Re [TheForge] Oil fired forge

[Steve Smith]

Michael wrote:

> I consider the complete lack of enthusiasm for casting among blacksmiths to
> be one of life's minor mysteries. However, those who wish to play with
> oil-fired forges are going to find that:
> (A) In order to live with the exhaust, they must burn the fuel efficiently
> (B) The by product of clean burning high-carbon fuels is great heat
> (C) Such heat requires furnace designs and refractory materials

I'll second what Mike Spencer said (though much less eloquently). I ran 
into a foundry furnace at a garage sale for $50: about 18" diameter, 24" 
tall, 6" thick castable walls, on a tilting pour stand--I figured I was 
set. Well, I made some bronze, then couldn't figure out anything I 
really wanted to do with it. I don't really have any interest in making 
multiples. I'd much rather whack on something incredibly hot to get it 
to the shape I want than work with a cold model of it.

Steve