What Do I Need?
The most common question we get from new blacksmiths is “what equipment do I need to get started?”
This article hopes to answer that very question.
PPE
These things are non-optional no matter your budget.
Eye protection and hearing protection are essential equipment - don’t skip this section. Even if you aren’t using power tools, extended exposure to the noise associated with hammering can do lasting damage to your hearing. Likewise, bits of flying metal are always a risk in any workshop - make sure this shrapnel hits your eye pro instead of your eyes. Eyeglasses or sunglasses will work, but a pair of dedicated safety glasses or a face shield are better choices. A respirator is generally not required for general forging activities, but is a really good thing to have on hand for preparing your propane forge for its first use, burning off harmful compounds, or grinding.
- Eye protection - ANSI-rated face shield or safety glasses
- Hearing protection - earplugs or muffs
- Lung protection (for grinding and handling particulates) - P100 or better respirator
The Basics: Everything you need to get started
The core requirements for a blacksmith’s shop are a hammer, an anvil, a forge, and probably some tongs. While it is possible to make tongs without having tongs, there’s no shame in buying your first (or first several) set of tongs. If you’re on a tight budget, Ken’s Custom Iron tong blanks are a great middle-ground option.
These are our core equipment recommendations for every budget.
Shoestring
Suggestions for those looking to get started as cheaply as possible.
- Hammer: 2-2.5lb (900-1100g) crosspein, rounding, or drilling hammer from your local big box store. Check out our guide to dressing your hammer.
- Forge: Just a Box of Dirt
- Anvil: Sledgehammer head or 4140/1045 offcut from eBay or your local steelyard or machine shop
- Tongs: Use long stock or Ken’s Custom Iron tong blanks.
Economy
If you’ve got a little more cash to burn, these options might make your life a little easier.
- Hammer: 2-2.5lb (900-1100g) crosspein, rounding, or drilling hammer from your local big box store. Check out our guide to dressing your hammer.
- Forge: Mr. Volcano single burner
- Anvil: Harbor Freight Doyle cast steel anvil or check out our anvil buying guide
- Tongs: 3/8" V-bit bolt jaw or wolf jaw from Centaur Forge, Blacksmiths Depot, or Texas Farrier Supply.
Premium
Fine goods for the discerning aspiring blacksmith
- Hammer: 2-2.5lb (900-1100g) crosspein or rounding hammer from one of your fellow artists: Brent Bailey
- Forge: Mr. Volcano single or double burner or Chile forge
- Anvil: Anvil buying guide or buy new from Texas Farrier Supply
- Tongs: 3/8" V-bit bolt jaw or wolf jaw from Centaur Forge, Blacksmiths Depot, or Texas Farrier Supply
Nice-to-Haves: Upgrading your shop
Forging with just the basics will get frustrating fast. A post vise is an excellent upgrade - unlike conventional bench vises, a post vise is designed to stand up to repeated heavy hammering by transferring the force of the hammer blows through the post into the floor.
For folks interested in bladesmithing, a belt grinder is ideal; the bulk of bladesmithing operations take place at the grinder. If you’re on a budget, a 1x30 belt grinder will get you started, but if you have a bit more to spend, a 2x72 is a worthwhile investment. However, if a belt grinder isn’t an option for you, an angle grinder or even a set of files, together with a bit of patience, will yield perfectly respectable results.
Our recommendations:
Going pro (as in production)
None of the equipment mentioned in this section is needed in a beginner’s shop, but if you’re looking to produce at scale, you may want to consider investing in a machine or two.\
Our recommendations:\
- TIG welder
- Press
- Power hammer
- Heat treat oven