Forge & Forest DIY

Forge & Forest DIY Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from Forge & Forest DIY, Digital creator, 1884 Hershell Hollow Road, Los Angeles, CA.

NTD - Finally got themThe left one is my new everyday brute-force combo plier. I used them all afternoon. A game changer...
09/22/2026

NTD - Finally got them
The left one is my new everyday brute-force combo plier. I used them all afternoon. A game changer, much easier on the wrists. The right one is for terminations and panel work.

One of the coolest things I’ll ever ownThis was in a mystery tool lot I snagged off FBM. It was essentially free. Instan...
09/22/2026

One of the coolest things I’ll ever own

This was in a mystery tool lot I snagged off FBM. It was essentially free. Instantly knew it was treasure when I pulled it out of a box when I got home, it’ll be a keeper for life. Haven’t seen anything like it before.

For being ancient and forgotten in the bottom of a toolbox, I’m astonished at its condition, too. Struck gold on this one.

What are these sockets-like tools for?Found these at a thrift store. They are made of aluminum and came in a bag of arou...
09/22/2026

What are these sockets-like tools for?
Found these at a thrift store. They are made of aluminum and came in a bag of around ~50. It looks like the socket is meant to be drive by the roller pin driven thru it since there is no square drive on the back. Does anyone know what these are?

Die Grinder RecommendationsI've been starting to make stuff lately that I simply can't get the angle grinder into anymor...
09/22/2026

Die Grinder Recommendations

I've been starting to make stuff lately that I simply can't get the angle grinder into anymore. Can definitely avoid it for the most part by pre-grinding areas before "closing" myself out but I'm definitely leaving rough areas behind. Especially some slag and a lot of splatter (since all I can afford right now is flux core lol).

Seems like the go-to is the right angle Milwaukee but I've seen some harbor freight die grinders for much less. Are those worth a s**t or no?

Also open to the idea of a smaller rotary tool. I've never used one on steel before so I have no idea if it would have enough ooompf.

Let me know your thoughts! I know this sub loves good tools.

UPDATE: Thank you guys for all the suggestions. Looks like there's a lot of options out there! Flex grinder, cheaper air powered option + compressor, or a harbor freight special I think are my logical options right now. In time I will definitely look into upgrading to the pricier tools. I've been abusing the s**t out of the 4in Bauer grinder from Harbor haha.

I'm honestly overwhelmed by the amount of responses and I am grateful for everyone's insight! Metalworking sub for the win.

Smith torch bent?Is it normal for Smith torches to have slight bend? Sc509 head and sw1 body
09/22/2026

Smith torch bent?

Is it normal for Smith torches to have slight bend? Sc509 head and sw1 body

Brazing questionCurrently fabricating these gates and have had an issue with heat warping. I’ve decided to TIG these par...
09/22/2026

Brazing question

Currently fabricating these gates and have had an issue with heat warping. I’ve decided to TIG these partially for easier clean up and MIG the back for strength.

I decided to go down the silicon bronze brazing route on the wings as the materials are 2 different thicknesses/getting pinholes and heat warp due to the high amperage. Is this a viable option or are there concerns, especially once I’ve dressed the brazing back.

Cheers in advance!

What's your favorite homemade tool?What are some of the homemade tools you guys have come up with? Or what modifications...
09/22/2026

What's your favorite homemade tool?

What are some of the homemade tools you guys have come up with? Or what modifications have made your day to day life easier?

Here's my roll out wheel I made with a cheap trailer hub and a marketplace 8" chuck. Some scrap steel and some time on google led me to this design. Welded a chain around the edge as a handle and changed the brake to grab onto the fl**ge instead of the hub. 400 words is a lot.

High School Project
09/22/2026

High School Project

Homemade pullmax metal shaperUsed drops and scraps to make a metal shaping pullmax style machine.
09/22/2026

Homemade pullmax metal shaper
Used drops and scraps to make a metal shaping pullmax style machine.

Any advice on repair?Good afternoon, this is my first time posting here. About 3 years ago, a friend of mine called and ...
09/21/2026

Any advice on repair?
Good afternoon, this is my first time posting here. About 3 years ago, a friend of mine called and asked me to help him finish clearing out a garage that had belonged to a mechanic before his passing. The kids inherited the house and, as is all too common here in Florida, didn't even bother to sift through their parent's things before hauling them to the dump.

I found quite a few old shop tools, even some parts for my truck. I was initially very pleased to have found this large vice. However, upon setting it up at home, I realized that there is a piece broken off that allows the movable vice to derail when force is exerted between the fixed and stationary ends.

Sorry if the pictures aren't the best. The 3rd Pic is a close-up of the missing chunk that's visible but shadowed in the first two. The broken piece was never located and, judging from the paint layers, at least one coat came after the damage.

Any suggestions for how to make this a working, usable vise again would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks, and Happy Friday!!

Address

1884 Hershell Hollow Road
Los Angeles, CA
90071

Telephone

+13237174941

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