FORGE DESIGN: Vertical or Horizontal?

[jhiggins]

Hi folks. I'm starting this thread because of Mike Burch's thread about his new logo and forge. His vertical forge has raised some questions of my own about forge design. What is better for a knifemaker? Vertical or horizontal?

I have a Forgemaster right now, and although its suits me fine, I can't help but wonder if there are forges out there that are user-made that are better and more efficient.

Mike - I take it you squashed your forge into an oval? Was there a particular reason for that? What are you lining it with? Does anyone here prefer forges lined with refractory or wool? Why?

I have read read read all I could about forges, yet I cant seem to cypher out what is right for me. I welcome all your input on this subject.

 

[Burchtree]

I squashed the pipe (with a log-splitter) to increase the depth of the 16-inch pipe to 18 inches while still maintaining a good "vortex" inside the forge. I lined mine with 2-inch kaowool and am putting a few layers of satanite on it, then a layer of ITC-100. I went with it because I wanted to replicate Bill Buxton's because it works so well for both forging and heat-treating. And like he said, why build a small one now, when you're going to want a bigger one later?

 

[indian george]

Higgy, I like horizontal, although I have never used a vertical. I have built over 10 horizontal blower forges and everyone has been happy with them.

 

[Plain ol Bill]

I have a horizontal forge and two verticals. The horizontal hasn't been lit in way over a year now ------------.

 

[Bob Warner]

Most horizontal forges I have seen, require you to tend to it too much for my liking. If the floor is down below the door level, you can't put a piece of steel in and go get something to drink or forge another piece of steel because you have to watch the one you put in.

I have seen people that have put firebricks in them to lay stuff on but if it falls off you have to open the forge to get it out. If you plan to weld, I would suggest a horizontal forge so that you can leave the piece in there to soak up the heat to get a good even heat and it is a pain if you have to hold your workpiece.

I have a kaowool forge and a castable refractory forge. I use the castable when I make damascus or do forging. I use the kaowool for nothing but heat treating. The castable is WAY more durable and once heated, runs on very little fuel for the rest of the day.

Just my opinions.

 

[Bruce Bump]

I have a Mankel 3 burner horizontal with castable refractory floor and wall liners. I love it but am building a vertical for cannister welding damascus and when there are more than one person forging. It is big enough for about 3 cannisters coming and going at once. Remember that all billets need a handle welded on them because the work is suspended in mid air. I think everybody needs at least 2 forges.