As much as I enjoy your project videos I really like watching your tool posts. This is just a hobby for me so any tips and advice are gratefully received
As far as video format, I love the longer more in depth videos. I’m not going to lie and say that you’re the only person I watch, but I am gaining a ton of knowledge from you. I don’t know where this bug of wanting to do blacksmithing came from, but you are definitely keeping my interest peaked.
If you made videos an hour long where all you did was sit and talk, I would listen while I cleaned my tools up. I have the feeling you possess so much information it would be impossible to put half of it on video in 10 years. Keep em coming.
John - I've been lurking on your videos for a while now and I like 95% of the videos long or short just keep en coming. As I am very very beginner at blacksmithing I would see like one other person said pro-tips in the shorts to include basic techniques and also proper forging temperatures (basic guide), I leave deep hammer marks on my pieces a lot and a video on how to avoid that would be awesome for me. KEEP UP THE GREAT VIDEOS!!
I think there's a use for both long and short. The short version explaining the tool and it's use is very relevant, but making the tool and using it in project work is better in the longer format. Thanks John.
I watch all your videos, long and short. Ideas for short videos... hmmm. 1) Dressing hammer faces. Seen lots of guys put a mirror finish on them. Pretty, but what's the point if an anvil face isn't polished too? How fine should the finish be on a hammer? 2) Maybe not a short vid, but I'd like to see a video on using dry whole feed corn as an alternate solid fuel for a solid fuel forge. I know corn has it's own set of pros and cons. What are they? How does it compare to coal, charcoal, and wood in normal forging tasks? Can one forge weld with corn? When asked for suggestions, normally I'd like to present three... been thinking on it for far longer than I should and still stumped for the third one. LOL Maybe a short one on decorative cut twists: rubric, pineapple, basket with a trapped marble. There's three. I'll shut up now and get back to work. Keep 'em comin'.
I love both formats. The "pro-tip" shorts are great, but I really enjoy watching the longer format as well. I would suggest maintenance tips like cleaning your hood and chimney, what you do to keep dust down in the shop (especially with a dirt floor) and de-gunking your power hammer and fly press. Other topics could include refreshing your hammer, punch and chisel faces, how you price your items for sale, etc. Hope this helps.
I like both formats as well. The shorter videos are nice tips and warrant the short time. The longer videos are also great and I watch every single one to the end. I wouldn’t worry too much about the lengths. Your content has been spot on, hence everyone like both formats for the most part. I have a few ideas for the shorter videos. 1. Simple tool overviews. Like the angle measurement tool from the butcher hardy tool video. Not everyone has used tools like that. 2. I think some terminology videos would be interesting. Terms that are used in blacksmithing and not other places. 3. Don’t be afraid to go back over previous topics. As you have improved with your video making skills and gained more subscribers, it won’t hurt to go over some of the more important tips and tricks again. I know that I need to see things a few times to learn them. Being a teacher before, I know I learned something each time I taught a class, and the next class benefited from the new information I had. 4. Guests? Your friend going to the SofM for example. It can even be a “remote” type interview. Short discussions about something they are an expert at. Those videos can still be in the 10-15 minute range and be considered short. Hopefully that gives you some ideas. Thank you so much for making these videos for all of us. Every person I can tell knows about your channel! Keep it up!
Some excellent suggestions. I have come to realize that any video more than a few months old isn't likely to be viewed by newer watchers. So repeating subjects will seem like all new stuff for a lot of people.
I like and watch all your videos, if you had a 30 second video on hanging a toilet roll I would watch it! I do prefer the longer educational videos, you have a lot of skill and the ability to teach. Thanks, I do bless you!
