In my beginner Blacksmithing classes I get asked about: what is drop forging or closed die forging. I keep a variety of interesting pieces to illustrate. This is one of my favorites. It’s a closed die chain hook forging from an 80 ton friction press. It’s from a now extinct company called Uniforge. ( they made anchor chain connectors for the US navy) The friction press brings the two negatives together on the hot 1” bar forging the chain hook. This was three strikes . From here it would have gon

The drop tong or jump weld is one of the more difficult forge welds. Here one of the best blacksmith instructors in the world shows you how. 💪🏻 Absolutely love working with Mark. There’s always so much to learn. Really looking forward to continued training with him through the @ca_blacksmith_association and @abanaorg instructor training. #fireironforge #markaspery #forgewelding #droptong #jumpweld #firewelding #welding #cba #abana #blacksmith #blacksmithing #forged #handforged #forging #rathdr