MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!
We’ve put together a great list of items that every blacksmith from beginners to experts will appreciate. If you’re not a blacksmith but are a “Maker” or wood worker, you’ll certainly find a few great items on this list as well! Each of these items we use regularly in our shop and many of these items we’ve used in classes and students have found helpful in their own metal working journey.
The following are Amazon affiliate links- use them, and I get credit. Support the small business, at no additional cost to you- by following these links. Thanks for the love!
Black Framed Safety Glasses
https://amzn.to/2NhDin1
$7.36
These are the safety glasses I wear most often. They’re modern, subtle, safe, and fashionable while not breaking the bank. Safety glasses are the most important tool in the shop, make sure you’ve got some that you like to wear!
Gold Framed Safety Glasses
https://amzn.to/2POM1yr
$7.84
Safety glasses are important, and these are fashionable! Get a few sets, you’re definitely going to loose them.
Caramel Framed Safety Glasses
https://amzn.to/2pxrPGW
$6.55
One of my favorite sets of “hipster” safety glasses which we use in classes and youtube videos. These provide the proper eye protection, while looking retro!
5/8’’ V Jaw Tongs we used in class- perfect for railroad spikes
https://amzn.to/2WGGnzS
$57.40
This is a pretty good set of 5/8’’ “V JAW” tongs which work well with railroad spikes. Since lots of beginner smiths love making things with railroad spikes, these are a pretty good set for starting off.
(Sometimes they need to be reforged slightly to better fit the spike head. Just heat the tongs up with the spike in place, and give them a few “adjustments”).
DIY “Quick Tongs” Starter Kit by Ken’s Custom Iron
https://amzn.to/2PMZib6
$74.72
Every aspiring smith needs a variety of tongs, and Ken’s Quick Tongs are a great and affordable way to build a few sets of our own, specific to what you need. They come with detailed instructions and this starter kit is perfect for anyone starting out and in need of tongs. We still use these, constantly, it’s great to have some half made tongs ready to go when you need to make something specialty in a pinch!
1.75lb Hammer we used in class
https://amzn.to/2qm4iIS
$34.55
Most people getting into this trade are swinging way too large of a hammer. This 1.75lb hammer is the best readily available/affordable hammer we’ve found, and it’s great for the budding blacksmith! Just reprofile the face a little with a file or grinder, and this will become your new “GO-TO” hammer!
ISOtunes PRO Bluetooth Hearing Protection, 27 dB Noise Reduction Rating
Affiliate Link: http://bit.ly/2NUNYXA
$89.99
Use discount code “thebarefootforge” to save an additional $10 at checkout!
Bluetooth Hearing protection so you can preserve your ears while still listening to podcasts. I wear these all day, every day! Built for a shop environment and built to have real hearing protection, not just “noise cancelation”.
Wall Control-The metal pegboard panels we LOVE for shop and garage organization:
https://www.wallcontrol.com
$80-300
Save 15% off all orders with discount code “Barefootforge15” good through 1/31/2020!
This is truly one of my favorite products to showcase in our shop. This is an incredible improvement on the age old “pegboard”. There’s a variety of hooks, shelves, bins, etc that will keep you organized, are easy to clean, and so much stronger then they need to be! I routinely put a small anvil on one of these shelves!
Maker Made 3D Printer
https://www.makermadecnc.com
$599
Save $50 and get free shipping with discount code “BarefootForge”!!!
I recently got into 3D printing and i’m fully obsessed! This printer has proven to be so easy to use, very versitile, and truly a ton of fun! I genuinely don’t know what i’m doing, and i’ve been able to successful print tons of things with this tool! Trust me, you can too!
Use this link, and the code is automatically applied:
Makermadecnc.com
Lincoln Power MIG 140MP MIG Welder
https://amzn.to/2C3fdcV
$849
This is the welder we use in class that’s capable of both MIG, TIG, and running a spool gun for aluminum. This is a very versatile and high quality 110v MIG setup- I’m a big fan. This is a great first welder, because this is a welder that you can grow with! Seriously- this welder is AWESOME.
Lincoln Electric 3350 Welding Helmet, Black
https://amzn.to/2BVaxWv
$266
This is the best welding helmet I’ve ever used. It’s exponentially nicer then the $50 one we use in class, and it makes it A LOT easier to become a better welder, as you’ll see EVERYTHING. If you currently suck at welding and want to get better- this tool will make that journey ALOT shorter!
Anvils for Sale
We keep a rotating stock of old world anvils for sale starting at around $500.
With our passion for anvil history and getting the best tools into the hands of budding smiths, we track down, purchase, clean up, and research these anvils so that they’re ready for you to start beating on! Want a cool hand forged 1854-1860 Peter wright anvil, made by some children in Dudley England? We’ve got that!
Want a 350lb monster sized anvil crafted by the Fisher Noris Company in Trenton NJ? We’ve got that!
Are you in need of a pristine 125lb Hay Budden anvil built before 1910 with near perfect rebound- we’ve got that too!
Reach out, we’ll find the right anvil for you- we’ll even help you gift wrap it!
If you have any questions about any of these products, feel free to email me directly at Thebarefootforge@gmail.com
These are all products I use and love, and we’ve had lots and lots of students enjoy many of these tools over the years. If you’ve got a budding blacksmith in your life or passionate “maker”, and you’re not sure what to get them- send me an email, i’ll be glad to help.
I tried to make sure we had some gifts in a variety of price ranges represented, and I may be releasing another guide with some additional gift ideas soon.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
-Craig
