[TheForge] More questions...

[GHS]

metalshadows@juno.com wrote:

> I finally got a small test forge to work,it was made of 4 cinder blocks,a
> piece of pipe from a bicycle frame,and an old microwave fan that i ran
> off my drill.after a few hours of using it,i realized as far as forges go
> there was still a lot to be desired.but since i am unexperienced in the
> whole field,it was a good learning experience for me.some of the first
> mistakes i realized was that a cinder block setup is to deep,i really
> noticed that because i had the stupid idea to use an old set of needle
> nose pliers because i havent got any tongs yet,so i had to pretty much
> stick my hand in the fire to get what i wanted out.i know not to do that
> again.with this whole experience under my belt......i came up with a few
> more questions that i hope someone in the forge will hopefully answer for
> me.

First let me congratulate you. You are the first newbie in a long time 
around here who just did it. You already know more about forges than you 
ever would have if you had insisted on getting "just the right setup" 
before ever lighting a fire. GOOD GOING!

> 1.about how big(deep/wide ect.) should a firepot for forgeing
> knives,swords,axes,ect. be?

To my taste, about four inches under the work plus 1 to three above 
depending on what you are doing. Why not try a flat plate of steel with 
three or four fire bricks piled on top, to surround the fire. Play with 
the shape  and depth, learn what works for you. There is time enough to 
build or buy something after you have fooled around a bit. You can blow 
air into the base of the fire with a pipe, laid on the plate, and a hair 
dryer or some other small fan. This won't be what you will end up with, 
but it will be cheap easy, and fun.

> 2.how much coal should i use?anything i should do to the coal first?

Coal , to my taste, walnut size or less. Use enough to surround your 
piece with about 4 inches beneath the work.

> 
> a list of beginning tools that i might need with some approximate prices
> would also be extremly helpful.
> Thanks.

Hammer tongs something to beat on. Good books on smithing.

Sam, where are you? There might be one of us near by that could help you 
out.
> Sam.
> 
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