Forge burner tube question

[Parke1]

Hey guys,

I'm in the middle of building a propane forge. I built a Reil (I think that's what it was called) Venturi burner, got my regulator and gauge all set up, and now I'm constructing the forge body. I'm using an old air compressor tank for it, and I've got it all prepped. I just cut the hole for the burner tube. Before I weld it in place, though, I wondered two things.

First, how far into the forge should the burner tube go? I'm going to weld the tube in place, slide the burner assembly into it, and hold it in place with set screws. My kaowool lining will be two inches thick, so should the burner tube stick two inches into the forge body, thus being flush with the inner surface of the insulation?

Secondly, when I weld the tube onto the body, does it have to be welded all the way around, or can I just tack weld it in a few places? My welding skills are mediocre at best (and even that's one heck of a stretch), so I'm hoping tacking the tube in will suffice, but I can always try to run a bead around it if I have to.

Thanks for the advice guys! I can't wait to get this done and get some steel hot!
-Parke1

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

The tube should end about 1/4" shy of the wool surface. The refractory coating you line the wool with should curve onto the tube ,making a smooth, insulated port. Tack weld it on to get everything lined up. When all is the way you want it,weld the tube on good and tight. It will get a lot of stress when you have the burner hanging from it.
Stacy

 

[joesouth]

Glad to see your working hard at it. When you get your forge fired up give me call I've got some 5160 you can practice on.

 

[Parke1]

Thanks, Joe, I really appreciate it.

I got your email with your new address, but I don't seem to have your cell number anymore. Think you could shoot me another email with the number?

Stacy, thanks for the advice. Hopefully I'll get the tube welded on tonight and the forge lining done tomorrow during my free time between turkey attacks.

Thanks!
-Parke1