Forge set up and other questions...

[Mark Redmon]

Hi all,
It seems that last year was a good year to buy my first house. I got a nice tax credit and started gathering tools for forging blades... I have a Diamondback Ironworks forge, and I'm trying to plan the stand for it. I have seen people use soft firebrick under the forge, but would something like Inswool net me the same effect? I've fired up the forge a few times, but I haven't got the forge up to full temp yet (I'm waiting until i have a safer set up), so I'm not sure what to expect. Also, should I see a reduction in "dragon's breath" once the forge is at temp?
Beyond the forge, here's the equipment I have so far:

2.2lb cross-pein
various tongs...
25# of Aldo's 1084 on the way..
146# Fisher anvil on the way..
5 Gal. of McMaster-Carr "fast" quench oil
Leather apron
I have decent safety glasses but was wondering if anyone uses a full face sheild.

I also picked up "The Complete Bladesmith" by Jim Hrisoulas and the video "Knifemaking Unplugged" with Tim Lively.

Anything else I should be thinking of while I'm waiting on the anvil?

Thanks for the help guys...

 

[jawilder]

Hearing protection is quite nice. I wear mine while hammering as well as grinding.

A good bench vise helps to hold blades while normalizing

A fire extinguisher and bucket of water nearby is handy to have

 

[Mark Redmon]

Thanks for the reply. I guess my list wasn't all inclusive... I do have 2 fire extinguishers in the shop, but I was going to add another one by the forge. After I got the forge all set up, I did bring a bucket of water out there, so I'll definitely make sure that's full before doing any work. I thought about hearing protection, and I have a few muffs I use for shooting, but they are kind of bulky and make my ears sweat. Maybe I'll invest n some decent quality plugs.

 

[marekz]

respirater mask?-marekz

 

[Mark Redmon]

respirater mask?-marekz

I guess I should have mentioned that I have been doing stock removal for about a year and a half, so most of the basics (safety gear, files, abrasives, etc.) are covered. I have a few respirators, all w/ p100 cartridges.