James Higson Posted July 4, 2013 Share Posted July 4, 2013 Hello Everyone, I'm James and new here, I have never forged anything before and I am really keen to build my own coal open-air forge. I have been trawling the internet for a while now and have read 'The Complete Blacksmith - Forging Your Way to Perfection' by Jim Hrisoulas before bed a few times (though I am very aware I know absolutely nothing). I was wondering if anyone could possibly give me a few tips as to the thickness of the steel I should use for the pit of my forge to survive the heat? Also the image below is the plan I aim to follow, is there anyone perchance who has one of these/made one who could give me a few tips please? Sorry to write a manuscript for my first post! Thank you very much, James Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gerald Boggs Posted July 4, 2013 Share Posted July 4, 2013 From the design of the forge, I assume you're in Britain. For the bottom of the forge, little thickness is required, as you'll fill it with dirt to form the bed.There is a wealth of blacksmithing knowledge in Britain, surely you can find a local smith. <p>Gerald Boggs <a href="http://www.geraldboggs.com">www.geraldboggs.com</a></p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GBrackett Posted July 4, 2013 Share Posted July 4, 2013 I used a truck brake drum for my first one (free), when I needed a longer one a section of black pipe worked well. Currently I use a propane gas forge. A coal forge can be made out of a tub coated with clay on the inside with a tube you drilled holes in to provide air. Use a hair dryer as an air source. YouTube is a source for info. ”Whoever pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity, and honor!” George Brackett American Bladesmith's Society, Apprentice Member Hialeah, Florida Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
James Higson Posted July 5, 2013 Author Share Posted July 5, 2013 Thank you very much, the clay coated drum sounds like the one for me! I will try to find a blacksmith to have a chat to nearer home in the meantime. Cheers, James Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
James Higson Posted July 7, 2013 Author Share Posted July 7, 2013 Hi again, I have an old 14Kg propane gas canister which I'm thinking of cutting. Is there any chance the metal will be damaged if I leave the cylinder intact and cut a hole at one end to feed coal in and two holes for bellows and smoke outlet? A few of those I have seen have not been open topped but they have been propane. Thank you again! James Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alan Longmire Posted July 7, 2013 Share Posted July 7, 2013 If you are using coal and don't line the cylinder with a heavy layer of fireclay it will melt in short order. A blown coal fire hits about 1000 degrees hotter than the melting point of steel, remember! You can use the bottom of the tank as a fire bowl easily enough. If the fire is on top and you line it with clay it will last quite well. You do not need to enclose a solid fuel fire. The reason propane forges are enclosed is that they have to be to hold in heat. Solid fuels put out so much more heat it is unnecessary to try to contain it on top. Remember, humans have about 3000 years of experience forging iron in solid fuels. The simple old designs are best for that. We've only been using gas for about a hundred and ten, so that's why we're still tinkering with it. We'll have it worked out in another 500 years or so. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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