🤣 I was just about to ask what they used BEFORE wire brushes were invented (because I used to do medieval reenactment and would like to do some things with period accuracy)...and you just answered my question! LOL
I learn from the longer videos. I love that you go to the lengths of showing what a layman can do it's harder in you i know you bought the bigger better tools for that reason but I do appreciate the fact that your not an elitist who feels the need to use 4,000 dollar belt grinder because it would be harder to show a "cheaper" way, as well as the fact that you use "trash steel" (which was used in it's original form for a reason) to help us trying to learn on a budget and can't afford to buy try and screw up "good" steel. I can't speak for everyone but I appreciate your time and effort in these videos your very knowledgeable and respectful of others abilities so thank you.
Glad you like them. I have had to step back and think more about who my viewers are as opposed to just filming things the way I usually do it. But it is good for refining my skills as well.
thank you so much for making your videos, ive been wanting to start my own little home forge for 10 years and finally started. thank you for helping me learn!
I think the long ones are a good way to pass on the information. But some days there just isn't enough time to devote 4 hours into filming a 30 minute video.
Hey John. I Like both, long and short. For ideas on a short ones; 'show us the your way of closing your shop after a days work'. 'How do you prepare for your next days work?'Thanks for taking the time to do these videos.
i like your tool and technique videos. I would like to see more about setting up and using a belt grinder, as you sue it for blacksmith related tasks, Workshop set up, mudane things like tool holders, belt grinder belt storage, etc. Thank you very much.
John, Your videos seem to toss the right answers out on a timely basis for this novice. I've pondered wire brushes and here's the video, hammer handle length..boom! I think that some shorts detailing most common mistakes, costly shortcuts and how to instill hot metal (and power hammer) safety discipline. We all learn from mistakes but if we can really learn from yours..well all the better. Thanks for great stuff brother!
Both formats are useful and entertaining. I enjoy the longer project videos a bit more, I guess. They’re easy enough to watch in stages, if needed, since play resumes automatically where stopped. I suppose you could deliberately organize the long videos into chapters within a single release. Your natural bent for organized presentation tends to do this anyway, but you could do it by design, giving viewers memorable stopping points.
Thinking of some video ideas: Signs of wear to look for on tools which could cause problems or make a tool become dangerous to use. Methodology for organizing the shop All about joinery Good multi-stage beginner projects (involving multiple pieces) I've watched a lot of blacksmith videos from many different sources and your productions quickly became my favorite. Thank you!
I would love a video on making different styles of bottle openers. I'm new to blacksmithing and am having a little trouble making a clean hole with my slot punch
Like both long and short videos . I think depends on what you are doing determines the length of the video . Trying to jamb stuff in a short video is not showing enough to make it worth watching and vise versa . Keep it up , thanks .
something I would find help for the short videos would be a video one metals. it could be one metal at a time to make the videos short but talk about forging temps, heat treating info, general uses. even some on scrap metals and how to know what they are. I'm very new to learning blacksmithing and very much appreciate your videos and the info you share. thanks for all the great content.
Long or short....That doesnt matter so much to me. I like them all the same. Keep rolling. Your channel is one of my top favourites. Thank you for sharing your knowledge. I always look forward to the next.
I think the two types of videos are good, for me to get a wire brush is difficult, but with imagination and determination I can do what you show us, I appreciate that you spend time doing all this, I'm starting and serve me a lot your videos, thanks for sharing the knowledge 👍 👍 (I hope you understand what I write, I'm a little bit rusty in the language)
An adjustable bristle length is needed when blacksmithing. This can be achieved by adding another layer of wood with holes drilled as holes previous spacing and leather straps each end. this extra wood then can be raised for softer or lowered for a more course brushing strokes.
I appreciate both type of videos. I know the short format if not specific information, e.g. Weird brushes, types of Steel, etc. Whereas the longer format is for project demonstration. Keep them coming John.
Brother, I searched all of RU-vid for a decent Teacher. So far you are the best. You take your time and come from the perspective that we don't have much to work with and we are Novice's at best. I have almost watched all of your vids and have applied a lot of it in my work. Both formats are great. The tips and tricks in the short format help me a ton! You use standard Blacksmith coal? I have been using Alacite that I pick up at Tractor Supply. I can get a couple "burns" out it. Is this advisable? Could you do a vid on the different types of coal and what advantages and disadvantages they have?
