[TheForge] Coal Forges - lets try this again

[Ben Barrett]

Jerry,
This brit who taught me a lot won't stop going on and on about
side-draft forges, and how they are much better than anything else.
>From everything I've seen, it REALLY does not take much to get a
workable forge together.  If what you want is a working representation
of history, for instance, though, that is a different goal.  Sorry our
tips didn't help... you didn't speak to the aesthetic you're looking
for, or whether building something was an option -- I'm guessing that
either the aesthetic or simply the forge-area workspace/table is what
you're wanting, let us know.

The C536 model is very nice but very overpriced.  This has been stated already.

Go for it...?  Or, if you're prepared to shop around, you should be
able to find something
just like that for under $500, prolly under $300.  Craigslist, ebay,
local papers, your ABANA regional/local sources, post-up walls at
pertinent local businesses, etc.

If you're willing to build, I think you could get away with under $100
in parts and under 20 hrs time, to get a workable forge, pretty
easily, assuming you have access to a welder.  If you have some time&
money but not willingness to DIY, it seems like it'd be fun to find
some young earnest metalworker who wants to take on the project, and
you'd be supporting your local metalworking  community.  If you lived
near me, I'd offer to help.

ben

PS - Charles, I don't see any big post vises here:
http://www.centaurforge.com/products.asp?dept=139
only one in stock, the goose neck, in fact... no photo.


On 7/2/07, Jerry Smith <jerry_smith at anvilsandinkstudios.com> 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