бұрын

    i live in town and it's easy to get hold of steel at little effort. they are happy to sell at a length or 2 if needed. if i lived at a distance i would buy quantity as well. Great video.

  • @jetblackstar
    @jetblackstar6 жыл бұрын

    Thanks so much for this. The general jist is surprisingly transferable to british supply chains. I like using scrap, but when your learning its really helpful to use materials you are 100% sure of so you know its not you screwing up. Really helpful. I had some success with a local stockist who holds tool steels, but second time I went they made 101 excuses why they couldnt deal with me (Different guy, just couldnt be bothered I think) I've just found one other local within 15 mins, just their website says they only stock round bar :P But I may be able to deal with a much larger place 40mins away. They have everything and may even deliver for fairly cheap. Otherwise I'd already considered a cordless cutter as a way to buy stock lengths and transport myself, good excuse for a new tool. Definitely hard with steel suppliers disappearing here, and those left really arent interested in non industrial buyers :P

  • @BlackBearForge

    @BlackBearForge

    6 жыл бұрын

    I'm pretty lucky that this supplier doesn't seem to mind the little guy.

  • @PedalSteel-by2hx
    @PedalSteel-by2hx6 жыл бұрын

    I really do appreciate your videos! I look forward to each one and learn so much. God bless you.

  • @motome8
    @motome86 жыл бұрын

    Kitty! You may think about a portaband. Less sparks, and less mess..

  • @BlackBearForge

    @BlackBearForge

    6 жыл бұрын

    I have a portaband. But I don't think it's the best option for cutting in the rough, so to speak. It is easy to bind up or break a blade if the material isn't well supported and that can be hard to do in the yard at some steel suppliers. But it is an option.

  • @alansloas777
    @alansloas7776 жыл бұрын

    This is just the information I needed! Thank you John!

  • @TheSpeep
    @TheSpeep3 жыл бұрын

    Here in Belgium it turns out most steelyards have nothing but mild steel and some stainless, I spent months searching for a place that could get me any kind of carbon steel that could actually be hardened.

  • @cogpastorc
    @cogpastorc6 жыл бұрын

    Thanks Jonhn, you always have good information. I live near a scrap yard that sales new steel that may be bent or have some rust that they price at a discount.

  • @andresmedina9967
    @andresmedina99676 жыл бұрын

    Good information and ideas. Nice cat.

  • @oxbowfarm5803
    @oxbowfarm58036 жыл бұрын

    We've only got one steel yard nearby, but they will do one "courtesy" cut per bar, so i can get everything into 10' sections at least. I've not found a scap yard that will let you poke around to find good high carbon scrap though.

  • @BlackBearForge

    @BlackBearForge

    6 жыл бұрын

    I will have to talk about online sources one of these days

  • @johntompkins147
    @johntompkins1476 жыл бұрын

    Awesome video John, Thanks for taking us along. I like these type videos the best.

  • @christopherpatrick2343
    @christopherpatrick23432 жыл бұрын

    Great

  • @tomcarlson3244
    @tomcarlson32445 жыл бұрын

    I made my first trip to by steel from a distributor. I was surprised they didn’t have a cut charge. I spent $50 and will have steel for a long time. They had remnant bin I got 2 2x4 blocks. He said it was 1036. I am going to try to make some half round swedge

  • @BlackBearForge

    @BlackBearForge

    5 жыл бұрын

    Thats a great deal if you don't have to pay for the cut.

  • @3870TheDad
    @3870TheDad6 жыл бұрын

    Great video full of information for the novice blacksmith. Keep them coming.

  • @jonathanbielert9165
    @jonathanbielert91656 жыл бұрын

    With more research i believe the steel bore rod is 1141 resulfurized medium carbon cold finish steel. Have you ever used this type of steel?

  • @burtlade1705
    @burtlade17054 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for the fine presentation, John.

  • @sustainableliving880
    @sustainableliving8805 жыл бұрын

    Great tip on the remnant offcuts!

  • @firearmsstudent
    @firearmsstudent6 жыл бұрын

    It's a stihl cutting... steel

  • @BlackBearForge

    @BlackBearForge

    6 жыл бұрын

    and still cutting after all these years. 😂

  • @forMacguyver
    @forMacguyver5 жыл бұрын

    Great video. Good practical info. Can't believe I missed this earlier last year.

  • @shortfuse43
    @shortfuse436 жыл бұрын

    Good video to help folks new to buying steel. I guess I'm fortunate that my supplier has never charged me for cutting, even when I only buy one or two sticks. Also, I always load my pickup with the tailgate UP so I never have to worry about any pieces sliding out and/or some dumb*ss running into the steel sticking out the back (of course, the major damage would be to them). Most states require some form of high visibility flagging for anything sticking out past the body, some 3' or other length.

