Bentonite to line a forge?

R

R.C.Reichert

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Jul 26, 2008
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Got a question.... Can bentonite clay (cat litter type) be used to coat over ceramic fiber? I have a propane forge that is lined inside with the Kaowool stuff, but I want something to prevent it from shedding the little fibers while it's running. I am just plain tired of looking around for a refractory around here. I thought I had found some, (Super Demon high temp mortar) but was told by the store person that it wouldn't work. Apparently it's only for dipping and laying firebricks :rolleyes:...but why wouldn't that work?
 
diatomacious earth, (bentonite) is a swelling type of clay meaning as it absorbs water it's volume increases. this causes a problem with forge lining because as it dries out it's volume decreases. you may be able to mix enough sand or ? in it to keep it together in a forge. the best bet is to find a pottery supply center and get them to order you some refractory clay.
 
Order about 5 pounds of satanite from Darren Ellis. Mix it with water to a sour cream consistency and plaster it on the kaowool after dampening the wool slightly with a spray bottle. Let it dry a day with a fan, repeat, let it dry a day with a fan, and after you've got a 1/4" or so layer down, slowly fire up the forge.

Satanite is handy to have around. You can use it to patch up any holes you get in the forge, you can mix it really thin and coat blades to help prevent decarb, and you can mix it a bit thicker and use it for claying blades for hamons.

--nathan
 
silver_pilate said:
Order about 5 pounds of satanite from Darren Ellis. Mix it with water to a sour cream consistency and plaster it on the kaowool after dampening the wool slightly with a spray bottle. Let it dry a day with a fan, repeat, let it dry a day with a fan, and after you've got a 1/4" or so layer down, slowly fire up the forge.

Satanite is handy to have around. You can use it to patch up any holes you get in the forge, you can mix it really thin and coat blades to help prevent decarb, and you can mix it a bit thicker and use it for claying blades for hamons.

--nathan
Click to expand...

Do you know if they will ship to Canada? That seems to be my biggest problem...all the good stuff is in the states.:D
 
RC - if you can't find it or need another option shoot me an email, I might be able to help out...
 
R.C.Reichert said:
Do you know if they will ship to Canada? That seems to be my biggest problem...all the good stuff is in the states.:D
Click to expand...

Yes, the Ellis' ship to Canada. Satanite is what you want to line your forge with. I used a coat of ITC-100 on top of the satanite as well, but it apparently is not an absolute requirement. If you buy the 20 Lb bag, the shipping will be more than what the website says.
 
I've got a bit of fire clay, portland cement and sand left from building my forges and want to experiment with using different mixes for top-coating wool and for clay coating blades. I'll definitely post if trials are successful.
 
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