In the world of blacksmithing, you often start with what you have and gradually upgrade as your skills and resources grow. Here’s a glimpse into how my workshop evolved, beginning with my forge and anvil, and expanding into a range of essential tools.
When I first set up my workshop, I invested in a Devils Forge. I chose a two-burner model with the dream of making swords someday (which, to this date, I haven’t yet done!). The forge arrived without doors, which I knew would be inefficient. Determined to make it work, I ordered some plate steel and a cheap MIG welder. I already had some ceramic wool and had saved some refractory cement that came with the forge. With a few hinges in hand and no welding experience, I thought, “How hard can it be?” Well, my first welding attempt wasn’t great, but it wasn’t a complete disaster either. The doors I welded were functional, even if they weren’t pretty. I painted them black, which promptly burned off during use, and added a door handle. Despite my lack of training, I was thrilled that it worked. It was a humble start, but every successful modification felt like a victory.
I began with a piece of railroad track from the Groningen station. Transporting this hefty piece of metal home was an adventure in itself, involving a bus ride with an incredibly heavy bag. Using an angle grinder, I shaped the track into something that somewhat resembled an anvil.
For a stand, I initially made a lightweight steel one, which turned out to be too light for effective forging. However, it found a second life as a welding table. After a year of saving money, I finally upgraded to a real anvil, the Kanka 75KG. This upgrade also required a proper stand. Without a car, I rented a big cargo bike and made my way to a sawmill I had previously scouted. Transporting a massive wooden slab through the city was quite the sight!
About a year and a half ago, I got my hands on a leg vice from a metal collector for just 35 euros, thanks to my parents. This was my first major renovation project. Now, with a beautiful patina from a bluing compound and a touch of dark green, it stands as a trusty tool in my shop, ready for any challenge.
My workshop also features a fairly cheap Parkside bandsaw. While it’s just about the bare minimum, it’s useful for small pieces of wood. However, I’ll eventually need to upgrade to a bigger one to meet my growing needs.
One of my most nostalgic tools is an old Kinzo drilling machine that I used as a child in my father's workshop. This standing drilling machine has proven to be a reliable companion throughout the years, still serving me well today.
I also rely on a Dremel tool, an angle grinder, and a heat gun for various detailed tasks, cutting, and shaping needs. An infrared thermometer is crucial for checking the temperature when hardening steel, ensuring precision in my work. Additionally, my workshop is stocked with a variety of files, a hacksaw for steel, and other hand tools that are indispensable for fine-tuning and finishing my projects.
As my journey continues, I’m always looking for ways to improve my craft and expand my toolkit. In the future, I hope to acquire a better forging oven, like an Apollo from HouseMade, as my current one is relatively inefficient. Transporting propane with a gas flask bound to my bike is probably a strange sight for bystanders!
Another significant addition to my workshop is my 10-ton forging press, which I’ve named Newton in homage to its force and strength. I acquired it from a jeweler and modified it to hold dies. This process significantly improved my welding skills. Now, I have several dies—big flat dies, small flat dies, big radius dies, and small radius dies. These dies are crucial for drawing out my blades, straightening them, and stacking my Damascus pattern-welded steels.
I would also like to get axe and hammer eye drifts, a punch die for my press, and more tongs for the workshop—after all, a blacksmith can never have too many tongs! Additionally, I’m looking to get more accessories for my Revolution belt grinder for S grinds or integrals.
Each of these tools plays a unique role in my forging process. Together, they help me transform raw materials into finely crafted knives and other metalwork. I’m always looking to expand my toolkit and refine my craft, so stay tuned for more updates from the workshop!
Do you have any memorable workshop stories or tips for setting up a workshop? Call, visit, or text me anytime to share your stories—I’d love to hear from you!