R. Johnson Posted February 6, 2009 Share Posted February 6, 2009 Hi, folks. I've looked around a good bit for this info and can't find it, here or elsewhere, so I hoped someone might have an easy answer: I answered a Craigslist ad for "free firebricks." Not ready to build a forge yet, but the day will come, so I thought I might get while the getting was good. Thing is, I don't really know what I have. I see reference to light- and heavy-duty fire bricks and I understand the difference, but these seem to be something between the two. They're about 4x8x2.25 inches, porous, white, and a very fine-grained compared to standard clay bricks as I'm familiar with them. Each weights just over 4 pounds. They came from a fireplace chimney, where they surrounded a terra cotta flue. Can anyone guess whether I'm dealing with some kind of fire brick, or whether these are just standard bricks? If nobody knows for sure, is there a way to test? I've got several hundred of these, so I'd sure like to put them to good use. Thanks! Randy Johnson, newb -Randy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
James Sherrill III Posted February 7, 2009 Share Posted February 7, 2009 Hi, folks. I've looked around a good bit for this info and can't find it, here or elsewhere, so I hoped someone might have an easy answer: I answered a Craigslist ad for "free firebricks." Not ready to build a forge yet, but the day will come, so I thought I might get while the getting was good. Thing is, I don't really know what I have. I see reference to light- and heavy-duty fire bricks and I understand the difference, but these seem to be something between the two. They're about 4x8x2.25 inches, porous, white, and a very fine-grained compared to standard clay bricks as I'm familiar with them. Each weights just over 4 pounds. They came from a fireplace chimney, where they surrounded a terra cotta flue. Can anyone guess whether I'm dealing with some kind of fire brick, or whether these are just standard bricks? If nobody knows for sure, is there a way to test? I've got several hundred of these, so I'd sure like to put them to good use. Thanks! Randy Johnson, newb Sounds like firebrick to me. You could always stack some up into a box shape, stick a BenzoMatic in there and see if you can get some color on some steel... James Sherrill III Visalia, CA Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ty Murch Posted February 7, 2009 Share Posted February 7, 2009 sounds like firebrick what kinda forge did u wanna build ? . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
R. Johnson Posted February 7, 2009 Author Share Posted February 7, 2009 Thanks for the second opinions. I thought so too, but all the stuff I find about fire brick says they're either about one pound or about nine pounds, depending on type. As to type of forge, I'm not sure. I'm really new to all of this. I live in close quarters, so I was thinking a gas forge might be less likely to get me in trouble with the neighbors than a coal forge. I'm completely untrained at this time, though, and don't want to get the cart too far ahead of the horse. So far I'm just putting scales on purchased blanks, no metal work to speak of. Thought I might learn how to do the handles and sheaths, then move to grinding, then advance to forging. I'll take your advice, James, and run a little field test. -Randy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KPeacock Posted February 7, 2009 Share Posted February 7, 2009 I nearly responmded to the same ad. I've been busy with work and would have been able to go and pick them up anyhow. It sounds like you do in fact have fire brick. As for the forge, a propane forge is very easy to build and a lot cleaner than a solid fuel forge. Where in the TC area are you from? I live down in Prior Lake and I wouldn't mind showing you my set-up and showing you how I built it. I'm no expert bladesmith. I've only been tinkering for about 6 months now, but I've gotten a lot of information from guys here on the board. Also, I've tried a lot of tools and methods and learned from a good number of mistakes :-) Have you ever thought about the life of steel? It's interesting to think that you can control the fate of a piece of metal. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
R. Johnson Posted February 7, 2009 Author Share Posted February 7, 2009 (edited) I nearly responmded to the same ad. I've been busy with work and would have been able to go and pick them up anyhow. It sounds like you do in fact have fire brick. As for the forge, a propane forge is very easy to build and a lot cleaner than a solid fuel forge. Where in the TC area are you from? I live down in Prior Lake and I wouldn't mind showing you my set-up and showing you how I built it. I'm no expert bladesmith. I've only been tinkering for about 6 months now, but I've gotten a lot of information from guys here on the board. Also, I've tried a lot of tools and methods and learned from a good number of mistakes :-) I'm in Oakdale. It'd be cool to see your set-up if you have the time. I agree with your thoughts about gas vs. solid. If you could use a few bricks, I'd be glad to bring you some. It's not like I paid for them or anything. [Edit to report that I put an insta-micro-forge together using a few of the bricks, and passed James' BernzOmatic test. I have forged a nail into... a flat nail! Hey, you gotta start somewhere ] Edited February 7, 2009 by R. Johnson -Randy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
