[TheForge] Coal Forges - lets try this again

[Ben Barrett]

You'll want something heavy enough to take a poking or three, if
you're going the DIY/scrapper route you could prolly find some thick
drain-grate or something to suffice.  I've also been hearing that
forge fire pots and the clinker-breaker at the bottom of the standard
classic vertical-blown forge are great things to make at casting
parties (no not theatrical, of course, more like green sand).  Simple
answer is, you can build one.  Sounds like you may be willing :)
I'd also rather buy a hammer at this point, but I built my [propane]
forge, its table, my post-vise stand, etc... so granted I walk that
middle ground too, just tight-budgeted for tools as most are.

I think I'm confused about whether you mean the whole fire pot or the
clinker-breaker where the air comes through just in the middle/bottom.
 I think that's what it is called... and when you check on sheet
metal, check your local metal recyclers... the "scrap yards" I go to
are very nice, have organized racks with only a few "piles", and will
cut however you want for a nominal charge -- MUCH cheaper than new
metal.  I've also had good luck finding scrap metal by putting wanted
ads on craigslist, you just gotta ask if you want  something.  1/8"
thick or greater should do the job, and not burn up [much at all] as
the fire is usually raised up a bit on a bed of coal/ash, another nice
feature of the side draft.
Here are some resources for you:
http://www.beautifuliron.com/forge_planning.htm (incomplete but useful)
http://www.beautifuliron.com/mysteel.htm
http://www.beautifuliron.com/steelhoods.htm
http://www.iforgeiron.com/Blueprints_200-300/p2_articleid/57 (plans)
http://www.iforgeiron.com/forum/f7/side-draft-forges-1421/ (discussion)

http://www.beautifuliron.com/forge_brakedrum.htm -- the case against
brake drums... I hadn't seen this before :))  maybe you have; the very
bottom has some firepot info, suggests properly cast ones.  What I
find is that some folks are finicky and some are less so.  YMMV, as is
said (your mileage may vary).

thanks & good luck!

ben



On 7/2/07, Jerry Smith <jerry_smith at anvilsandinkstudios.com> wrote:
> Ben,
>
> After the Independence Day Celebration, I will check
> with my local steel distributor for some sheet steel.
> I need to know if I should buy a fire pot or can I
> build one?
>
> The blower is easy, I already have a nice 120 vac
> blower on the shop shelf.
>
> Jerry
>
> --- Ben Barrett <stircrazyben at gmail.com> wrote:
>
> > 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