I see many people getting involved in blacksmithing every day without knowing where to start. Since you will be working with metal, options are countless. The most important thing for every beginner blacksmith is to start with simple projects and gradually improve their skills.
In this article, I put together a list of the 20 easiest forging projects for beginner blacksmiths.
- Holdfast tool
- Drawer Or Door Pull
- Bottle Opener
- Chisel
- Punch
- Drift
- Fork
- Spoon
- Leaf
- Nail
- Meat Skewer
- Fire Poker
- J-hook
- Shelf Bracket
- Dinner Bell Triangle
- Paper Towel Holder
- Forged Nuts
- S-Hook
- Decorative Heart
- Rebar Snake
Completing these simple projects gives every beginner the confidence and skills to move on to some more complex work. I’ve included video instructions for each of the projects, so you will have everything you need to start them on your own.
Essential Blacksmithing Tools Needed for These Projects
Before we continue, here is a list of essential tools you should have when beginning any of these blacksmithing projects.
- 50-lb or Heavier Anvil (anvil alternatives)
- Propane Forge or a Coal Forge
- Blacksmithing Hammer
- Blacksmithing Tongs
- Bench Vice
- Angle Grinder
- Safety Gear (Apron, Gloves, Glasses)
20 Easy Blacksmithing Projects for Beginners
Once you have all the tools listed above, you can start on any of the projects below. I recommend starting with projects for yourself before moving on to making things for others.
1. Holdfast Tool
One of the best things about blacksmithing is that you are the person who makes your own tools. Yes, you heard it right. There is no need to buy all the tools. Actually, after some time, you will be able to make almost all the required tools for forging tools.
A holdfast tool is one extremely common way of securing your work during striking at the anvil. It is actually just a bent bar that is inserted in a hardy or pritchel hole. Depending on the size of the anvil, you will make a convenient size for the holdfast. It is also extremely easy to use and forge. Spring and mild steel are usually used for forging the holdfast.
To make this project easier on you should also have a crowbar and chisel.
2. Drawer Or Door Pull
Why spend money on a drawer and door pulls when you can easily make one by yourself?
Instead of paying $20, spend 20 minutes in the shop forging it. It would be nice to forge something like that and use it every day. Imagine opening the door of your shop with your handmade door pull. You can also make these for various drawers.
All you need is one piece of mild steel, which is 8 inches long, and a 3/8 square bar. First, what you want to do is to make leaves on both ends. After that, place the bar on the vice and twist it. By now, all that is left is to bend it, which you can do on the anvil’s horn.
To start making door pulls or drawer handles, I recommend using mild steel or any scrap metal you may have from previous projects.
Essential tools for this project:
- Anvil
- Forge
- Hammer
- Tongs
- Mild steel bar
- Vice
3. Bottle Opener
Most of us take a bottle opener for granted until we don’t have one. Yes, I know, you can easily buy the new one, but there is just something special about handmade items.
While bottle openers won’t serve as a blacksmithing tool, they will be used for other purposes. For example, it can be a nice gift for someone. It is one of the simplest projects on the list.
Since bottle openers are one of the items that sell well online, consider first forging them. I know a guy who forges only bottle openers for a living, nothing else.
Essential tools you will need to make a bottle opener:
- Anvil
- Forge
- Hammer
- Tongs
- Vice
4. Chisel or Cutting Tool
Cutting hot metal is one of the most frequently used blacksmithing techniques, and making your own cutter tool will come in handy. You will also be able to make custom chisels for more advanced projects later on in your blacksmithing journey.
Chisels come in many different sizes and shapes. In order to cut the material with them, you need to apply force, usually with a hammer.
Now, chisels are divided into two types: hot and cold chisels. As the name suggests, hot chisels are used for hot metal while cold chisels would be used for cold metal.
The primary difference in structure is that hot chisels are sharper (30-degree edge bevel) than cold chisels (50-60 degrees edge bevel). Do not try to use hot chisels to cut cold metal.
Here is an excellent video on forging both of them with rebar.