R. Johnson Posted February 7, 2009 Author Share Posted February 7, 2009 Here's my first forge work. Started with a 2.5-inch nail, ended with a 2.8-inch, um, blade... Not for sale. -Randy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ty Murch Posted February 8, 2009 Share Posted February 8, 2009 cool beans ! . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charred Posted February 8, 2009 Share Posted February 8, 2009 (edited) what you have there is medium duty fire bricks, they'll work fine, but they arent as good at the high temps as the heavy duty. if you are going to build a gas forge and not a solid fuel forge then you should line it with IFB or with fiber. Edited February 8, 2009 by charred Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
R. Johnson Posted February 8, 2009 Author Share Posted February 8, 2009 what you have there is medium duty fire bricks, they'll work fine, but they arent as good at the high temps as the heavy duty. if you are going to build a gas forge and not a solid fuel forge then you should line it with IFB or with fiber. Thanks. I'll do that. I see talk about Kaowal (sp?) insulation and Satanite mortar around the forums. Is this what you mean? -Randy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KPeacock Posted February 10, 2009 Share Posted February 10, 2009 Randy, Congrats on the mini-forge. it looks like you're well on your way to making a marvelous sword for G.I. Joe. All of your refractory supplies can be purchased at a place right near the University of Minnesota Campus. I'll have to dig up the name of the place. They took care of me when I went up there at the recommendation of Mike Blue. As for the kaowool insulation, check out ebay. it goes by different names on ebay, but thats where I've found the best prices. typically it'll be in small sheets about 3'X6' give or take. These sizes are perfect for making forges. A full roll, while sometiems a good deal, is a tough price to pay when you aren't sure if it will even work. This weekend is a bit busy with it being Valentines day, but I'm usually out i nthe garage "playing" at least one day on the weekend. If nothing else you'll get to see a couple of different types of forges. I've got one blown forge that I built out of mostly spare parts and scraps. All I paid for was one gate valve and also the refractory. I also have a venturi style forge, but it's still in the testing phase. it's putting out CO for some reason. I have a charcoal brake drum forge I have a charcoal wash tub forge (Tim Lively style) I've aslo got the set-up for making charcoal. Nothing I have is fancy, but it was all free/cheap and it works. I'd be more than happy to share what I know with you. Please keep in mind that others know an aweful lot more than I do about this stuff. Have you ever thought about the life of steel? It's interesting to think that you can control the fate of a piece of metal. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
R. Johnson Posted February 10, 2009 Author Share Posted February 10, 2009 Wow, didn't you say you've only been at this a few months? Quite an arsenal you've built up in a short while. I like the way you think. I'm not really likely to build a forge before spring, so my first few months won't be so well-spent. Lots of reading, not so much hammering. If I can resist plowing forward faster than I intend. But yeah, stay in touch about good times to swing by and see what your shop looks like, as that would definitely be helpful and interesting. My son (not quite 16) has been toying with charcoal and firebricks since I acquired these, and doesn't think waiting is a good idea. -Randy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KPeacock Posted February 10, 2009 Share Posted February 10, 2009 I'll tell you what, I don't often use my charcoal forge. If you want, take it home and use it until you figure out what you want to make. My guess is that you'll use it for a while and then start researching how to build a propane forge. Propane is a lot cleaner, and requires a lot less effort to produce consistant results. When I first started, I was convinced that charcoal was the easiest and simplest way to go. I soon realized that, although charcoal is effective, the propane is easier. If you buy everything, I'm sure a propane set-up cost more initially, but if you scrounge and fabricate it isn't any more expensive. Have you ever thought about the life of steel? It's interesting to think that you can control the fate of a piece of metal. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
R. Johnson Posted February 10, 2009 Author Share Posted February 10, 2009 Wow, that'd be great. All I've got to offer you for your kindness is a few fire bricks and a pretty cool place to camp if you ever head up to the North Shore of Superior. (Got some land up there, if you're into rustic camping, either tent or camper-style.) Thanks! -Randy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KPeacock Posted February 11, 2009 Share Posted February 11, 2009 No compensation is necessary. The wife and I do enjoy camping though. She was raised in a family where 'camping" meant backing the 5th wheel camper into the lot and and plugging in to power. I grew up in a military family where camping meant grab that tarp and head to the woods. I'm not sure who made who compromise, but we now camp in a tent, but always at the "hike in" sites. It's still a bit commercial for my liking, but the wife enjoys it, so I'm happy to be there with her. We usually get up to the North Shore twice a year, give or take. As you're well aware, it's quite beautiful up there. Have you ever thought about the life of steel? It's interesting to think that you can control the fate of a piece of metal. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