There are lots of good videos out there on sharpening. One of the machinist types doing videos will likely do the topic more justice than I can. But I will think about it in the future.
Imwinding auto coil , I don't have a nice heavy anvil that don't move while working to unroll them red hot mystery treasure metal. I welded a 8" rod onto a 2" pipe then welded a braket to screw on . I drove the pipe's stake in ground atach the pipe's brket by screws into wall of my workshop.Work as a inprovement but at some angles still tough work. Thanks again Sir
love both long and short, very informative. as far as what I think might be a good video is about files and filing. My Dad a long time Blacksmith and welder taught me about draw filing and I have used this and other tips he gave me.
I like both formats long and short. I enjoy not only tool making but love all the useful artistic projects. I've often thought of making an entire blacksmithed lamp. With a switch on the lamp. How's that for an entire series of videos for one lamp John.
Maybe like short leaf or bottle opener in like a 5 to 10 minutes veido. Also I really like your longer videos nice to see some one trying to actually teach you something.
I would personally like to see your take on forging a spring steal recycled bowie knife. I know u seam to stick with decorative pieces but i figured blacksmithing originated with weapon production. Once again thank u for the intellect and any video u make(long or short) expect me to enjoy watching them.
Thanks John, I have found both long and short formats to be useful. Sometimes I don't have time to sit through a long version, but most times I get back to it. The little vids like this one I really appreciate for the "tip" aspect. Anything that you've encountered in your long years as a smith I would love to see. Thanks again!
John, wouldn't mind seeing both, short and long videos, and how about a couple hour livestreams now and then? Can answer live questions while doing a bigger project.
Great video John. I enjoy both formats. How about a plant hanger with an upset corner and a ring and collars and a scroll or two. You know something my wife would like to have.
2:45 I personally use those on angle grinders but I'll tell you what. It's face shield, welding jacket (sometimes), gloves and the apron because that thing can remove skin and everything below it before you realize you messed up
I use a brass brush ( say that five times, fast) when the steel just turns black. Maybe starting at 800-700°F They have a technical name. Planters brush, perhaps? I get them from Blacksmiths Depot. The thing is, I operate a shop for a national historic landmark . Folks always critique my tools and what I wear. Never yet, has anyone asked about the brushes. Probably some day.....
I know you said blacksmith related..but a quick 5 minute video would be the perfect time for you to juggle those chainsaws you brought up in a past video!
Wire brushes probably came into blacksmith shops by the time nail-making left the shops. Productive wire-making for nails seems to reached the Americas after 1870, so wire making for brushes likely became affordable around the same time.
Truly educational. History and pro tips. Very interesting video. Both video formats are good. We see you giving detailed description on videos. I would like to see you just working a project start to finish time lapse condensed. maybe once in a while any way. I'd miss the educational side but it would be worth it now and then. Thanks Anthony Kent HAWK
Thank You! Have been looking all over for that long bristle brush. Recently purchased the more abrasive one and its so stiff it barely flexes at all. You can bet I'll be clicking a link and trying to get one of those long bristle brushes
I like em all. I bought a nylon brush made for a drill at one of the box stores one day to try it out and it is really handy for cleaning up real small objects. I use it in my drill press and hold on to the piece with my bare hands. Mostly the small horse shoe nail hearts I make. I found one listed as "Century Drill 77223 Cup Brush Nylon Abrasive 2" Dia. Cup Nylon" which would probably bring up one in a google search.
hey john great vid, I like long and the short ones, would love to see a vid on cabinet knobs or drawer pulls, and maybe some quick tips on dressing hammers and other tools, just an indea
Short or long, I watch 'em all and really appreciate your teaching style. I struggle with the design process, and would benefit from some advice there. That probably is not a subject for a 'short', however.
