I absolutely love seeing KZread blacksmiths referencing, recommending, and supporting other KZread blackamiths - genuine community

@rachitparashar1243

2 жыл бұрын

i m a btech student , i am compelled to study these things, love from india

I just totally got your "duct tape them red green fashioned" comment!!! Very nice to pull out that reference!!! I remember seeing that show on UHF of I got my antennas just right!

I love the Red Green reference, still watch the shows on KZread.

Love the Red Green reference!

Great channel. Being Canadian I love the reference to Red Green!

@BlackBearForge

3 жыл бұрын

I keep trying to find a hat like his, but everyone that sells them is always out of stock.

@edweirdmassey

3 жыл бұрын

@@BlackBearForge ha ha. if the women don’t find you handsome ( in your hat) at least they will find you handy

Thank you for the amazing content

Holland Anvil also makes swage blocks, very good quality ones

Great Channel, you do a great job at teaching thank you! Keep up the good work.

Great vid. I am in the process of making a base for my big swage block. It is SUPER heavy duty. I will share on the FB group when it’s finished.

Muchas gracias Jhon por tus vídeos!

Thanks John! Swedge blocks are definately on my "must have" list. Thanks!

Good information.

Roy's swage block video was cool,nice collection you have there also.

Next on my list of things to find for my shop ;)

You found my fuzzy spot. I love me a good swage block

You've answered all my swage block questions and I didn't even have to ask. Salute! 👍

love the Red Green reference!

hello. i found it very helpfull. it is the goal to find a swage block effective and not too expensive. have a nice day

Nice history there, thanks John.

@BlackBearForge

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching

Would love a swage block one day.

I made my swedge block stand similar to yours. I made mine so no mater the possition the top is always the heighth of the anvil. This is handy as a rest parts from the anvil to the swedge. To lift my swedge I have installed receiver hitches on benches and racks. I made a hoist to fit in my receiver hitches from my swedge block to lathe and also is handy on my truck. Next time you are in Salt lake you are welcome at my shop.

I have a small hoist that's fit in my trucks receiver hitch. I put receiver hitches on my benches an equipment that require lifting heavy parts like my lathe. This hoist is about 2 1/2 feet high with a boat winch on top for lifting which is removable. I also use these receiver hitches to hold vices and other tools. On the receiver hitch I weld a nut diagonal so I press the hich in the corner so it won't wiggle. Very handy and it saves your back. Thank you as always for a great well explained video.

One of the vendors at Factory Antique Mall in Verona, Virginia off I-81 exit 227 usually has a few used swage blocks. Availability, quality and price varies but last time I was there they had about five of them of different sizes and in decent shape. They were certainly much less expensive than the one at Centaur Forge.

Yay! Red Green!

That;s it John, show that swage who's boss! :0)

Found your channel researching an old (1930s likely) blacksmith made jewellers anvil/stake and anvil/swage block. Found them with some other jewellers anvils and tools that were thrown out as scrap. I am really enjoying your content thanks.

@BlackBearForge

3 жыл бұрын

Welcome aboard!

0:50 more people need to know about the red green show! It’s great!

Thank you! I was having a very hard time finding an affordable swage block.

@BlackBearForge

2 жыл бұрын

Glad I could help!

Great video! I will be out finishing a large kitchen chopper forged from a leaf spring once the sun sets and I can see color better. Currently the blade thickness is all over the place and I just bought a proper flatter hammer so I should be able to get it trued up pretty well and ready for heat treating and finishing

@jensdavidsen4557

10 ай бұрын

Man...3yrs ago...well folks, that chopper I forged shattered when I tried to take out a warp post heat treat and temper. Ended up forging and finishing a truly fantastic puukko from what used to be the tang of that chopper. Cheers!

So, I have been blacksmithing for a few years now as a hobby. Started on a piece of railway track. I haven't charged anyone for anything I have made them mostly it's a trade or I am paid with the experience. Over the past 6 months my shop is growing at a rapid rate. It seems almost weekly I'm getting texts or calls with steals of deals on smithing equipment. I'm picking up a 24x24 swage block with original stand for 100 bucks this week. It makes me think of a video you (John) posted on "how much should you charge for your work". I feel as though I'm getting paid 10 times over with the connections I'm making and awesome deals on these expensive tools. I'll be getting my third anvil soon for FREE....FREE!

Blacksmith depot does have that large trunnion sewage block that swivels on a stand I bought the 60 pound one from them for $325 but I was looking for the green mengal like Roy Adams uses and you just found it on another website cheaper than the one I bought was I was looking for the biggest depression I could find

Amazing you did this video today. I just finished editing my video on the swedge blocks to put up on my channel. According to what you just showed I think I am very reasonable priced. I just don't want to get into shipping. That will raise the cost a lot.