Essential tools for this project:
- Anvil
- Forge
- Hammer
- Tongs
- Rebar or coil spring
If rebar is not your preferred option, check this one with a coil spring.
5. Center Punch
There is nothing more irritating than not having an adequate tool for a particular job. Every smith is more likely to have a variety of punches in his shop as different projects require different sizes and shapes of punches.
The main use of punches in blacksmithing is forming holes in the metal. They are also useful in engraving a stamp, which can serve as a beautiful decoration. One of the best metals for making punches is S7 steel. It is a sweet spot between ductility and strength.
Since shock resistance is one of its greatest features, punching won’t present any problem for this steel. Other suitable tool steels include 4140, 5160, and W1.
For making this project you are going to need:
- Anvil
- Forge
- Hammer
- Tongs
- Angle grinder
- Some kind of tool steel
Round center punch
Square center punch
6. Drift
Drifts are similar to punches, but the main difference is in their point size. Punches usually have a bigger diameter which makes them superior for making holes.
On the other hand, drifts tend to have a smaller diameter which gradually increases to the top making them perfect for increasing the existing holes.
To start making your own drifts, you will need:
- Anvil
- Forge
- Hammer
- Tongs
- Vice
- Some kind of tool steel
7. Dinner Fork
The fork is another relatively easy item to make as a beginner. While there are many fork types, we decided on a dinner fork for this project since it is quite easy to make and doesn’t require many tools. If you want, you can make a whole set of dinners fork for your family, or you can simply give it to somebody as a gift. Rarely anyone has forged a dinner fork at home.
For making this project you are going to need:
- Anvil
- Forge
- Hammer
- Tongs
- Rebar bar
8. Spoon
If you have already made a dinner fork, why not create a spoon that goes along with it? For example, it would be nice to use your forged spoon when eating soup. That way, you can have a nice set of forks and spoons in your kitchen that will last you a very long time. Also, you would also be one of the few who has his own handmade cutlery.
For making this project you are going to need:
- Anvil
- Forge
- Hammer
- Tongs
- Swedge block
- Mild steel bar
9. Leaf
A leaf is another incredible item suited for all novice blacksmiths. Since forging a leaf requires some decent level of precision and tact, it will serve as a great practice for those aspects. If you are not careful enough, a leaf can be easily broken. Note that if the temperature is too hot, you can easily melt it very quickly and therefore ruin all projects. This is especially the case with coal forges.
For making this project you are going to need:
- Anvil
- Forge
- Hammer
- Tongs
- Mild steel bar
10. Nail
Nails are one of the oldest metal items used for various construction and many other purposes. The chances are that you will require them on a regular basis for different needs.
Also, if you want to start selling your work, consider adding nails to your list. With very small material expenses and a relatively short time for making them, you can expect to earn some decent amount of profit.
For making this project you are going to need:
- Anvil
- Forge
- Hammer
- Tongs
- Mild steel bar
- Nail header
11. Meat Skewer
If you are a huge fan of meat, as a blacksmith, it would be a shame not to forge your own meat skewer. Instead of buying one, make one, since it is an extremely simple and easy item to make. On the other hand, if you are not a fan of meat but you know someone who is, give it to that person as a gift.
For making this project you are going to need:
- Anvil
- Forge
- Hammer
- Tongs
- Vice
- Mild steel bar
12. Fire Poker
Fire poker also falls on this list of the easiest forging projects, for a good reason. With some basic level of forging, you can easily make your fire poker that will serve long and well. As with any other item, you can do the most basic option, or you can add some decorative work. If you are planning on selling them, I strongly suggest the latter.
For making this project you are going to need:
- Anvil
- Forge
- Hammer
- Tongs
- Vice
- Square mild steel bar
13. J-hook
Even if you just starting out, forging a basic J-hook can be done in 10 minutes or less. It is an excellent item on which you can practice and sharpen your blacksmithing skills. J-hooks are one of the simplest hooks on which you can hang an endless amount of things. Depending on personal preference and needs, the length may vary.
