Exhaust pipe OK for forge muffle?

PIndelicato

PIndelicato

Joined
Sep 16, 2002
Messages
1,577
I haven't posted an especially dumb question for a while, so here goes:

I want to use a pipe muffle in my forge for heat treatment, and the only thing I have on hand (in my non-related junk pile) is some exhaust pipe. One piece is definitely aluminized, while another piece is rather rusty looking.

I know galvanized is a no-no, but can I use exhaust pipe safely (and will it hold up for the purpose?)
 
Hi Mr. Bump,

There is a good chance I've used the wrong term, but I thought that was what it was known as.

I took a lesson from Tai Goo, and he used a smaller diameter pipe inside his forge to hold the blade during heat treat, and it was my understanding that this may help keep scale down and also allow more controlled and even heating of the blade. There is a picture of what I mean in this link, with the caption of 'Tai uses a steel pipe to harden'

http://www.survival.com/volume-9.htm


Thanks!
 
Bruce Bump said:
What is a pipe muffle? I hope I'm not the only one that doesnt know.
Click to expand...

A pipe in the forge to keep direct flame off of your blade :)

I doubt that exhaust pipe would last very long, and I don't know what aluminum might do to the forge as far as future forge welding goes. I know that brass and copper shouldn't go into a gas forge if you ever plan to weld in it, but I don't know about aluminum. Also, are you CERTAIN the rusty pipe isn't galvy with some of the coating worn off? Hit your local welding shop up for some schedule 40 iron pipe. You can probably get a cut off for just a few bucks...

-d
 
P J 234 said:
Thanks deker, I'll skip the exhaust pipe and get some iron.
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Oops! I didn't mean iron! Just look for scraps of pipe from your local welding supply. I know mine has cutoffs ranging from a couple of inches long to 3-4 ft. and they don't ever charge me much for "scraps". Don't go in asking or "1 foot of 3" schedule 40" or you'll pay full price. Explain that you're a hobby knifemaker and are hoping to find some "cut offs" or "drops". I got about 4 ft. of stainless guard material yesterday for $5 :)

Always make friends with your local welding and fab shop. they're good guys to know for many reasons.

-d
 
I have used old drive shafts. They are long, pretty tough, not galvanized and cheap. I welded a plate on one end. They may not last as long as stainless, but I used one for quite a while practicing. If it burns through, cut off another piece. The supply is nearly inexhaustable since every car has one and few wear out in a car's lifetime. I even made a pot to melt babbit for my Little Giant bearings from a piece.
Chip Kunkle
 
Kunklec said:
I have used old drive shafts. They are long, pretty tough, not galvanized and cheap. I welded a plate on one end. They may not last as long as stainless, but I used one for quite a while practicing. If it burns through, cut off another piece. The supply is nearly inexhaustable since every car has one and few wear out in a car's lifetime. I even made a pot to melt babbit for my Little Giant bearings from a piece.
Chip Kunkle
Click to expand...

Making babbit bearings is nearly a lost art now. I'm impressed. :thumbup::thumbup:
 
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