  • @BlackBearForge

    @BlackBearForge

    6 жыл бұрын

    I usually do as well, but this was over 1,300 pounds and i didn't want that much weight on the end of the tail gate.

  • @shortfuse43

    @shortfuse43

    6 жыл бұрын

    That would be a bit rough on the tailgate, I agree. One could make a low height brace, sorta like a headache rack on the rear, inside the tailgate. You come up with the most useful ideas for viewers, whether it be actual smithing or things related somehow to smithing.

  • @BlackBearForge

    @BlackBearForge

    6 жыл бұрын

    I need to make a full length rack. Then they would just set the full order on the rack with their crane and I only have to move it one time at home.

  • @jakeradcliff3652
    @jakeradcliff36526 жыл бұрын

    I'm amazed they let you run that saw on their property. Most places make you leave the lot for liability reasons.

  • @BlackBearForge

    @BlackBearForge

    6 жыл бұрын

    They have never said anything and I am sure I'm not the only one that does it this way.

  • @davidhillman7004
    @davidhillman70045 жыл бұрын

    If my trip to the steel yard was only 3 hours I might but new steel lol the nearest place to me is over an hour away.. I prefer to cycle up...

  • @TufStockdogs
    @TufStockdogs5 жыл бұрын

    Thank you John this is was alot of big help.

  • @scottyboy7462
    @scottyboy74625 жыл бұрын

    glad to see you’re a Chevy guy!!

  • @Res375
    @Res3756 жыл бұрын

    Good video. Thank you

  • @joehenry511
    @joehenry5116 жыл бұрын

    Can you go over how to find a supplier of new high carbon steel and the best way to buy it? This video was really helpful.

  • @BlackBearForge

    @BlackBearForge

    6 жыл бұрын

    I will plan to do a second video in that subject.

  • @dougfranklin6338
    @dougfranklin63386 жыл бұрын

    I have a 12ft trailer I built. And fab a ladder rack on it and I haul all my 20ft sticks on it. I have less drop or should I say I use more of the stick when it's 20ft than 10 ft sticks

  • @BlackBearForge

    @BlackBearForge

    6 жыл бұрын

    Being able to haul the full stick is the best option. I also take the time to cut common bars in lengths that divide well into the sizes I use.

  • @faelwolf1177
    @faelwolf11776 жыл бұрын

    I'd add a decent sized pair of bolt cutters to the tool kit for cutting bars of small stock, chain, etc. Quick, handy, and no battery worries. Of course, the thickness you can cut depends on the size of the cutters, and the guy behind it. (I'd hate to argue with the guy who could cut 3/4+ stock with a standard set of cutters!) :) You can also buy a small power inverter to run a corded angle grinder right off your vehicle while it idles, no battery issues. They are not terribly expensive, and a cheaper option if you don't already own a good cordless grinder and spare batteries. It pays to shop around, there are yards that sell by the foot, and you can avoid cutting fees. Their price per foot is usually a couple cents higher, but the money you save in cutting fees more than makes up for it. No real scrap yards in my area, they are all under contract to China, and the few who will sell to you want so much (90-110% of retail new per lb.) it's a better option to go buy new and have known quality. One yard near me even charges a fee to just look around. (One of many reasons I plan to move within the next year or so.)

  • @BlackBearForge

    @BlackBearForge

    6 жыл бұрын

    I used to take a pair of 4 foot bolt cutters. But they had a maximum of 1/2" and that was more work than I wanted to tackle. But if you're after smaller stuff they can be a great option. I think most of my scrap these days comes from other people more so than scrap yards.

  • @skyde6340
    @skyde63406 жыл бұрын

    great details can you make a vide about how known(41xx) and s7 and spring steel ect... ect... acts when forged and hammered to simple shape?

  • @demastust.2277
    @demastust.22773 жыл бұрын

    at 4:31. I think I see a section of rail road track right under your neck in the shot. Could you at all make a stake anvil out of that if you were to draw out the stake portion from the head of the rail and then forge a horn from one end of the flat bottom sides?