@BlackBearForge

6 жыл бұрын

Shipping is always an issue. But a required part of acquiring new tools.

Great info on swage blocks John. I'm brand new to forging so it's going to be some time before I get around to doing any kinds of projects that would require a swage block. Great info just the same.

@alessandrolok5450

2 жыл бұрын

Are you on the way of getting one?

@brianfalls5894

2 жыл бұрын

@@alessandrolok5450 I think if the right one comes along then I'll see about getting one. Right now I am in the middle of selling my house so I'm not able to see about picking up a good used swage block.

@alessandrolok5450

2 жыл бұрын

@@brianfalls5894 ah okay, and forging in general? Are starting a business?

@brianfalls5894

2 жыл бұрын

@@alessandrolok5450 For right now just general forging. If I get good enough then maybe I would think about starting up a business but for now I'm still very new to this and it is a hobby for me at this time.

🎥 Great Video 🎬 ! _ Congratulations! 👍 🇧🇷

If you have open rafter, you can sister the bottom cord on each side and vertical. We did that in a barn and could lift a 1300# welder with a chain fall. Should handle a few hundred pounds.

I would weld a receptacle to the leg of your stand and slip in a mini manual hand crank winch that will lift your swedge block up and down, then removable when not needed. when you get older it will become a good idea

Holland Anvil makes one almost identical to the first one with spoon and bowl sets.

I recently purchased a real nice block when I visited Oklahoma at Saltfork Craftsmen Artist-Blacksmith Association. They also have cone mandrels. I had to grind out the pattern seams but that didn't take long and the block was $200.

@BlackBearForge

6 жыл бұрын

I didn't know they had them for sale. I just took a look at their web site. That is a great price for a well thought out block.

@bc65925

6 жыл бұрын

You stick with me... I'll get ya straighten :-)

@chrisjones6002

6 жыл бұрын

I was going to comment about these, they look like a great buy if you don't mind doing the finish work. And if you do mind it you probably don't need one anyway, lol.

@michaelhodges6452

6 жыл бұрын

I just ordered one of theirs last week. Even with shipping (~$45 to NC from OK) it's a much better value than the ones at Centaur or Blacksmith's Depot.

Friend you' re to smart for the mid evil back breaking pry bar work. Invest in a fold - up "Cherry Picker" (hope your floor is level) … cheaper than building alteration jib install. Easy safe access = willingness to use. Thank you for the great videos.

@BlackBearForge

6 жыл бұрын

Actually I think the Cherry picker / engine hoist sounds like way more trouble than they're worth. Even folded it requires space I don't have, so it ends up in the shed. Has to be hauled to the shop, set up in a space that doesn't have room to maneuver the thing on an uneven brick or dirt floor. All in all the lever is faster, easier, no extra cost, stores in the steel rack and is probably safer than trying to use a crane where there isn't space for it. The jib crane on the other hand would be over head and out of the way, always available at a moments notice and have the real advantage of also being useful to sling heavy material to move from forge to anvil or power hammer.

Thinking that if you're channel iron was movable (with guides) could add a scissor jack under it to help lift the swage block back on top.

A swinging block and tackle would work well for this and you could make the crain for this

The Red Green wedge block! Hahahaha.

Would like to see how they get the plugs out the mold before they cast it.

that lorance swedge block has a church window in it thats pretty cool to see the "evolution" from a church window on a anvil

@BlackBearForge

3 жыл бұрын

Thats actually a shovel form

@masonmp1889

3 жыл бұрын

@@BlackBearForge well its shaped exactly like a church window is what i meant

You might be able to rig something out of a scissor jack that bolts to the stand and has a bar on the side to lift it out of the slot, or even use two cheap scissor jacks, one on each side, to lift it. A bit slower than the bar, but safer.

@BlackBearForge

6 жыл бұрын

Levers are really pretty safe so long as you don't tip the block over and let go of the lever. Wedges, lever and rollers are extremely efficient yet simple tools for moving equipment in the shop. Its all I use to move power hammers into place.

I have an idea for your anvil block. Cut a piece of square stock long enough to go through the anvil block and through the hardy hole. That'll lock it in place so it won't jump around.

@BlackBearForge

6 жыл бұрын

It actually has a clamping system included. I will show that when I cover the use of the block for making tools.

What do you think the swedge blocks found on Oak Island were useful for? they are claimed to be 100 years apart and roughly the same size but there are differences in thickness. just curious as I never knew what a swedge block was until seeing your video. Things like that should've been taught at shop in my school days! thanks for sharing!

