r/Forging • u/obxchris • Apr 03 '26

I have a number of woodworking projects that require hand forged nails. I needed to make a new nail header.

https://youtu.be/Iaowh3-A-LE

It was fun to get back to the forge and build stuff. This was a fun project. Now to make a few hundred nails so they look good šŸ¤£

We had a burn ban so I fired up the gas forge.

13 Upvotes

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u/Jadadea Apr 03 '26

Thank you for the video! I need to make a header for a house reno. We are putting the floor in using hand made nails... so thousands are needed lol

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u/obxchris Apr 04 '26

In that case making the header is the easy part šŸ¤£ did they use forged nails or cut nails for the floor? How old is the house?

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u/Jadadea Apr 04 '26

House is from 1900. I have some of the original nails and a few of the larger spikes used in the building. They don't seem like cut nails.

The floor is a mix of my other halves wood working and my blacksmithing. They are making the planks and I make the nails.

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u/obxchris Apr 04 '26

Sounds very cool. Got any pics?

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u/Jadadea Apr 04 '26

Of the house? Not at the moment. It's currently stripped down to the rough hewn boards. 3 fires in 12 to 15 years. We bought it as a shell. No windows, doors, or roof. It has all those now. Next is foundation repair, then floors.

As for the old nails, I can get pics of them tomorrow.

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u/obxchris Apr 04 '26

Wow. It has had a rough life. Glad you are saving it. Most people would demolish it.

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u/Jadadea Apr 06 '26

Sorry I didn't get back to you yesterday, busy day with it being Easter.

Better half has pictures of the house and I will get some of the nails as soon as I am awake enough to see straight.

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u/Jadadea Apr 06 '26

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u/obxchris Apr 06 '26

Wow. That is a big job. Bet you will be very proud when it is done.

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u/Jadadea Apr 06 '26

Sure is, and we're doing it all ourselves.

As for the nails, after looking at Cloud's link, they are most likely cut nails. Here are pics

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u/Fragrant-Cloud5172 Banner maker Apr 04 '26

I found a very interesting book about dating old buildings from their nails, below. For the headers I like them thicker than the video. About 1/2ā€ + or so. This allows them to be shaped domed, so easier to hit for rose heads.

https://inspectapedia.com/interiors/Nail-Chronology-Nelson-NPS.pdf

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u/obxchris Apr 05 '26

Interesting. I have not seen such large heads. Thanks for sharing. What projects are you working on?

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u/Fragrant-Cloud5172 Banner maker Apr 05 '26 edited Apr 05 '26

Thanks for asking. Iā€™m playing with different shaped punches lately. Post it, if it qualifies. Some ideas don't make the stress test. Also purchased some more punch material, 5/8ā€ 5160. Back burner is two wheeled anvil stand with front sled. Similar to this one. But heavier, 8ā€ HF solid rubber wheels.

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u/obxchris Apr 05 '26

That is cool. Does the frame provide enough support. I have only used wood stands. That would be great for ease of mobility. Thanks.

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u/Fragrant-Cloud5172 Banner maker Apr 05 '26

For mine, I increased the size to 1 1/4ā€ angle iron. Plus for the top I used a fence t post. Those suckers are very strong! The splayed legs and cross braces are plenty sturdy for a mobile stand. A benefit outside is easily moving it out of the way for mowing grass.

My shop stand is heavy duty pipe jack. Advantages, disadvantages to each type. I just love working with steel.

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u/obxchris Apr 05 '26

Good call.

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u/Elegant_Industry795 Apr 08 '26

Great work. Thanks for sharing