[TheForge] Strengthening castable refractory

[Marc Godbout]

I'm building a new forge. This one will have an arched roof made out of
insulating castable refractory. The insulation will be in a metal shell
- a half-pipe. Is there anything I could, or even should, do to
strengthen it? Chances are it will crack at some time in the future due
to heat. Since it's arched, a crack straight through will probably not
affect much. But multiple cracks at the wrong angle could let a chunk
fall out.

I have a roll of stainless steel wire. Would using this as a sort of
"rebar" make a difference? Any other thoughts?

Thanks.

-- 
Marc Godbout
http://www.ironringforge.com

New England Blacksmiths Membership Director
http://www.newenglandblacksmiths.org