[TheForge] Coal Forges - lets try this again

[Andrew Vida]

Lynn and Susan Lang wrote:
> Hello
> Parts of this discussion have mentioned firepots "wearing out" or
> "cracking".

	Some pots burn through.  I stopped using water in my fires long ago. 
I've found no advantage and you are correct that there is a definite 
risk of cracking the pot.

> How does water factor into the longevity or lack of the pots life?

	If you don't use enough water to get into the pot, none.  If the water 
gets to the pot, then it is anyone's guess, but the risk is real.

Regarding the use of 1/2" plate for the table: are you kidding?  1/8" 
sheet is more than enough and even overkill.  Anyone able to wear out 
that much steel by virtue of work volume alone gets my undying respect.

	As for paying $1000 for a forge - if you have money to burn, go ahead, 
but you should be able to put one together for next to nothing.  There 
is so much scrap and other odds and ends available that are suited for 
forge construction, I cannot imagine why anyone would spend that much 
money on a store-bought item.  Besides, you can build precisely what you 
want; chances are the factory item will be lacking in some significant 
way.  Besides, there is something of the satisfying in rolling your own. 
  YMMV.

	-Andy