dickbrom

I have heard of using Gorilla Glue (and pins) for fastening scales to a blade or attaching a hidden tang blade into a wood handle . I would appreciate hearing the pros and cons of using this method. Preferably from bladesmiths who have used this method. .

I am a blacksmith working at a local museum. I came across an old pair of tongs in their collection. The surface shows a little rust and lots of grain , typical of old wrought iron. It's clearly hand forged and massive. It's about 24 inches long overall. The bits are (each) one and a quarter inches square and about five inches long. It's clearly designed for holding flat stock . Can anyone suggest what these tongs were used for? Possible for heating the spine of a blade ??

There's not much room for error with 1/2 inch rebar. You would be better starting with flatbar about 1/4 by 3/4 or 1/4 by 1 inch. Then carefully centerpunch to mark the exact midline . Do this cold and don't trust your eyeball guestimate, measure it carefully. Your better off slitting or punching a slot and expanding it with a drift. A drift isn't too hard to make. Draw a long square taper and then round it off. Mild steel is good enough unless you're planning to use the drift a lot. Suggest you take a look on youtube and see some videos how to make a bottle opener.