Forge supply list. Does this look good?

JG Custom Metal Works

JG Custom Metal Works

Joined
Nov 27, 2013
Messages
1,626
Alright, the time has come. I’ve been needing to build a larger forge for a while now and I wanted to double check with you guys to make sure I have everything I need. I wanted to get enough supplies and materials to build at least one forge, but possibly two, and be able to fix/replace things when needed.

First, I’m going to build a large horizontal tube style forge using either a propane tank or a section of steel pipe. Second I’ll probably do a vertical forge with a similar diameter. Both will be blown forges. I will probably do a ribbon burner at some point, but for now, they’re just going to be a regular blown forges. I’m planning on just using Kaowool lined with satanite, and then maybe some Bubble Alumina Refractory Coating on the floor for extra flux protection. If I use the satanite, do I need to use rigidizer? Or will it even work on top of the satanite? Or would I put it on before the satanite?

I’m just going to buy a blown forge burner kit from High Temp Tools, to keep it simple. They say I only need a propane hose, regulator, POL fitting, and blower to complete the burner. I added all these to my list(blower from a separate site, see below), but what tubing would I need to run the blower to the burner? Is that something that can be sourced locally? If not, does anyone know if HTT sells it? Also, are there any other valves, flares, MiG tips, or other things I’d need for the burner or forge? I’m only worried about putting together one burner at the moment and will probably source parts separately for the vertical forge locally, since I will pretty much know what all I would need after doing the first one.

So, here is my list. I wanted to add the castable refractory, just in case I decided to go that route in the future, and also for a ribbon burner. There’s Mizzou and this Kast-o-lite 30 stuff. They say that the Kast-o-lite stuff is better, and it’s not much more expensive, so I went ahead and just put that on the list. Should I get the Mizzou instead, or is the KOL good to go?

Here is my list:
cU7VkW2.png



As far as my blower goes, this is the one I’m looking at. I’m kind of towards the top of my budget so I’d like to not spend much more than around $100 for the burner if possible. Less if if there’s a decent one available.

PsEVuJP.png



Any advice or opinions you guys could give me, would be greatly appreciated. Anything I should add, or remove to the list also. I’d kind of like to just get some 1/4” thick walled, 10” diameter or so steel pipe to make the forge body out of, but am not sure where to get it from. Does anyone have advice as to where to find something like that? I have a compressor tank that will work, but I’ll need an additional tube for when I make the vertical forge. Again, any help would be appreciated
 
List looks good. I would have got a couple of 1" thick pieces of insboard for the ends.

Pipe cutoffs can be found at scrap yards and many other metal places. Also, be sure to check the local plumbing supply and ask the guy at the counter if he knows a company in the area who deals with large diameter pipe that might sell/give you a drop.

My local scrap yard always had cut-offs from the area ship yard industries in stainless steel. I got lots of 10" thru 14" pieces for $1 a pound.

All that said, for your build any firm tube will work. Go to a restaurant supply that sells used equipment and look at large stainless pots. Go to a scrap yard and look for round cylindrical objects. A used air tank from a compressor …. an old 35 gallon drum … an old 15 gallon syrup tank from a restaurant … etc.
You could eve use a section of 10" ID tri-wall stove pipe from the local hardware, building supply, or fireplace shop.

Also, as a last resort find a square or rectangular objects. A steel foot locker, etc. Just roll up a piece of 20 gauge sheet metal and place inside it. Instant round forge in a square box. Stick strips of insulation in the voids or fill with something like vermiculite.
 
Awesome! Thanks a bunch Stacey, as always.

Do I need to buy/use rigidizer if I’m going to coat my insowool with Satanite? If so, would I apply the rigidizer before or after applying the satanite? Good idea insboard for the ends.

I have the shell figured out. I have a big stainless steel pot, from a turkey fryer kit that I bough for smelting lead. The pot has been sitting in the garage for years. Looks like I finally found a use for it. If that doesn’t work, I also have a big old/broken compressor bubble I got with the intention of using it for a forge body.
 
Rigidizer is nice to use because it makes applying the satanite easier. However, it isn't absolutely necessary.

