[TheForge] Coal Forges - lets try this again

[xlch58 at swbell.net]

Either forge you listed will work fine.  The first is obviously far more 
limited.   The second is probably the more versatile, though I 
personally like higher sides on the back, as I used to continually pull 
coal forward as I worked back in my black buger days.   Now days, I 
either use gas, or on occasion a big brick forge with a great big double 
chamber bellows (about as relaxing an activity as you can get 
smithing).  As regards the firepots, other comments not withstanding, I 
expect that it would take a lot of forging and some really hot fires to 
wear either pot out.   If you are doing that, then you need the heavy 
duty firepot they used to sell for coke and something other than a 
portable forge, in which case, dragging it in and out will just wear you 
out instead.    I haven't gotten a Centaur catalog in ages.  Do they 
still have the $1000 post vise?   Last I dealt with them was after the 
owner died, and the family seemed to be squabbling. 

Charles

Jerry Smith wrote:
> Folks,
>
> I am not into using brake drums and tire rims. How
> about this style of forge:
>
> http://www.centaurforge.com/prodinfo.asp?number=C536
>
> I have limited space and this forge will be moved in
> and out of shop so I can work outside.
>
>
> Jerry
>