- Joined
- Mar 7, 2009
- Messages
- 253
I'm building a forge from a 5-gallon air tank ("decommissioned" because it's past its expiration date!!!) with a Reil-style venturi burner. I have a couple of questions:
First, I can't find it now, but I read a forge-welding FAQ that refers to "poisoning the forge" by melting brass in it. I don't really plan to do any welding in it, but I'm curious about it. What does that mean, exactly?
Second, is there any benefit to making the "doors" smaller than the body? I realize that the smaller the openings are, the less heat escapes, but I'm wondering if that helps avoid hot spots as well.
And finally, as long as the burner operates correctly, is there any reason not to close the back? The end of the tank is already cut out, but I have plenty of refractory board for a door/plug.
I have to say, if making knives is more fun as building the tools to make them with, I'm not sure I can stand it.
Thanks to all of you. This forum has opened a whole new world for me.
First, I can't find it now, but I read a forge-welding FAQ that refers to "poisoning the forge" by melting brass in it. I don't really plan to do any welding in it, but I'm curious about it. What does that mean, exactly?
Second, is there any benefit to making the "doors" smaller than the body? I realize that the smaller the openings are, the less heat escapes, but I'm wondering if that helps avoid hot spots as well.
And finally, as long as the burner operates correctly, is there any reason not to close the back? The end of the tank is already cut out, but I have plenty of refractory board for a door/plug.
I have to say, if making knives is more fun as building the tools to make them with, I'm not sure I can stand it.
Thanks to all of you. This forum has opened a whole new world for me.