[TheForge] claying a forge

Thu Dec 11 02:35:01 2003

I use fireclay, sand and a little portland cement in a 4:1:0.25 ratio.

Thouroughly mix the clay and cement dry then add damp sand.

Mix thouroughly and test by squeezing a handfull hard, if it makes a clump
that will break cleanly it has the correct moisture content.

If it's crumbly add a little water, mix well and test again.

If it clumps but bits stick to your hand it's too wet, add a little dry
sand, mix and retest.

Once it's "right" ram it into the pan by beating the snot out of it with a
wooden mallet.

Let it dry for a couple days, shining a light on it really helps in damp
climates.

Once good and dry cover it with about a 2-3" a layer of charcoal briquettes,
light and cover it with a piece of tin to help hold the heat.

Once burnt out and cool it's good to go.

Frosty
------------------------
If it ain't forged
it ain't real.
Wrought iron is.
The FrostWorks

Meadow Lakes, AK.

----- Original Message -----
From: "Ron" <[email protected]>
To: "The forge" <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, December 10, 2003 7:45 AM
Subject: [TheForge] claying a forge

> Howdy folks, I know this has cropped up before but what are the recipes
> for lining a cast iron portable forge. I know some think it is
> unneccessary but I'll be lighting this puppy up in cold shop usually and
> I don't want to crack the pan. Also I don't think I need to line the
> firepot either. The forge is an old buffalo forge cast iron deal with
> the side arm to hold the blower. Any advice appreciated.
> Cheers
> Ron Bakerian
>
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