[TheForge] Coal Forges - lets try this again

[Jerry Smith]

Bruce,

I wqant to have a good forge, a well built forge. I
have the money to spend, but your right some of the
prices are too high! 

Now I am looking for a decent heavy fire poy, then buy
the sheet steel.

What grade of 1/2 inch steel for the table should I
buy?

Jerry
--- Bruce Freeman <FREEMAB at pt.fdah.com> wrote:

> $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
> 
> 
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