Papasmirf
Silver Member
I've always want a forge. Do any of you have forges, preferably DIY. Thanks in advance.
Forges
- Thread starter Papasmirf
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CNC Dan
Veteran Member
If you look for horse shoeing suplys, you should be able to find several kinds, including gas fired or coal burning.
dave1949
Super Star Member
Don't have one, thought about it seriously for a while.
This site is informative on all things blacksmithing:
anvilfire.com - Blacksmithing and Metalworkers Reference for Metal Artists
This site is informative on all things blacksmithing:
anvilfire.com - Blacksmithing and Metalworkers Reference for Metal Artists
rsallen
Platinum Member
Papa,
Do you have any blacksmithing experience at all?
Please don't take that question wrong, I'm asking to help you find what your looking for and at what level.
To your initial question, if you want to build your own gas fired forge (and it's a good choice for a number of reasons) this is the place to visit.
Hybridburners.com home page
Do you have any blacksmithing experience at all?
Please don't take that question wrong, I'm asking to help you find what your looking for and at what level.
To your initial question, if you want to build your own gas fired forge (and it's a good choice for a number of reasons) this is the place to visit.
Hybridburners.com home page
OP
Papasmirf
Silver Member
I'm a retired hvacr contractor. I've fabricated many things many times from sheet metal, copper, brass, steel flat stock and <iron. I by know means a blacksmith, have read extensively and looked at a few dozen web sites. I've posted to this sight because everyone seems to be professionals and honest. You opinions mean something.
rsallen
Platinum Member
Cool, a metal smith.
Have you looked over Rex's web site?
I've used commercial gas forges and with coal fired forges; for my money if I needed/wanted more than what I have Rex's nozzles is what I'd buy more of. They can not be beat bar none.
A coal forge is nice because you have (and need to have) so much control over range and size you need to work within, but fuel can be a problem in some areas and the forge needs to be on a dedicated site unless you're willing to use a very small pit (or fire).
On the other hand gas fired forges can pretty much be picked up and moved anywhere you want/need them with minimal effort.
Visit Rex's site.
Have you looked over Rex's web site?
I've used commercial gas forges and with coal fired forges; for my money if I needed/wanted more than what I have Rex's nozzles is what I'd buy more of. They can not be beat bar none.
A coal forge is nice because you have (and need to have) so much control over range and size you need to work within, but fuel can be a problem in some areas and the forge needs to be on a dedicated site unless you're willing to use a very small pit (or fire).
On the other hand gas fired forges can pretty much be picked up and moved anywhere you want/need them with minimal effort.
Visit Rex's site.
Ed of all trades
Elite Member
I have a small gas forge that I built, got the burner info from a video on line by Dave Hammer. He also has some good videos on making a gas forge. Mine is too small. about 4" inside, 6" would be a good finished inside size.
rsallen
Platinum Member
I built mine from a 10 1/4 inch x 18 inch pipe section.
In the end it gave me 7 inches width x 5 1/4 height inside with a pass through. In reality though my actual working area is only about 4" width x 6" lenght if I don't need to pass through as the pass through will shrink the working area (ie. the available heat).
I'm thinking about building something bigger and I will sooner or later, but what I have now has earned it's keep many times over.
In the end it gave me 7 inches width x 5 1/4 height inside with a pass through. In reality though my actual working area is only about 4" width x 6" lenght if I don't need to pass through as the pass through will shrink the working area (ie. the available heat).
I'm thinking about building something bigger and I will sooner or later, but what I have now has earned it's keep many times over.
OP
Papasmirf
Silver Member
Guys thank you for your input. Since my initial post I've build a brake drum forge. I had everything but the drum tomorrow I'll post some pics. I'm going to use this one for a while and just got s..,.s and giggles I'm using charcoal, just to start from scratch. My grandfather had a counter weight off an ooooollllldddd steam engine he used as an anvil. I have it now along with an 18" railroad rail, a 1/2'x3'x 2' piece of bridge plate. I'm going to fire it up in the morning so will see how my research and your help has progressed. Again thank you.
wroughtn_harv
Super Member
I have three forges, two propane and one coal. The coal is the most fun and the furniture makers forge is the one I use the most, 8 X 8 X 36 inch box. I use mine often.
OP
Papasmirf
Silver Member
My shop/barn, tool shed, 20'w x 70'L is basically open to the south and east. Should I ventilate the forge?
FarmWrench
Silver Member
Once you start heating metal with solid fuel or used oil, getting outside just makes sense.
If you don't vent I doubt that a co detector will give you quick enough warning.
I would love a hood and an old school brick hearth.
If you don't vent I doubt that a co detector will give you quick enough warning.
I would love a hood and an old school brick hearth.
OP
Papasmirf
Silver Member
I understand carbon monoxide. I've spent 40 years in the heat and a/c business as a master contractor. But I didn't asked the question like I should have. Thanks for HHS safety tip though. What I meant was: does the ventilation help, or is it part of the actions to provide enough air for a hotter combustion or not. My forge is nearest to the east open entrance, 20' w x 12' h, and the 40' w x 9' open south side. Yes, I like to have a factory forge, but have been fun putting this drum together. And it works good.
rsallen
Platinum Member
A blower under the fire box?
Is that what you're asking after?
Is that what you're asking after?
OP
Papasmirf
Silver Member
No, but an exhaust ventilator to remove the fumes from the "open" shop. Is the exhaust vent being on helping the flame to be hotter or is the blower under the forge the only "needed" source of air. Of all the videos I've watched it's never been mentioned.
rsallen
Platinum Member
An exhaust vent is only needed to keep your work space livable.
Have fun playing.
And play safe.
Have fun playing.
And play safe.
OP
Papasmirf
Silver Member
Today , I've put my supplies, equipment, and vent pipe out on the table. Tomorrow is fabrication day and hopefully complete. I'll take some pics.
Guys, thank you and hope all of you and hours have a wonderful Christmas and happy New Year.
Guys, thank you and hope all of you and hours have a wonderful Christmas and happy New Year.
wroughtn_harv
Super Member
Ahhhhh, the best thing about blacksmithing, making tools to make kewels. Blacksmithing is the world's best twofer, sometimes threefer. That's because invariably you have to make tools before you can make your project. This afternoon I got to make some really kewel stuff so that I can make some even keweler stuff for the holidays.
