Forge Shell Thickness

[John Frankl]

Hi All,

I'm building a couple (more) forges and am wondering what people think the ideal thickness for a forge shell is. I would also like to hear what people feel is the minimum effective thickness.

I've done them from old oxygen cylinders and well casing, and like both, but still felt like they were a bit heavier than necessary.

Also, how thick on one that will be used to hold a salt pot?

Thanks in advance,

John Frankl

 

[Mark Williams]

Gas forges only need thin gauge sheet metal if you use enough kaowool. I have one small one from a freon tank and one from a water heater which is thicker of course.

 

[Matt Shade]

I'm awful hard on stuff. I want the shell thick enough that I can't, dent, bend or crush it without trying awful hard. My forge's body is made of an
old propane tank. Its just about right, but I could probably still find a way to break it

 

[Sweany]

I'm awful hard on stuff. I want the shell thick enough that I can't, dent, bend or crush it without trying awful hard. My forge's body is made of an
old propane tank

Don't beat on the forge, beat on the anvil

 

[Sweany]

I have seen forges built out of freon tanks (the thinnest) to shedule 80 pipe.

I used an old Kennedy toolbox for my travelin' forge.

forge bodies just need to hold the kwool in place like Mark said.
Nothing fancy unless you want it that way.
rick Waugh built a really cool freon tank forge, with a face on it, forged legs etc.

The tool rest in the front of the forge looked like a tongue.

 

[Matt Shade]

Don't beat on the forge, beat on the anvil

But then I hafta move my feet :grumpy:


Thats a damn good idea though. I might just build myself a ...uhhh...anvil forge....forge anvil....forvil

 

[Sweany]

forge/anvil :

2" plate. pre heated surface no loss of heat when smithin .

i wanna see one

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

Don't give Matt any ideas.With his luck he would stand at the door end while forging and BBQ his gonads.

 

[Matt Shade]

Don't give Matt any ideas.With his luck he would stand at the door end while forging and BBQ his gonads.

Have we met You seem to know me so well
Off to hollow out a harbor freight anvil......