Smithing a Roman Pila Fifth Legion Style

A short video of how to make a roman pila using Blacksmithing techniques. For more info come to http://web.utk.edu/~cohprima/

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• Fifth
• Legion
• Blacksmithing
• Roman
• Pila
• pilum
• javeline
• hammer
• smithing
• fire
• reenactment
• DIY

[948montcalm]

you gotta get a real hammer dude , not a carpenter hammer...

[WdsmnBob]

Whats wrong with using a claw for smithing occasionally? I actually use the back edge for making indents on certain types of spears. I have a bunch of ball peens, but for the same weight hammer theres nothing wrong with it.

[whowantsabighug]

looks like u use non proffessional equipment (except the anvil)

[WdsmnBob]

I think you would definately have to say that my tools are non professional. I tihnk the only money i've really invested in the hobby was buying the fan and hoses for it, buying new steel occasionally and I finally broke down and bought some low smoke coal. I want some serious tools, but i don't make enough money off it to justify it.

[WOLFBOY1962]

@WdsmnBob try getting tools at estate sales...just bought a box of 15 hammers for 11 bucks.

[roglet123]

@WdsmnBob what weight is the hammer?

[Gaiuslotus9]

Very good. You have a passion for it and you explain it well. My gongrats for your hobby. Greetings

[OmegaDarkful]

@WdsmnBob I think you got a great result anyway! Also, at the dawn of time i guess people didnt have much better tools than yours so thats even a greater prove youve done a good job!

[praetorianus72]

Great job

[Domgaudet]

The other thing I would also recommend is setting your anvil to a more proper height . (arm hanging down , closed fist just reaching the face )otherwise you will get a pretty sore back. Most old blacksmith have wrecked elbow and tendons from using the wrists too much

[Domgaudet]

You should make your own tools , you will save money and get better quality than what you could buy . Thats the only way you will get a huge collection of them. I also use lots of recycled materials. There is tons of good tool steel around for pretty cheap.

[Domgaudet]

I use lots of recycled materials as well but I also make all my tools, you should be able to make and temper your own hammers, thats the only way you will get a huge collection of them . They are not worth buying if you know about tool making .

[BlockaderunnerElf]

@WdsmnBob

I barely put any money into it all and I have professional tools. Just look for the right hardware stores and you'll see you can get the right hammers for basically nothing. And when it comes to thongs, you can make them yourself.