Recommendation? Considerations for Garage Forge

[DaveInApex]

Post #1 and new to the site, so if there is already a thread for this let me know!

Just getting into blacksmithing and have acquired all of the basics required to get started except the forge. I'm not much for smoke and I want to operate the forge in my garage so I'm going propane. However, before I do that I want to make sure everything is safe and minimize the chance of me burning my house down.

If I am to operate the forge in my garage (open with airflow, obviously), what are some of the things I need to have in place? What about forge positioning? Minimum distance from walls, ceilings, etc? Are there particular manufacturers whose forges are more appropriate for this setup? Thank you!

DaveInApex

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

Put as much equipment on wheels and carts as possible and roll it out into the driveway or back yard. A pop-up canopy from Costco will provide a nice shelter to work under. I worked outside for many years under a 10X20 canopy tent. Some stuff I rolled back into a storage shed or the garage, and others I left out and dropped a BBQ cover over when not in use. My smithy today still uses some rolling equipment and BBQ covers over forges and anvils.

Inside, have at least two good size fire extinguishers, and a hose nearby.

Fans/blowers to move air in and air out are also a good idea.

If you do any forging inside, wear good quality hearing protection as well as the necessary breathing filters.

I shouldn't need to mention eye protection, but will … everyone in the shop needs to wear it at all times when equipment is running or forging is going on.

 

[HSC ///]

I usually have the garden water hose nearby,
and run the fan across the top of the forge so the hotter air gets blown out

 

[2fishminimum]

i made a forge from a charcoal chimney and a weed burner.. I used refractory cement.. the whole set up cost less than 100$.. not sure if it will reach welding temp, because i only do stock removal, but i have successfully heat treated with it..

being that im noob, i have also had some failures at HT too.. some of which i have posted about right here on this forum lol..

 

[Justin Presson]

I just heat treated a knife a few minutes ago in my forge. I'm a hobbyist and work out of my basement. I have a audio video cart I got for $5 off govdeals.com which sells stuff from schools and Government agency's. I have my forge set up on it and wheel it outside on my back patio. My grinder is even on wheels so I can grind outside so all the nasty dust stays out of the house. It would make me a nervous wreck having a forge going in my garage. Also if you are quenching make sure your quench tank is solid and not tipsy.