[TheForge] Using tent as a smithy

[Doug Wilson]

Rich,

I am one more working in a tent since I have temporarily moved house to put 
the kids in a better school district for high school. I have a cheap 
carport with add on sides (10x20). All came in a kit from Home Depot but I 
can provide manufacturer info if you would like. I only use two sides since 
the prevailing winds allow that without it raining in. Half the structure 
is the forge area and half work table and metal storage. Larger fabrication 
takes place outside. Large sparks will melt holes in the side walls but 
that has been rare and not a problem so far. I have a couple of fluorescent 
fixtures hanging from the ridge pole that provide good lighting.

A hood is definitely needed for those times when the wind is blowing in the 
wrong direction. I pass the flue through a piece of sheet steel used as a 
fireproof roof in one corner. I pull the sides back from the immediate 
forge area when I light up.

I am looking forward to getting back home to my shop in another 4 years.

Best,
Doug


At 09:08 AM 5/6/2002 -0400, you wrote:
>LrdThorolf@aol.com wrote:
>
> > I use a 10x15 tent frame with silver tarps for my roof to
> > keep the sun off of
> > me. No walls in the summer. Work at night if possible.
>
>I have a question for the group.  The above comment, plus one by Frosty, has
>got me thinking about using a tent for a smithy.  So far I have literally
>been a classic "under the shade of the old Oak Tree" type smith, and I am
>getting real tired of having restrictions due to weather and the amount of
>time to set up and take down every time I want to do something.  Have many
>others tried this route to set up a temporary(?) workshop.  I know Jack
>Andrews recommended a tipi in "Edge of the Anvil", but a good size tipi is
>around $1000.
>
>Anyone else using a tent (awning) out there?  Advantages/Disadvantages?  I
>wonder if you need a hood on the forge to help get rid of the smoke?  What
>size tent works best?  Keep in mind I live in Minnesota and really don't
>expect this to help with the winter time, but sure would help for summer.
>
>Appreciate any help from others experience.
>
>Rich Herman
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