I have the brushes but that long bristled brush. I need one. Thank you for the heads up. 👍👍 any videos from you are awesome but maybe some more tooling for the anvils would be cool.Hardy tools and so on
Long or short your videos are always informative and educational. I just finished a hanging pot rack, and riveted some of the parts together. I needed a "third hand" to hold the rack and ended up using some ropes and pulleys rigged from the ceiling so I could do the riveting. I would be interested if you have any jigs or "Third hands" that you use and could share.
Hi I'm going to bug you again. Do a quick tour of your wood working shop. plus one on putting handles in hammers. they are not that hard but can be a pain.. keep going always love the videos. Merv
I plan to do the wood shop once I get it clean enough to be presentable. I did discuss handles in one of the hammer making videos. I also have one on modifying handle to upload this evening.
I like both formats, for another short format vid, I'd love to hear your opinions on files and rasps, both tooth patterns and brands. There seems to be some differences of opinion on the subject of files, and I'd be very interested in what you use.
I like your videos long and short! As an idea for a short vid..... maybe stress cracks, coldshuts, redressing an anvil. If this is suitable for a short video.
John, Thanks for your efforts. Suggestion, go with very a good demonstration technique. I'd like to do some public displays but haven't really done this type of show before.. Your overview and a few suggestions on the business side of the equation would be appreciated. I'm going to officially "retire" this year and I would like to try a few demo sessions to see how it goes. You seem to have mastered the retirement second career thing with a touch of class. Thanks again Rgds, Peter , Carrabassett Valley Forge (CVA)
Hi there, thanks for putting out all these videos. Very educational. Just wanted to mention lighting to you. Think you have overhead lights in your shop. But you may want to add a fill light to throw some light on your face. It would show you in a “better light”. Sorry for the pun. Even a reflector to throw some light on your front to balance what comes from above.
Interesting observation considering I just added two new fill lights and discussed them here ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-1LfbrtZ2cWw.html I may add more at some point, but each new thing added to the equipment adds to the time and difficulty in making the videos. But I do appreciate the input.
Black Bear Forge how about turning off an overhead light or two. I just set up a small studio to take product shots using continuous fluorescent lighting. I needed to add 250 watts to the back lighting AS WELL AS reduce the front lighting from 225 watts ( times two) to only, cameras see things differently. It might just be a matter of turning off a few lights overhead.
There is only one switch for the overheads and I have what I have so I can see the work clearly and produce high quality work for my customers. If I take out some of the overhead for the sake of video lighting it causes even more glare from the fill lights which are already annoying to have in your eyes. I suppose if the video production ever becomes a higher priority than running a blacksmith shop I might consider many different options. On the other hand it was always my intention to allow the viewer into my shop as I work, not for me to work in a studio type environment. I am sure there will be future upgrades to the lighting, but not in the immediate future. Just having a camera on a tripod and two lights on separate stands makes it difficult to move around in the small shop. If I ever complete the shop and install permanent lighting there may be a chance to install video specific lights that don't take up floor space.
Black Bear Forge I totally get it. I have made just a few videos on my channel and am amazed at the time investment. I commend you on the number of videos you have been producing.
I love both formats as far as your content question ..... I understand Damascus but how would you combine all the alloys needed to make s steel or can it even be done in a forge
I think that is how steel was made originally. I may have a chance to make some very simple steel in the next few weeks. Someone is visiting to set up a very primitive iron smelt. We may get the chance to turn some of that iron into steel.
I watch all your videos. The format does not matter to me. Each time, I learn new things or rediscover things I know. If I have a particular question, I know that I can ask it to you and that you will do everything you can to answer.
Both formats have purpose. Discuss metal types, where to get raw stock, types of forges and the pros and cons of each. Tool discussions, buying or making. Forge fuels pros and cons. Project showcases of past, present, and future works. Much can be gleaned from 5 minute videos. Teach the world, 5 minutes at a time or longer segments. Those that wish to learn and grow in the knowledge seldom care how long or short the video is.
