“Get a Grip: The Essential Tongs for Blacksmiths Working with Flat Stock”

Tongs are an essential tool for blacksmiths, and there are different types of tongs designed to hold various shapes and sizes of stock. In this roundup style post, we will be focusing on tongs used for holding flat stock.

One of the most common types of tongs used for flat stock is the V-bit tong. V-bit tongs have jaws that form a V-shape, which allows them to grip flat stock securely. They come in different sizes, and some have a spring mechanism that keeps the jaws open until squeezed shut by the user.

Another type of tong used for flat stock is the scrolling or bending tong. These tongs have wider jaws with rounded edges that allow them to hold onto flat bars without damaging their surface. Their shape also makes them useful for bending or forming scrolls and curves into metal.

Box-jaw tongs are another option when working with flat stock. They have a box-shaped jaw that holds onto the bar from all sides, providing excellent stability while forging or shaping it.

Finally, there are wolf jaw tongs. These tongs have two parallel jaws with teeth-like protrusions inside that grip onto flat bars firmly. Wolf jaw tongs provide a strong grip even when working with thicker or heavier pieces of metal.

In conclusion, having a set of quality tong is necessary for any blacksmith who wants to work efficiently and effectively with flat stocks. Whether you prefer V-bit, scrolling/bending, box-jawed, wolf jawed – it’s essential to choose one based on your needs as each has its own unique advantages and disadvantages depending on what you’re using it for!