  • @timmaynor8699
    @timmaynor86993 жыл бұрын

    I think I see the mountain lion ! Lol

  • @MatthewTinker-au-pont-blanc
    @MatthewTinker-au-pont-blanc6 жыл бұрын

    I think that your a bit the wrong way round! When you start out, you buy what you need, which in turn, leaves you off-cuts, these off-cuts then become the basis of your stock! This is what I found doing steel fabrication! Thanks for your great videos, regards, Matthew

  • @localeightironworker
    @localeightironworker3 жыл бұрын

    i've thrown out an embarrassing amount of useful materials doing construction. if you're trying to do blacksmithing on the cheap, raiding construction site dumpsters is a good call (provided you have permission/it is legal)

  • @daddyredbeard1462
    @daddyredbeard14623 жыл бұрын

    a 20 foot 1/2" Square bar is $20 at my steel yard. feels bad

  • @PMtoAM
    @PMtoAM Жыл бұрын

    where do i get a smitty , looks like a useful cat

  • @chipism1
    @chipism12 ай бұрын

    I’m surprised that all that iron don’t squat your truck

  • @lastfrontierforge6170
    @lastfrontierforge61705 жыл бұрын

    I was at a steel shop and was going to cut our own steel we ended up having to leave the property to do so which was more then a hassle

  • @BlackBearForge

    @BlackBearForge

    5 жыл бұрын

    So far I have been lucky. If it comes to that I will probably build a rack for the truck. In the quantities I buy the cut charge can really add up.

  • @lastfrontierforge6170

    @lastfrontierforge6170

    5 жыл бұрын

    Black Bear Forge yea for sure I have a trailer now I’m up In North Dakota I have a trailer for behind the pickup now another thing I ran in to is a different metal shop told me he couldn’t get the smaller square stock and other stock I needed any more which means he started catering strictly to the oilfield so I found a third metal shop which was a fabrication shop he said he actually started selling metal to people in addition to his fabrication because of oilfield dedicated shops

  • @Snafudaddy
    @Snafudaddy6 жыл бұрын

    I like the truck John! Is the tank in the back for sap?

  • @BlackBearForge

    @BlackBearForge

    6 жыл бұрын

    The tank is for hauling water, it's the only way we get water to our house.

  • @broadusthompson1666
    @broadusthompson16666 жыл бұрын

    My supplier still doesn’t charge me per cut... man am I glad I don’t have to pay for that!

  • @BlackBearForge

    @BlackBearForge

    6 жыл бұрын

    I was spoiled in my early days when the first cut was always free. They would even cut to an exact length and just in half.

  • @strongsadventures
    @strongsadventures6 жыл бұрын

    Now you said not to really use rebar. What if you are a very green beginner and just need practice heating and beating? Is it bad then? Just asking for a friend. LOL

  • @BlackBearForge

    @BlackBearForge

    6 жыл бұрын

    If it's what you have then you might as well use it. But it does forge differently than mild steel, so you will be learning about steel movement that will be different when you go to mild steel.

  • @strongsadventures

    @strongsadventures

    6 жыл бұрын

    Black Bear Forge thank you sir

  • @markmoreno7295
    @markmoreno72954 жыл бұрын

    So if it is mined in China, ingots of pure iron shipped here,, melted and mixed in the USA, extruded in the USA when you add your touchmark, can you legitimately stamp it with made in USA?

  • @PaulFontaniniArtist
    @PaulFontaniniArtist6 жыл бұрын

    I hope Midwest gave you a discount for the advertising you are doing for them.

  • @BlackBearForge

    @BlackBearForge

    6 жыл бұрын

    I doubt they will ever know. There are so few blacksmiths in the immediate area that would use Midwest I doubt it will even get them one sale. But if they wanted to give me a discount, who would be to say no😜

  • @MrPINKFL0YD
    @MrPINKFL0YD5 жыл бұрын

    Your cat 🙀 wants attention! BTW why does iron loose it's magnetic property when it is at critical mass? Id love to hear from you on this! Thanks

  • @BlackBearForge

    @BlackBearForge

    5 жыл бұрын

    The term is critical heat and it actually looses magnetism bellow critical heat. You would need someone with a stronger scientific background to explain the exact reason.

  • @robertcutburth3745
    @robertcutburth37453 жыл бұрын

    Just what is mild steel, our local steel company carries steel for construction, is the steel at tractor supply considered mild steel, I'm still learning.

  • @BlackBearForge

    @BlackBearForge

    3 жыл бұрын

    construction steel is generally what blacksmiths refer to as mild steel. That means it is to low in carbon to be hardened. Common structural steel is A36 and cold rolled is 1018. Bot are ideal for most forging projects.

  • @robertcutburth3745

    @robertcutburth3745

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@BlackBearForge thanks, good feed back, need all the help I can get 👍

  • @JustKeith2k

    @JustKeith2k

    3 жыл бұрын

    Been struggling with what grades of steel to buy. There are so many options. Every place i ask wants to know grade i need and i honestly don't know as a beginner. Mild steel is vage to most sellers I have talked to.

  • @jamesmcmillen4828
    @jamesmcmillen48286 жыл бұрын

    Looks like we drive the same model truck...or nearabouts. Mine is a '77 C-10. Your's may be a year or so newer. My problem is finding a reliable source of good coal to work with. I live in Mississippi and we don't have any coal mines anywhere nearby. That means whatever I get has to be shipped in. Your thoughts?