In case you have a blacksmithing business in early-stage, J-hooks are an ideal item to sell. If you manage to make one piece every 5 minutes, that’s 12 hooks per hour. Even if you charge only $5 per piece, you made $60 in one hour, which is not bad for a beginner.
For making this project you are going to need:
- Anvil
- Forge
- Hammer
- Tongs
- Vice
- Round mild steel bar
14. Shelf Bracket
Here is one more simple thing you can forge in a short time. Shelf brackets can sometimes cost a lot of money, considering that it is just a piece of metal that holds a shelf. One way of saving money is to make it by yourself. Since every shelf requires different sizes and lengths of brackets, their size will vary accordingly.
It is extremely easy to make. If you already have a required length, all you need to do is to bend it and make a hole. You can do a basic variation, or you can do some decorative work to make it more visually appealing.
For making this project you are going to need:
- Anvil
- Forge
- Hammer
- Tongs
- Vice
- Caliper
- Mild steel bar
15. Dinner Bell Triangle
Dinner bell triangle is one of the traditional items that was used to grab the family’s attention for a meal, usually dinner. Since these people were sprawled across the farm’s land, dinner bell served as a great way of inviting them home for a meal. When the bell was ringing, everyone would just come running.
For making the dinner bell triangle, you need either a square or round piece of mild steel. I recommend making the little ends bit more decorative to make it visually nicer.
For making this project you are going to need:
- Anvil
- Forge or propane torch
- Hammer
- Tongs
- Vice
- Round mild steel bar
16. Paper Towel Holder
A Paper towel holder is something that we all have at home (at least I hope so). You can make one for the bathroom, kitchen, or workshop. Again, one of the extremely easy items to make without requiring a lot of time. You can also try selling them since it would make a nice small gift for someone.
For making this project you are going to need:
- Anvil
- Forge
- Hammer
- Tongs
- Vice
- Mild steel bar
17. Forged Nuts
You can make nuts in a variety of sizes and shapes that will secure the desired material. It is one of the smallest items on the list, but that doesn’t mean it is the easiest. It requires a decent amount of precision and tact.
For making this project you are going to need:
- Anvil
- Forge
- Hammer
- Tongs
18. S-Hook
S-hook is an incredible item on which you can start your blacksmithing journey. Forging this item requires basic blacksmithing techniques like drawing, bending, and scrolling. It is a very good skill-building item.
The only difference between J-hook and S-hook is that the second one has two identical sides. You can make these either from a square or round bar, depending on which one you prefer more. Also, they are an excellent item for selling, if you are interested in that. You can make a big profit by selling small items like this.
For making this project you are going to need:
- Anvil
- Forge
- Hammer
- Tongs
- Vice
- Round mild steel bar
19. Decorative Heart
When I first started my journey, the decorative heart was one of my first forging projects. It was a complete hit as a gift for Valentine’s day. So, if you want to surprise your wife or your girlfriend, don’t wait Valentine’s day, but make one today and give it to her.
Also, it is worth noting that this is one of the fastest ways of earning $20 bucks in your workshop. Items like these sell well online, especially around the holidays, so keep that in mind. All you need is a small piece of the round mild steel bar.
For making this project you are going to need:
- Anvil
- Forge
- Hammer
- Tongs
- Vice
- Round mild steel bar
20. Rebar Snake
And finally, a rebar snake. Yes, you read it right. It is a quick and easy beginner blacksmithing project. So, if you are just getting started, give it a try.
This project is even more worth doing if you have someone who loves snakes. Rebar snake would serve as a really lovely gift. All you need to do is grab a piece of rebar, do some basic bending, and spread the end to create a cobra head.
For making this project you are going to need:
- Anvil
- Forge
- Hammer
- Tongs
- Vice
- Rebar
And that is it guys, 20 blacksmithing ideas for all beginners that serve as a great practice and a way of sharpening your skills. Completing at least a few of them would drastically improve your blacksmithing skills and allow you to move on to more advanced work.
Okay, you know what to do, now let’s back to the forge.
Recommended reading:
7 Knife Making Power Tools for Maximum Productivity
The Definite List of Knife Making Tools for Beginners
