Forging help

[barrabas74]

I have been working on and making knives out of old files and stock for a while. I have tried to forge with little success. I want to know what would be a good forge setup, like what would make a good forge. I currently have mine made out of a large steel container lined with fireplace mortar, with a tube running threw it that I have a turbocharger attachec too, the tube has holes in it. it gets pretty hot but I am still very much the novice. Could i make a better forge, I have standard hammer and tongs, and an anvil. What could i use to measure heat? I have been lookin on this forum for a while and decided to post. ANY help would be very much appreciated.

 

[Fred.Rowe]

Good morning,
I built my own forge the first time. It was large, to say the least. To big to be practical. When people first start forging, most think big, when it comes to creating a forge, the same thing happens, we tend to think to large. What you really need is a small space Big enough to handle the item you are heating. That way the space heats up faster and takes less B.t.u.s.
A smaller more refined technique is called for here, grasshopper!

Fred ,<-Bethel Ridge Forge->

 

[Raymond Richard]

Here's one of the most practical forge's I've made. 3 gallon propane bottle. The blade sitting on the front of it was forged using this forge. On large blades like that one you just run it out the back. Its fully self contained and very portable.

 

[Fred.Rowe]

Here's one of the most practical forge's I've made. 3 gallon propane bottle. The blade sitting on the front of it was forged using this forge. On large blades like that one you just run it out the back. Its fully self contained and very portable.

Ray, That is what I had in mind. Small and effiecent. That is also a great use of a throwaway item. Hope you got some work started on the new shop before the crappy weather set in.
Fred

 

[barrabas74]

Wow thanks alot guys I would have never thought of a propane bottle, I will definatley try and make one. Can you pick one up from like ace hardware or just wait and use up the one I have?

 

[Raymond Richard]

Not sure about where you live but the local propane dealers where I'm at will give you the old bottles. Just make sure there empty before you start working on them. If you have a sabersaw with a metal cutting blade you can do all the cutting with it. You'll need to drill starter holes so use a 3/8" drill bit. For a square hole drill in oppisite corners. Line with cerramic insulation. Don Fogg's site has a how to do it.

Fred, I'm going to wait till the summer on rebuilding. I've worked to many years in rain and mub, I can wait. Made some room in the garage to work. Now not to burn down the house.