  • @BlackBearForge

    @BlackBearForge

    6 жыл бұрын

    This one is a 73 C25 (3/4 ton). Coal is getting harder and harder to come by. High grade coal used to be mined in this area but the steel mill no longer burns coal and the few blacksmiths couldn't keep the mines in operation.So if i want good coal I have to have it shipped. Every year or so a small group gets together and orders a truck load to cut the average cost of shipping. Thats one reason I use propane for most of my work.

  • @faelwolf1177

    @faelwolf1177

    6 жыл бұрын

    Tractor Supply sells Anthracite, and you can order it in to the store for free shipping, $6/40lb bag, sometimes on sale for less. Anthracite takes a little bit of a learning curve, as it burns hotter and doesn't pack, sparks a bit, but really not unmanageably, and lasts longer, too. Main drawback is you really need an electric blower to keep a little bit of air to it when idling. It's also a good option if you ever want to set up a smelter or a kiln. Nearest other coal seller to me is 4hrs away, charges an arm and a leg when they even have it, and usually wants to sell me the dregs. TS is the better option. Use the "nut" coal, not the "pea" (Some use a mix of the two). TS' nut coal can run a little large, but better to do a little breaking up than to have too small of chunks to manage properly. Would I prefer bituminous? You bet, but with a long drive for dubious quality, at 4X the price, I'll use what I can get, until I can find a reliable supplier or move to an area that is a bit more 'smith friendly. Avoid Lignite, might as well be burning dirt.

  • @jamesmcmillen4828

    @jamesmcmillen4828

    6 жыл бұрын

    TS nut coal is what I've been using. Unfortunately, TS won't ship coal to the local store here...I have no idea why they won't. We typically make a trip further north and we'll pick up several hundred lbs while we're there.

  • @faelwolf1177

    @faelwolf1177

    6 жыл бұрын

    That really is odd, I'm surprised that TS would miss a sale, esp. if you're buying several hundredweight at a time!

  • @tropifiori
    @tropifiori6 жыл бұрын

    Good tips. I live in Virginia where we get 40 + inches of rain a year. Do you think that is too much for an a outside rack

  • @BlackBearForge

    @BlackBearForge

    6 жыл бұрын

    Depends on how fast you go through it. Just adding a roof over the rack would help.

  • @loul7239
    @loul72396 жыл бұрын

    Please oh please help me out with ideas for that hollow drill rod! I have a bit of it and learned that it can be O1, W1, or A1. The only use I can think of is maybe a monkey tool. Any other ideas?

  • @BlackBearForge

    @BlackBearForge

    6 жыл бұрын

    Monkey tools are certainly the obvious choice. Perhaps in small segments it could be used for heading tools or bolster plates. For projects it might make a pipe tomahawk. but you would need to forge weld the blade.

  • @fearlessferrousfire
    @fearlessferrousfire5 жыл бұрын

    I love your old Chevy!!! What year is it?

  • @BlackBearForge

    @BlackBearForge

    5 жыл бұрын

    74

  • @jimmystechservices8802
    @jimmystechservices88022 жыл бұрын

    What about scrap material

  • @BlackBearForge

    @BlackBearForge

    2 жыл бұрын

    Scrap can be OK if its the right material for the job and available in large enough quantity to produce what you need to produce. But it is also frequently unknown material that comes with hidden flaws or other issues that makes it more trouble to work with.

  • @ddayinvader6487
    @ddayinvader64876 жыл бұрын

    Hello sir, do you know anything about anthracite coal from tractor supply? It is the only coal I can get but the review are mixed about its quality. Any info would be great.

  • @shadowcastre

    @shadowcastre

    6 жыл бұрын

    D Day Invader Anthricite coal from Tsc will work just fine as long as you attend to IT'S needs. Those that don't do well with it try to treat/use it like Bituminous coal.

  • @Snafudaddy

    @Snafudaddy

    6 жыл бұрын

    D day is right. He didn’t mention that it’s not fun to light.

  • @bluestarindustrialarts7712

    @bluestarindustrialarts7712

    6 жыл бұрын

    @ D DAY - I used TSC anthracite coal in my coal forge for 2 years. I would get a small pile of hardwood lump charcoal lit with a map torch, then pile the anthracite on top. Anthracite needs constant considerable air flow. My blower was a scavenged HW heater exhaust blower motor wired with a dimmer. Check it out on my channel. Anthracite does not coke up like soft coal and does spark and sputter a lot. But it works. No more coal for me, I use gas forges now. PS use the nut size. The pea size will only clog up your grate.