Forging

How to make and install a forging post

A forging post consists of a straight board with a striking surface at the top. The board is a seven or eight foot long 4x4, cut diagonally so the top is about half an inch thick. Traditionally, the striking surface consisted of a bundle of straw with rope tightly wound around it at the top foot of the board. Nowadays, a piece of rubber covered with canvas or leather is used. Anything that cushions the shock of impact may be used, such as a tightly bundled t-shirt attached with duct tape. At the base end of the board, bolt two parallel sections of 2x4 perpendicular to the length of the board facing the same side as the punching surface.

Choose a site that will not be affected by weather. Ensure that the ground in which you are mounting your forging post has good drainage and is firm.

To install the forging post, dig a hole three or four feet deep and wide enough to accommodate the 2x4's. Pack the bottom of the hole with stones. Place the base end of the board in the hole so that the middle of the punching surface is at solar plexus level. Fill in the rest of the hole with dirt. The top of the board should move five or six inches without exerting too much pressure. Having a board too flexible is better than not flexible enough.