Make Your Own Tools

On this tool making course you will learn how to make a blacksmith's basic tool kit.

You will make a complete set of the most essential tools needed to get you started and to become self-sufficient. All the tools you make will be yours to keep. Once in posession of this toolkit, you will be able to go on to make more tools for yourself.

As students complete their tools, they will go on to use them to make more tools. A number of essential techniques will be learned.

One of these techniques is how to use a sledge-hammer, working with another person as a smith and striker. This entails lowering the anvil on to a shorter stand, so that the hammer comes down level when hitting the tool on top of the hot metal. This is the traditional way of working which leads to greater productivity because one (the striker) is using the sledge with two hands and can exert more force than one person using a hand hammer and controlling the metal to be struck.

During the tong making, students are taught how to use the power hammer for drawing down the reins of the tongs. This involves roughing down the metal on the blocks of the hammer and then using special tools called swages which round off the reins smoothly.

Punching holes is essential for making tools. You will learn how to achieve the accuracy needed to ensure that holes are central and how to stop a punch from sticking in a hole.

The angle grinder plays an important part in tool making. You will learn about its dangers, the correct methods of use and how to prevent damage.

The differences in hardness of the materials used in tool making and sources of supply other than stockists are explained. You will also learn how to maintain tools properly in a safe and comfortable manner and about the hazards which often arise from poor maintenance.