[TheForge] Forge alternatives

[Andy Vida]

Jayson Bailey wrote:
> 
> Hello, I just joined this list.

	Welcome.
> 
> I'm trying to get into blacksmithing,

	A noble pursuit.

> and more specifically, bladesmithing. 

	Further noble.

> I'm not sure how practical getting a forge would be for me
> in terms of cost and where I live.  By where I live, I mean in good 'ole
> suburbia.  I have a tiny backyard and a small garage.

	The forge should be the least of your problems.  There
	are several good designs available for gas forges and 
	the material cost to build one, if you are so inclined,
	should not be too onerous.  It's heading for 2AM and I'm
	gonna crash soon, so I won't go into it. There are many
	others that can point you to designs that are fairly fast
	and easy to build.
> 
> I've read that you can use an acetylene torch to heat metal. 

	Way too costly in terms of fuel.  Propane is the way to
	go.

> It would also, if I'm not mistaken, be good for cutting metal.

	If you have a cutting torch, yes.
> 
> Will an acetylene torch work?  Are there other alternatives?  I'm on a
> fairly tight budget right now.  My dad has most of the other stuff I'd
> need, including an anvil.

	Build a gas forge.  It isn't terribly difficult.  The hardest
	think to build is the burner, and that's not so very difficult
	either.

	Best wishes!

	-Ralph Cramden