Bob at Ball & Chain Forge makes swage blocks for the New England Blacksmiths as well. I think a California blacksmith group ordered a bunch of them pretty recently. I think it is around $180 for a 70 pound swage block with loads of round and angle swages on the edges, a five inch dish, a shovel, and spoons. It needs to be smoothed though, like all new blocks. It’s a sweet deal, though.

@BlackBearForge

6 жыл бұрын

I didn't see the swage block on his web site.

@loul7239

6 жыл бұрын

Black Bear Forge its not always posted on his website but it is always in our NEB quarterly. I own one. He does casting runs of it and maybe doesn’t always have one on hand I think. But, you just may generate enough interest here with your videos. I know he will have some for the Fall meet. We are expecting a large turnout to see Mark Aspery. Here is a post fro JLP Services...on her NEB swage block. Her blacksmithing knowledge is excellent, you might like her videos as well on KZread. www.iforgeiron.com/topic/51253-new-england-blacksmiths-swage-block-polished-and-ready-for-use/?tab=comments#comment-542531

Hi John. Instead of a jib crane, how about a mechanics engine hoist ? Most of them can lift about 2000 lbs., a small hydraulic crane on wheels. Can fold up somewhat when not in use.

@BlackBearForge

6 жыл бұрын

As I mentioned in the video there isn't room to maneuver one in my shop and I have no other reason to own one.

Check out Holland Anvil in Holland, Michigan

Thank you very much for this video. I'm currently building a stand for my swage block, and it's given me some great ideas, like the shelf to orientate it sideways. One thing I'd like to know is, my swage doesn't have holes in the face only the shapes in the side (though it is about the same size as your main one) could you offer any advice as to how I could make holes in the face? I'd only really like a couple to help with the leavering it out of the stand tbh but any advice would be great! thanks a lot and I really appreciate all your videos.

@BlackBearForge

5 жыл бұрын

That would be a tough piece to drill. Perhaps having it water jet cut

@haidafella8651

4 жыл бұрын

Water cut.. but keep in mind that there is some widening of the cut... I think it happens at the top as the grit carries on swirling around before it exits, but it might be at the bottom, if it’s from the jet widening out... I had some knives cut out of 1/4” and it was off by about a 32nd one side to the other.... the people there would probably tell you.

I have a question for you John if I’m wanting to make something in the bowl depression but the piece will be flipped it ends up having the cast iron texture on the surface, the question is, what if I ground and sanded the depression smooth? Would that be a good idea or would it ruin the swage block?

@BlackBearForge

6 жыл бұрын

It would be an excellent idea to clean up all of the depressions in a swage block.

Hi John thanks again. I know you can make these out of wood as a temp fix kind of thing. Was wondering, have you ever used a wooden swage block ? How well do wooden swage blocks even work.

@BlackBearForge

6 жыл бұрын

I have used wood for dish shapes like shovel pans or candle holder bases. But I'm not sure if you could use wood for the half rounds. A wooden stump is a very handy thing in the shop.

@bentoombs

6 жыл бұрын

Black Bear Forge absolutely they are very handy I have a separate log round just for that

@standaffern6595

6 жыл бұрын

john doe I just made several nice coal shovel buckets, on a cottonwood stump. Just shaped the depression with my chainsaw. They came out alot nicer than the one I made on my Green swage. The stump form should last a long time, as the depression did not burn away hardly at all. The shovel can be viewed over on FIF.

@forMacguyver

6 жыл бұрын

Was going to pick up a good sized stump for anvil, guess maybe I'll get a couple of them. Sorry new to all this, FIF ?

Tripod stand with a chain block may be better than bringing the building down.

Is it weird that every time I see scale on something I want to wipe it off on a video? Lol. I have to admit I've actually blowing on my phone 😁

@NeilGraham.I.M.F

3 жыл бұрын

I thought I was the only one that did that. I also do that when somebody quenches something and it smokes. Try to blow the smoke out of the way LOL

And by the way I love the Red Green reference I forgot to mention that.🤣👏👏 AvE would be proud

please, recommend book for a beginner? i want to learn basic techniques and tools; as well as forge construction. thanks.

@BlackBearForge

6 жыл бұрын

The new edge of the anvil by Jack Andrews. I also talk about books in this video kzread.info/dash/bejne/ZpmJq7ioZ6i4gto.html

@chrisjones6002

6 жыл бұрын

Here's the one I have. I had the pleasure of meeting the author too, she couldn't have been nicer or more helpful. She has a great shop too, I just wish I lived closer.www.amazon.com/Backyard-Blacksmith-Lorelei-Sims/dp/0785825673/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1526263788&sr=8-1&keywords=blacksmithing+books+for+beginners

Question on swage block height. When I build my swage block stand the only information I found was to be same height as the anvil. Is that to tall, I noticed the one you use appears to be lower than the anvil? I made it so when you turn to each of the sides it is always anvil height.

