Forge Question

[foxbat34]

I am planning a small forge just for heat treating. Since I wont be doing any welding (therefore no flux) is it necessary to coat the stanite with ITC 100?
I will have 2" thick wool with 1/4 satanite. Thanks for the help.

 

[okzj]

Not necessary, but a good idea. Will reflect heat and make your forge more efficient and even.

 

[Salem Straub]

Second that. The initial investment for a 1/2 pint of ITC-100 will quickly pay for itself in fuel savings.

 

[C.Edmondson]

Hey foxbat, I dont even have mine coated with satanite, just kao wool and it gets up to heat in around 2 to 3 minutes.

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

Charlie.....Get some satanite on that kaowool !!!

You don't need to be breathing loose mineral fibers. A 1/4" coating of kaowool is a requirement, not an optional addition.There should never be any exposed wool.
A coating of ITC-100 is a good addition, as it will make the forge more efficient.

If you are going to weld, the flux will eat up the lining unless you cover the bottom in bubble alumina, cast refractory, or fire brick.

Stacy