20lbs propane forge help

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Kid404

Joined
Dec 18, 2016
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So i just started to build my forge; using a 20 lbs propane tank and a reil type burner. I just need to no what else do i "NEED" to do to it for proper heating and welding. Right now i have it so there are 2 doors on it for pass through heating for larger items. Do i need to add a vent hole for the closed off door? And about the insulation how would you do it? Can i do 1" of kaowool and 1/4" satanite then add a "replacement" 1" kaowool and 1/4" satanite ontop of that? Is that to redundant? Also how do i add some dang pics on here via phone..?
 
Pics you have to use a host like photo bucket or Flickr, then post links.
As far as getting to welding heat, get as much insulation as is practical. 2 inches of wool, followed by 1/4 inch of refractory cement, followed by a coating of ITC100 then a covering on the floor of bubble alumina. At least that's what my research has lead me to believe. My forge is small, and I didn't have enough space for 2" of insulation, so I just used one and the satanite. It works, but I think I would get better results with a larger enclosure, and more insulation. Plus the itc100 and the bubble alumina floor. I fact I plan on doing just that! Eventually.


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Just line it with two inch thick wool and a coating of satanite. Once that is cured and fired, add a coat of ITC-100. No need for a vent on the back port. As long as the front opening is there, exhaust gasses will get out.
 
I'd also suggest upgrading to a 100# tank especially if you plan on welding billets. When I ran out of propane once with mine one summer, and used my 20# it froze up while still 1/2 full.
~billyO
 
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Dont worry i plab on using two 40lb tanks for it. The 20 was just for testing the burner.
 
How would you line the doors and how would you get the kaowool to stick to the shell, im trying to stick under a certain buget of $60
 
You're prob gonna be close to $100 in the lining by the time it's done right with shipping costs, if not slightly over $100 for that size forge.
 
Well dang... Oh well, time to fuel my passion at work for more money XD. Anyone know a place locally in colorado up north that sells ceramic blanket?
 
I found mine on Amazon for the cheapest per foot price of around $3 something per foot for 1" x 24" roll. It comes from Houston somewhere.
 
I'm going to come right out and say this: Forget ITC-100! It's ridiculously overpriced compared to it's energy savings at over $100 per pint. It will take you dozens of tanks of propane before it pays for itself. Build an efficient forge and it isn't a big issue.

Which plans are you using for your forge design, specifically, are you putting the burner in front pointing towards the rear of the chamber? If so, and I recommend doing so because this is the most efficient design, you WILL want an exhaust port in the back wall to reduce turbulence and increase efficiency. This design will give the fuel a longer time to burn while in the chamber and reduce dragon's breath. I know dragon's breath is neat and some forge builders think it's a good thing, but it's really just wasted fuel and warmer arm hairs.
 
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