[TheForge] Coal Forges - lets try this again

[Bruce Freeman]

$1046 for a coal forge!?

I get the impression they tacked the $46 on to make the $1000 look reasonable.

Look, a coal forge is a place to burn coal.  Period.  You can dig a hole in the ground and direct an air blast to it and you've got a coal forge.  This is NOT the place to spend your $1000.

A cast-iron fire pot is a great convenience IF it is thick enough (like 3/4" minimum) to LAST a while.  Centaur's claim to fame was selling a 1/4" thick firepot that would crack or burn through.  

The name Laurel Foundry comes to mind as selling a nice, thick pot.  Buy one, cut a hole in a steel table to fit it. If you're always going to move it outside, then get your hands on an old steel 2- or 3-shelf cart and use that for your forge.   Put steel barriers around three edges to retain the loose coal.  Put a side-draft hood close to the pot.  Install flue pipe (8" minimum) to at least overhead (for outdoor use) and as high as practical.  This can be removed when not in use.

A side-draft hood can be a piece of ductwork with a hole cut in the side.  That'll burn away fairly quickly, tho, so most folks prefer heavier metal to take the heat as well as for the rigidity.  SS is good, but not essential.  NJBA has just build a bunch of SS hoods and may have some extra for sale.  If interested, I can put you in touch with someone who knows.

A blower can be an electric or hand-crank blower, a vacuum cleaner used in reverse, etc.  A squirrel-cage fan isn't good because they don't deliver the pressure.  If a vaccuum cleaner gives too much pressure, vent some of it.  A REALLY bad combination is a 1/4" Centaur firepot and ANY electric blower that can be left on.  Bye bye firepot.

Now mind you if you WANT to drop $1000 on a coal forge, feel free.  It's your money.  But you can do it for MUCH less.

>>> Jerry Smith <jerry_smith at anvilsandinkstudios.com> 7/2/2007 3:38 PM >>>
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