Ok I like both long projects and short tips and tricks project some times are too much but then I like to get that quick hit so I look for one of shorts and the truth is then your project probably plays as the short made me get the forge lit and have a try of the tip guess that will change tho as I work my forge more
Hi! I'm new to this channel, I've come here because i like the subject blacksmith. Always looking for a good video on making tools or architectural. I would like to see a video about "making a tool used to bend steel". It can be any tipe, but, one like those "adjustable tap wrench" would be nice. Thank you.
I hope it's not too late for fixing a mistake... I've asked about a bending tool, but the example I've given is for twisting... well, any of those tool would be appreciated. Thanks
You're in luck I have done a video on a twisting wrench ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-6K6-6wOViAs.html I will also do some on bending forks at some point.
Great information and well presented...Would you be able to do a quick look at your 1" hardy tool adapter. I have large Peter Wright anvil (much like yours) with a 1.25" sqr. hardy and have been wanting to make an adapter to reduce the hardy tool shank to 1".
I will do that as well as make one. But for now, it is just a piece of plate with a 1" hole drilled and then drifted to size. It is then welded to a tubing stem for the hardy hole
Like both formats fine. I’ve seen a lot of blacksmithing videos where it seems the Smith has developed a third hand . Meaning how are the tongs being held steady while a hole is punched or drifted or in general a hammer and a tool are used - how are the tongs held?
John love all your videos you're very well-spoken very easy guy 2 understand. I was thinking of making a guillotine Fuller what size do you recommend quarter inch half inch.
The dies on the one I use most of the time are 3/4" x 2". I have others with large dies. I have plans to do a video on one that will use 1" square dies.
How about speaking on all you know about black heat? Also, I've heard an expression: "The iron follows the hammer." I didn't quite understand that. Might be worthy of a tip because it sounded important when the smith mentioned it. Thank you!
I misrepresented what the smith said, ("metal comes to the hammer") so I took the time to look back at the video. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-bHnvs9rghuA.html I think I now understand it as "planishing will spread the metal further on the hammer side."
I'd love to see a short video covering scrolling technique. Anyone can wrap up a nice tight scroll, but what about wrapping and winding things ornately for decorative purposes, especially with added leaves, etc, to create ivy-like effects?
As Salam Alaikum many thanks John yep wire cup on low setting when angle grinding, not tried yet but thinking of grtting a small sand blaster unit for some things and have seen (after brushing) items being put in a tumbler ( made from old gas bottle) along with small bits of scrap or small metal items and leaving them to tuble for 10 mins.... come out pretty clean etc. But thie tumblers are very loud in use
Hello John my name is Tom Blasdell from central Oregon I really like your videos and things I am new to blacksmithing and I use it for my therapy. I think I am healing and I forged a knife from a railroad spike and now I wonder what I can do to get some more of that slag stuff off the sides. I have used a wire wheel on my be bench grinder but that don't get much off I was wondering now what could I use on there. I have a picture I don't see how to add it here I will hopefully add it to the Facebook page about forging I really like that page thank you
I have a question about the value of your shop ? Could you give us an approximate cost of your shop and tools ? How difficult is it to insure a blacksmith shop ? Does the noise from your shop cause any problems ?
like both formats (long and short). Reallu like long videos. Definitely dont have an issue with 45 min videos. Usually means you've been comprehensive and I can skip to the bit I need to check later. And I save your long ones for when I know I wont be interrupted. As for short vid ideas. * anvil care (redressing, removing marks, getting it level again [mine is all over the place and im slowly grinding it flat, I think Im not screwing it up]) * useful stock metals to have on hand (purchased not scrap, e.g. 1/2" 1040 for making X, or 1/2"x1" mils steel for making Y and Z)..cos I have limited scrap and am happy to buy stock, but am REALLY confused about commercial metal grades uses/purposes. * surface treatments for forged iron (You may have done this, I'll check and remove if I find it) I know you've mentioned johnsons paste wax.
