[TheForge] Gas Forge Recommendation

[Jerry Frost]

Thanks Mike:

Just because my 1" burner has the capacity to melt steel doesn't mean I need 
to turn it up that high. On the other hand if it won't I can't. I've always 
been a firm believer in the old addage, "it's better to have it and not need 
it than need it and not have it.

Keeping it turned down around the 6-7 lb range makes for a nice high orange 
general forging heat. 7-8 lbs takes it into the low-mid yellow and 9-11 
takes it to easy welding heat. Much over 11-12 and you can just stick the 
molten ends together, flux or no. (not recommended <grin>)

Welding heat is a misleading term though because I've watched guys weld 
easily at mid orange heat and with aggresive fluxes I have no problem in the 
mid orange as well.

One part boric acid to four parts borax works nicely.

The other "secret" is aggressively cleaning and fluxing the pieces before 
you close them up.

One of the other factors to consider is forge displacement. A typical 3/4" 
burner is good in 300 cu/" and adequate for 350 cu/". A 3/4" jet ejector 
type easily powers a 350 cu/" forge. I have my 1" burner poked into about 
400 cu/" so it's no wonder it produces better than "average" heat. Cheat? 
Me? <grin>

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

Meadow Lakes, AK.


----- Original Message ----- 
From: <Keporter at aol.com>
To: <theforge at mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Saturday, July 09, 2005 12:14 PM
Subject: Re: [TheForge] Gas Forge Recommendation


> Frosty has made excellent comments on forges. I'd like to add my two cents
> worth to some them.
>
> <Build your own. <grin>
> Very few people have a need for great hurry with their first forge. While
> there is nothing wrong with buying a forge, building one will teach  you
> insights that don't come in an instruction sheet. What you learn is the 
> best reason
> for building a first forge, and "having it your way" is the reason  for
> building other forges, later on (first, you have to learn enough to have 
> an
> informed opinion of just what "your way" should be; saving money is a poor 
> reason to
> build a forge.
>
> <Naturally aspirated or blown, either is easy enough.
> And, if built correctly, either one is good enough.
>
> <I run a 1" naturally aspirated "Jet Ejector" type burner in a  double 
> lined
> pipe forge that welds easily and if you're not watchful will  melt your 
> work.
> Obviously, Frosty is into some serious metal pounding, 3/4" has been more
> than enough for me, but then I don't like things to happen faster than 
> students
> can think.
> Mike P.
>
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