[TheForge] Ceramic Chip Forge Workshop?

[keporter at comcast.net]

-------------- Original message -------------- 

> Mike, 
> That sounds like an interesting idea. I like working with coal except for the 
> mess and the smoke, and a ceramic chip forge sounds good. If a castable 
> refractory could be used for the "chips", then it might be feasible. (I don't 
> know where we'd come up with ceramic chips, otherwise.) 
> 

Bruce
You could use old broken fire brick or broken white ware (no glazing) from a ceramic shop. However, round balls will give better flow carracteristics as the flame moves through them, and will be easier to push work into.
Castable refractory is always my first choice for shaped parts, and kiln furniture is my prefference for any part it can be employed with. Kiln furniture is top grade refractory that has been cured at high heats for as much as three days; thus it is more stable than castable refractory (no chance for air bubbles, or cracking during curing).
Normally, I don't recommend simple clay for any refractory use, but every rule has its exceptions. Small refractory balls are not going to be inclined to crack if they're made carefully; It is hardly a trajedy if some of them do. Thus, the choice between clay or castable balls would boil down to economics. Some places castable refractory is cheap and potter's clay is expensive; other places, visa versa. It is only a matter of convenience.
If you choose clay, I would suggest a small icecream scoop as a forming tool.
Mike P.