R. Johnson Posted February 11, 2009 Author Share Posted February 11, 2009 If I used the feature successfully, I've just send you a PM. My spot is the kind of place that's perfect for people with your mixed wishes for what camping should be. -Randy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KPeacock Posted February 16, 2009 Share Posted February 16, 2009 Randy, If you're not busy this weekend, I'll end up hammering on something at somepoint. My wife will be out of town for the weekend, so I get to do what I please. This will consist of going in to work, chores....etc, but I'm felxible in when I do this. If you're free Friday night, or either day of the weekend, let me know. I can arrange my schedule as necessary to accomodate yours. As I said before, None of my equipment is fancy, but it may give you some ideas for your stuff. Keep me posted, Kris Have you ever thought about the life of steel? It's interesting to think that you can control the fate of a piece of metal. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
R. Johnson Posted February 17, 2009 Author Share Posted February 17, 2009 Cool, I'll make it work out, but can't name a time at the moment. Is it okay if I bring a pal who's looking into this with me? Don't want to crowd the shop, so if that's not a good thing, just say so. -Randy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KPeacock Posted February 17, 2009 Share Posted February 17, 2009 Feel free to bring someone along. My shop isn't very large, but I don't mind being crowded. Usually I have to work jumping around/over random snowmobiles, engines, tractors...etc. I've gotten quite comfortable using tools at oddball positions and angles. With any luck I'll have a bit more space cleared out by the weekend. A few projects of mine will be either finished or abandoned by the time the weekend rolls around. I don't need much advance warning on what times will work for you. If I know by midnight on Friday, I can have my schedule adjusted for 0700 Saturday. Have you ever thought about the life of steel? It's interesting to think that you can control the fate of a piece of metal. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KPeacock Posted February 17, 2009 Share Posted February 17, 2009 I forgot to mention, you may want to bring along ear plugs/ear muffs and eye protection. I've got a few pairs of safety goggles floating around, but many of them are past their prime and quite hard to see through. I'm not a safety freak, but I'm pretty careful with my eyes. I've been to the ER to have bits of molten steel pried out of the cornea. It's never a pelasant experience....then again, if you feel like its high time we develop a nictitating membrane, then by all means feel free to skip the glasses. I don't have a power hammer or anything like that, but it can get noisy running grinders and air compressors...etc. Have you ever thought about the life of steel? It's interesting to think that you can control the fate of a piece of metal. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
R. Johnson Posted February 18, 2009 Author Share Posted February 18, 2009 Warnings heard and obeyed. That retinal-fluid quench, while innovative, sounds kind of sting-y... I'll have my third eyelids installed this afternoon. Is Friday evening still an option? If so, that works for us. (The other guy is Doug, from West St. Paul, not on the forum yet, though I'll force him into it soon.) -Randy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KPeacock Posted February 18, 2009 Share Posted February 18, 2009 I don't mind the fluid flushes so much. that I can do myself. What botehrs me is when they numb your eye and start picking at it with dental picks until they have the foreign object out. It's always embarrasing. It feel like what could surely be the peak of a mointain jambed in there, yet it ends up being very small bit of burnt steel. Friday will work just fine. I'm working on shuffling some equipment around to make a bit more space and provide easier access to more forges. I can be home anytime after 1730. Just let me know what works for you. Have you ever thought about the life of steel? It's interesting to think that you can control the fate of a piece of metal. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
R. Johnson Posted February 23, 2009 Author Share Posted February 23, 2009 Thanks for the great training session, Kris! I haven't fired up the forge you loaned me, but I played around with the 9v engraving method today, with good success. Buffalo burgers served up for lunch, too. I'm picking up another load of bricks tomorrow. I'll get some down to you sometime soon. -Randy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KPeacock Posted February 23, 2009 Share Posted February 23, 2009 I'm glad you had a good time. I sure don't know everything there is to know about this stuff, but I know what has worked for me so far. I'm also happy to hear that you enjoyed the buffalo. All I've eaten since my wife headed out of state is buffalo, venison, and some small game. She's not particularly fond of eating game. The buffalo is fine with her, but the rest is hit or miss. Outstanding work on tyour homebrew beer. Your results are much, much better than mine. Have you ever thought about the life of steel? It's interesting to think that you can control the fate of a piece of metal. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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