Coal/Charcoal forge questions

G

Gauge7

Joined
Apr 13, 2006
Messages
264
Hello,

I am trying to set up a proper coal/charcoal forge and have some questions. First off, can any of the hand crank blowers achieve enough force to provide forge welding temps (for making axe and tomahawk heads). If they are suitable which make and model should I purchase (Champion 400?)? Are those little antique farrier forges good for knife making?

More question will come to me, but any help you can give me will be greatly appreciated. I attended one of Tom Mcginnis' work shops and really want to advance my skills beyond what I've been doing. I'm trying to stay hand-powered as my shop is off the grid.

THANKS!:thumbup::thumbup::thumbup:
 
Forge welding is easy in a charcoal or coke fire. The crank blowers will be more than enough air.
Making damascus is not too hard in charcoal/coke, but is easier in a propane forge,I believe.

Small farrier forges are perfect for knife work. They are made for heating a small bar of steel to forging temps. They do not eat a lot of coal either.
Stacy
 
A hand run air source and charcoal fuel can make forge welding such a piece of cake, with simple steels, that it almost seems like cheating;)
 
I prefer a hand cranked blower. It does not burn up the coal when I am hammering.
If you get one, take it apart and clean the fan blades and check for rubbing against the outer case. Also, clean the gearbox with solvent and then add gear lube (not very much). Be sure to use gear lube, as motor oil will have a tendency to leak into the blower fan.
 
Thanks Guys! I knew I could count on honest answers from you. Hoping to have a new set up in the next couple months!
That's a great link Sweany, thanks!

One more question What is the difference between the Champion #65 and the Champion #66 (the 400)? I have a chance at purchasing one or the other for the same price, but I don't know which is the better blower? Thanks!
 
Last edited:
IT CAME!!!
I just wanted to let you guys see what was just delivered. I found a dealer out of Lawrence, Kansas who had forge blowers. Low and behold he had a 400! UPS was being such a pain that without my asking he drove four hours (2 each way) to deliver it himself! Now is that service or what? If I can't get an anvil in trade I am definitely buying one from him.

Enough talking, time for some pics. (It had at some point been belt driven, but there is a bracket where I can mount a handle). She purrs like a kitten! One quick question, what should I use for oil/lube? He had said 40 weight, but I don't want it leaking.

Her Front.

Her Back.

Mighty pretty for being 107 years old!
 
I love the sound of a hand cranked blower...... I just hate cranking one in August in Alabama ;)

That blower will last forever, heck it's lasted half that long already. The guy sounds like a great guy to deal with.
 
I have tried several times to get a small hand cranked blower

the Champ 400 is sweet but is a tad large for me

I use a hair dryer that I picked up at the flee market for $1.00

works like a charm
 
I would suggest just putting trans hydralic or the strait 40 weight oil. I wouldn't use gear lube(80-90, or 85-140 ect) mainly due to its quite stiff in the winter(wich may not be a problem where you are)
 
You will hear argument for and against hand blowers. I have both gas is good but I like the hand blower becuase it is possible to heat a small section of a job. Gas it is generally all or nothing.

Only one trap for new players with charcoal hand forges. A couple of time I have been winding away having a nice old chat and then I notice I have burnt my steel away. Tip is concentrate on the job at hand when hand forging.

That is a great looking machine you have there.
 
Thanks for the tips and complements. :thumbup:

john0270, thanks for the heads-up on the lubes vs. oil. It can get mighty cold in these backwoods.

Reg, not a problem for me. I live so far out in the woods that I get no visitors (just thieves and poachers).:D But I will be sure to concentrate.

Now all I have to do is build a forge for the Champion, and find an anvil.:thumbup:
 
If your outback by yourself and a bit remote have you seen how to make charcoal. There are a few variations on a 44 gallon drum charcoal maker.

Some makers used to use a pit in the ground or a mound of dirt covering a stack of wood.

If you don't already know bar- B- Q heat beads will not work.
 
Thanks Reg. I took a forging class locally and was told about the preformed briquettes. Luckily I had read about making your own charcoal. I've been using and old stove, and so far it makes good sized charcoal bits.
Thanks for reminding me about the 44 gal. drum charcoal maker. I had completely forgotten about that article.
 
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