Forging Exercise

[Lin Rhea]

I have been trying to teach Jake and Wyatt to forge better and there are some things that they are having trouble with. It gets frustrating to all of us when we have failures. I have heard of some teachers using Clay to teach forging.

   So, we got some clay and made some wooden hammers and grabbed up an old box to use for an anvil.

    I have to say, this is working. Even when they messed up, they can roll it back into a bar and start again. The down time is a lot less, and they can concentrate better, since the mistake and what it takes to correct it is still fresh on their minds.

   This is not just kid's stuff. I recommend using this method for anyone wanting to learn to move material with a hammer and anvil. The only difference is it's easier and not hot. You do have to resist the temptation to cheat and use your hands. Lin
 

 

 

[TxMoon]

That is a good Idea Lin awesome I will have to try that my self...

[kbaknife]

That's cool stuff, Lin.
I forget who suggested it - I think maybe Don Fogg? - take a round bar, forge it square, and then forge it back to round.
Pretty common smithing exercise.
Have those guys try that on clay!

[Bobby Urban]

That is a great idea???  As a newb to smashing hot steel I struggle with forging shape and end up doing more work with the grinder than the hammer.  This exercize looks like a great way to get better at reversing this and subsequently using less belts!
Thanks Lin

[Kevin Evans]

Great idea need that myself.
I probably need wooden tongs they seem to give me fits!
Lots of possibilities with these exercises you can show them how you get different patterns in your Damascus also latter,dog star and more(guess a guy could use a tooth pick for that)
Keep those boys busy Lin  

[Jake Rhea]

that was a good idea. it help me to know what i was doing rong wen i was forge. i am glad lin showd me.plus me and wyatt had some fun doing it. hope ya try it .

[LAR43]

Wayne Goddard has something like that on one of his videos too. Good stuff to see how things move under the hammer. . .
You've done a lot of guys a lot of good with this post Lin.    

Larry

[kbaknife]

Originally posted by Jake Rhea:
that was a good idea. it help me to know what i was doing rong wen i was forge. i am glad lin showd me.plus me and wyatt had some fun doing it. hope ya try it .

'Bout time you learned something, Jake.

[Wyatt Lane]

Yea lin learn me real good   :D

[Lin Rhea]

I'm so proud!     Lin

[kbaknife]

I'll bet you are, Lin.
I know I would be.