@BlackBearForge

6 жыл бұрын

It really depends on how you will use it. Most swage blocks seem to be mounted lower when flat and close to anvil height when stood on edge.

@GWIRailroad

6 жыл бұрын

Thank You John, I will try this as is, I built the holder to be anvil heights on each side. I will try to post pictures on Facebook . We had a delay in finishing our new shop , as soon as it is finished we will be moving the swage black and tool in. Have a great day!!

I am also building one for a block that is very similar to your own. I believe the height is right about 24 inches to the surface. Does this seem about right? What is your height block?

@BlackBearForge

6 жыл бұрын

Flat mine is 25" It is a good height for heavy work or tools used on top of the block. It is a bit low for just hand work.

@standaffern6595

6 жыл бұрын

Thanks, good enough for me.

To those looking, the dutch term seems to be zadelblok.

@BlackBearForge

6 жыл бұрын

Does that mean that zadel is a file?

@bascostbudde7614

6 жыл бұрын

not at all, "zadel" is saddle as you might have guessed. Technical terms tend to be quite odd over languages; some are exact matches like yacht, others differ wildly. Our word for file is "vijl" by the way. I don't feel what "swage" conveys in terms of meaning and similarity. Does it invoke filing?

@BlackBearForge

6 жыл бұрын

My mistake. I thought you were commenting on a different video. Swage is simply a shaped tool for putting that shape on the work. It is also used to the type of compressed fittings used on hoses or cables, called swage fittings.

@danielcrawford7315

5 жыл бұрын

@@BlackBearForge Mr. John, have you seen the anvil swedge block Mr. Roy just put out? What is your take on that piece? At $150 to my door i couldnt resist. I didnt have time to ask your opinion b4 purchase as it was a live stream. But your opinion means quite alot to me as a rank beginner. Thank you for your time Blessings to ya now, Crawford out 🧙‍♂️

Where can I buy swedge Blick?

@BlackBearForge

Жыл бұрын

Most of the suppliers listed in the video description sell them

Pssssshh...John you have some scale on your swage block

If you had only one block, which one?

@BlackBearForge

6 жыл бұрын

After seeing the one a few people have shared from Salk Fork craftsmen, it looks like a great all round block. The only thing it lacks are large holes for drifting though or forming hardy tools.

what are the dimensions of the large Swedge block?

@BlackBearForge

4 жыл бұрын

Just off hand i would say 3" thick 16" x 16"

@ag1639

4 жыл бұрын

@@BlackBearForge Thanks!

I looked into water jet cutting on 1 1/2" S50C plate. It is really expensive. From what I saw more than buying one of the small ones.

you could make a small gantry on wheels that you could break down

@BlackBearForge

6 жыл бұрын

I have done that in the past. My current shop is to small to work around such things and it takes way less time and trouble to use a lever than it does to set up any kind of portable crane. If the block were much heavier I would need another plan. But for this the lever is quick, efficient and safe (and free)

@Rottinrock

6 жыл бұрын

I have made them small enough to go in a tunnel to lift and remove 24 inch scrolls. made to fit right on the scroll housing with only 3 foot of head room

I got a fairly worn out swage block. Can they be repaired or resurfaced? Do they need to be?

@BlackBearForge

6 жыл бұрын

Generally they probably don't need it. But it probably could be done

@dperk1153

6 жыл бұрын

Can I send you a pic? Not sure how via youtube but can text or email. Looks pretty rust eaten around edges and looks like previous owner also used it for a oxy-acet cutting table.

@dperk1153

6 жыл бұрын

maybe i'll take a video of it, download it to my youtube channel then send a link. If you're interested. I'd like to hear your advice.

@dperk1153

6 жыл бұрын

Here's a video of the swage block. kzread.info/dash/bejne/ZaalzNh7nr3UYLw.html

@BlackBearForge

6 жыл бұрын

I took a look at the video and left a comment there. That is indeed ion rough shape. You may also share pictures on the FaceBook group.

I got an update to my swage block. Check out this video which shows the surface grind I had done on one side. Let me know what you think. kzread.info?o=U&video_id=k00l8BcWYRQ

@BlackBearForge

6 жыл бұрын

This actually seems to be a link to my video. But I did see yours on the swage block, it looks great.

If it's ductile iron it can't be hardened steel

Every one I see is crazy expensive

@BlackBearForge

6 жыл бұрын

Yes they are. It is a sad reality that the dream tools always are.

Duct tape you betcha!

50 lbs for $275.00 is $5.50 per lb

Use a car tire jack under it to lift it up

please call it by it’s correct name.... “SWAGE BLOCK”... there is no such thing as a swedge block.