Can this do as beginners forge?

Bart student · Apr 28, 2000

Hello Folks,

Since this is probably the biggest gatheringof people who forge knives, this is the plac to ask if this plan can do as a beginner-charcoal forge. I haven't build it yet, so if you have any remarks on how to improve it, I would be pleased. Sorry for the dutch text on, and the metric system. The drawing should say enough.

What do you people think?

thanks in advance, Bart.

------------------

Ed Caffrey · Apr 28, 2000

Hi Bart!
Anything that will provide enought heat, will work. As you progress, I would recommend moving away from the square designs, especially once you get into damascus steel. I'm just not a fan of any forge that it square or angular. Anything that has a 90 degree burner angle will create hot spots within the forge. This is not a big deal when using straight steels, but once you get into pattern welding, it can be a real problem.
If your interested, there are several areas on the web that show plans for circular type forges, or, I have plans available for $10. Good luck, and let us know how things work out.

------------------
Ed Caffrey
"The Montana Bladesmith"
www.caffreyknives.com

Bruce Evans · Apr 28, 2000

Any thing will work to get you started.I prefer my blower coming in from the bottom.Wayne Goddard has some good ideas in his new book.Just my opinion.....Bruce

------------------
The Soul of the Knife begins in the FIRE !!!!

Bart student · Apr 28, 2000

Thanks folks !

Ed (can I call you Ed? - if not, I mean no harm), I was planning on using fireproof cement to remove any round angles, especially near the bottom. The whole thing is also going to be rounded off, and the rear brick is not going to be cemented, so I still can expand it. I was thinking about making the bottom U-shaped. I have been reading your posts. I was more worried about the sizes.

And, as an extra, how hard is it really to make damascus? I mean, do I got to practice at least 10 years with plain steel, or can I make it before I forged any knife. Keep in mind I read lots of books, and been reading this forum for at least 2 years. Theory is good so. Damascus is kind of a myth, every forgers dream.
Other questions: 1. what would be the best practice for 1) making damascus 2) forging knives.
2. What steel to use in damascus? I got about all knife-steels usable for forging.

greetings, and thanks in advance.

mikeS · Apr 28, 2000

Teh charcoal forges that I've seen have a roof on them, one to contain sparks and two to contain the heat, they also use a tuyere pipe the length of the forge with holes drilled in it. check out the Neotribal metalsmiths a lot of them do the charcoal.

------------------
It is better to bear the rebuke of a wise man than to enjoy the flattery of fools.

Otha · Apr 28, 2000

I seen some one use a coffe can at the NC knife makers guild meeting the other weekend.

Ed Caffrey · Apr 28, 2000

With a gas forge, making damascus is a fairly easy chore. The main mistake most make is not allowing the steel to heat through, and getting cold shuts or only partial welds as a result. Nearly any compatable materials can be used for straight or random patterns. When you get into twists and mosaics, compatability becomes more important. A good practice combination is a med and a hight carbon mix (like 1095 and 1050) the constrast is not great, but it will help you to learn the basics. The materials I have found for a combination of usability and contrast is 1084 and 15N20 (basically 1075 with 2% nickel.)
Let us know how things go!

------------------
Ed Caffrey
"The Montana Bladesmith"
www.caffreyknives.com

Dt_Trainer · Apr 29, 2000

How about using an old gas grill with an opening top.

I have access to an old gas grill that has been used hard.

I have been thinking about welding the grill shut and then cutting an opening on one end for the forge opening and then rerouting the propane input in the other end.

Has anyone had experience with this type of set up.

Thanks,

Jim

------------------
The warrior will endure great personal hardship in order to stand on a hill, howl at the moon, and proclaim his domain over all he surveys. Fredrick Lovert- Author

Bart student · Apr 29, 2000

Hello Folks,

I doubt the gass grill wil work. Unless you modify the burners to inject air along with propane. Read that on a page somewhere about gas forges (Reil, or something like that).

How about making damascus with a charcoal forge? And a primitive one, like the one above with a big plate on to seal it off?

greetings, Bart.