Blacksmiths 3rd hand

[Little Rabbit]

I was struggling to hold a piece of hot metal, a hammer and a punch or drift at the same time, so I cobbled together an adjustable foot operated hold down from what I had laying around. It worked well, but after the first hard use the chain holding the foot strap to the real chain stretched, so it was replaced with some medium tensile fencing wire.

The finish is 'seasoned' canola oil, and the other end of the chain is fixed by a screw between the rollers so it can swing easily to different positions. I hope the idea is of use to someone.

Attachment 33321 Attachment 33322

[DIYer]

Thanks Little Rabbit! We've added your Blacksmith's Third Hand to our Helping Hands category,
as well as to your builder page: Little Rabbit's Homemade Tools. Your receipt:

Blacksmith's Third Hand by Little Rabbit

tags: anvil, blacksmith, third hand

[Christophe Mineau]

Good idea, the principle could be adapted in different situations, have to think about it for my woodworking workbench, or for the chainsaw horse for instance.
Thanks

[MrMetal]

Good idea. I've been using a roller chain hold down as well. My chain has a stout hook on one end that engages anywhere in the links of the chain that raps around the anvil base. The other end drapes on the floor where I can just step on it. The loose end accommodates the different lengths needed for different size work pieces on the anvil.

[Little Rabbit]

Christophe,

Depending on the nature of the woodwork you are doing something to protect the wood is warranted. I imagine a thick rubber hose would be ideal as it will conform to the timber and provide some grip. Perhaps a suitably sized radiator/coolant hose?

[Christophe Mineau]

Christophe,

Depending on the nature of the woodwork you are doing something to protect the wood is warranted. I imagine a thick rubber hose would be ideal as it will conform to the timber and provide some grip. Perhaps a suitably sized radiator/coolant hose?

Yes , dit heavy duty stuff like on the chainsaw bench, no need to wary too much. For the shop workbench, I was thinking of a leather strap instead of the chain.