[TheForge] Johnson Forge-Anvil-tongs for $65?

[Ralph E Douglass]

Andy Vida wrote:
> 
> debmiller@fuse.net wrote:
> >
> > Andy,
> > In preparing to try my hand at one of the open forges, I was planning
> > to actually build a kaowool "lid" to make it more like an NC or other
> > smaller enclosed forge. Am I pushing on a rope? wasting my time?
> > kidding myself?
> 
>         I think this depends largely on the specific design of the
>         forge and your needs.  If it is open on three sides, or even
>         two, you may save something in terms of heat loss and gaining a
>         wee bit in atmosphere control, but then why have an open
>         design in the first place?
> 
>         Also, I would be very wary of using kaowool for such an
>         application.  The dust will be flying about and short of
>         wearing a space suit, you will breathe in the particles.
>         Nothing is worth the horror of the diseases these materials
>         cause.  There is (was??) an old smith in Tennant NJ on 522
>         by Monmouth Battlefield SP.  I met him perhaps six years
>         ago when I pulled up to his shop after about ten years of
>         driving by.  He carried an O2 tank with him and could
>         hardly talk due to emphysema.  You need hear the soft, soft
>         voice of a man in that condition but once to know you don't
>         ever want to end up that way.  My recommendation would be
>         to make a door from a refractory cement.  Not as efficient,
>         but far less likely to cause you problems you don't want.
> 
>         The forges we speak of are designed to allow heating of
>         items that will not readily fit in an enclosed design.
>         They are a compromise to make possible what would other
>         wise be impossible or very inconvenient.  I personally
>         think their shortcomings preclude general use.  For the
>         effort you will put into making enclosing structures for
>         this beast, you might be better advised to build something
>         from scratch.  but I don't know your specific purpose so I
>         cannot really say with any certainty what you should do.
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Seems that for the occasional odd shaped item a stack forge would be
best. Need a bunch of fire bricks and a burner or two....

Ralph
-- 




                                                        
					
"Good is the enemy of Excellent. Talent is not necessary for Excellence.
Persistence is necessary for Excellence. And Persistence is a Decision."