I have heard of folks putting on a very watery coat of satanite (melted milkshake thickness) to let it soak into the wool nd stiffen it a bit ( let it dry fully) and then putting on the regular thickness satanite refractory coatings ( sour cream thick).
 
How much satanite would I need for two forges? I was planning on ordering 20lbs. Would that be enough? Or do I need to go with the 55lb bag?

Thanks again for the help Stacey
 
20 pounds should do it, but having a bucket of satanite around is always a good thing.
 
JG Custom Metal Works said:
what tubing would I need to run the blower to the burner? Is that something that can be sourced locally? If not, does anyone know if HTT sells it? Also, are there any other valves, flares, MiG tips, or other things I’d need for the burner or forge?
Click to expand...

For the first burner I made I bought the piping, valves, etc from big box stores like lows and home depot... This was a pain, in my opinion; and took multiple trips. On the last two I've made I used supplyhouse.com and it's been way easier to get everything together. They also carry more variety and you don't have to spend an hour or two at the store trying to figure out what they have in stock. Their prices are really good too.

Black Fittings - https://www.supplyhouse.com/Black-Fittings-Imported-12033000
Brass Fittings - https://www.supplyhouse.com/Brass-Fittings-164000
Flare Fittings - https://www.supplyhouse.com/Flare-Fittings-12970000
Gauge 15psi - https://www.supplyhouse.com/sh/control/product/~product_id=GEP2-15-DS
Gate for Air flow - https://www.supplyhouse.com/Matco-Norca-514T07LF-1-1-2-Threaded-Gate-Valve-Lead-Free
Needle Valve for fine gas adjustment - https://www.amazon.com/Bayou-Classi...564251861&s=gateway&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&sr=8-3
 
Don't mean to hijack this thread, but since this list is pretty similar to my own (minus the 60 psi regulator) I thought I would ask -- is a 20 psi regulator sufficient for a blown forge? I already have one for my small Atlas forge, so I figured I would just use that one.
 
Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith said:
15 PSI is more than enough for a blown burner. I have one that goes from 0-6 PSI which reads in 1/4 pound increments.
Click to expand...


I’m of the mindset of “better to have and not need, than to need and not have.” I know I’ll never need 60psi for my forge, but I don’t think there’s any HARM to have that higher capacity. Is there? In case I wanted to use it for something else down the road or something...

I was planning to get the Kast-o-lite 30 to make a ribbon burner with. But now I’m reading that Kast-o-lite 30 can crack when used for ribbon burners and that Mizzou should be used instead. Does anyone have any experience with this, or an opinion on the matter?
 
I actually found a forge blower on Amazon that is cheaper($21 less than one in OP) and looks like it’s more powerful. It has good reviews too. Here are the specs:

110V 250W US Style Electric Blacksmith Forge Blower
1,Voltage(V):110V
2,Power:220W
3,Current (A):1.6A
4,Wind pressure(Pa):380Pa
5,Air volume(M3 / min):3.3
6,Rotating speed(R / min):3000
7,Frequency(Hz): 50/60Hz


Here’s a link to it:
https://www.amazon.com/Sunlar-Elect...ay&sprefix=Forge+b,aps,172&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1
 
That looks like a suitable blower. Be sure to put a fan speed control on it. The built-in air choke is a good thing. You still want a manifold gate valve in the burner build.

I don't know about the "Aluminum gears for durability" statement, since that fan does not appear to have gears. I suspect the translation from Chinese was supposed to read, "Aluminum blower fan for durability".
 
Also, what do you guys think of the Inswool HTZ? It’s rated for 2700f, as opposed to the regular Inswool that’s rated for 2400f. Are there any other benefits to using it? It’s quite a bit more expensive, so I’m kind of thinking I’ll pass. But if it makes a big difference, I may consider getting it instead of the regular stuff. I wouldn’t think it would make a huge difference being that I’m going to coat it with Satanite anyway. Right?
 
Okay, so I think I have my list completed. I switched the kast-o-lite 30 to Mizzou because I read that the KOL-30 cracks when using it to make ribbon burners with. Which is my main intention. How does this look?

FAb1B8u.png
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top