[TheForge] Kaowool vs Soft Fire Brick

[Steve Bloom]

On 8/17/2016 7:58 PM, Daniel Kretchmar wrote:
> I have questions for the hivemind:
>
> I wish to build a new forced air forge.  My current plan is (starting from
> the outside)
> 1. A shell from a 40 lb propane tank
> 2. A layer of fitted soft brick with high temp mortar or a layer of kaowool
> 3. satanite
> 4. Itc-100
both wool and soft brick do not like flux -- so use hard brick or 
castable (Mizzou) for the floor.  I like soft brick (3000..2800 F grade) 
because you can build arches (old radial arm saw & a dead blade) to form 
a dome. Drill a burner port with a sharpened piece of piece matching the 
burner down pipe. Make sure the end of the burner is 3/4..1" inside the 
brick -- acts as a glow plug and no need for SS burner flares.  Being 
doing this for years. Check out my website (ironflower.com) for write 
ups. T'aint rocket science but think dust masks!  Using satanite will 
increase reflectivity and a coating is required for a wool use (just 
don't bump it - another reason for brick).

Steve