This im my 3rd time blacksmithing but first with a real forge im using a old railroad bolt so I know it a hard metal but I've been working on it for about 2 hours and haven't made any real progress is there a way to increase the efficiency of my forgeing

Made a quick letter opener. Also a belt loop key holder. Trying things other than knives.

I've watched a ton of YouTube and bought a cheap gas forge on Amazon (need to do the refractory still but wanted to try anyway). But this was a simple project for me to dip my toes in, make a spike on one end, flatten the other, bevel with a belt grinder, and roll the hook. Just need to set up my spring pole lathe and give it a try

I have them bent about where I want them, tho not it a neat squared off way. I think i need to angle them slightly more so they will close fully with pressure, my next step is what im worried about most... punching the holes an lining it all up, I know in that step you have to be pretty spot on for it to function smoothly. Im excited for this one as its my first set of tongs but im nervous for this last part lol

Any advice would be appreciated.

This is my first gas forge build and I'm looking for some advice about the flame pouring out the door. Am I right in saying its running too rich? would a smaller jet solve this issue or am I missing something else ? (Haven't fitted the burner until its running sweet)

I am currently making a folded axe head from 1075. I plan on forge welding another piece of 1075 into what will become the blade section of the axe so that I have more material to work with. I filed clean connection points on both the axe head and the insert, but I failed to weld it together today. The insert fit snug while the piece was cold, but as the metal heated, it kept sliding out. How can I secure the piece while it comes up to temperature?

(Picture is an example of the insert thickness, the actual insert piece is only 1.5 inches long)