Gas forges-Refractory temperature question

L

Lukers

Joined
Jul 17, 1999
Messages
571
Hi
I am thinking about building a propane forge. Is 2300 F kao woal and kiln brick heat resistant enough? I can get 2800 F brick also... would it would be worth the extra money?
I am sure a 2300F insulator would be fine for general forging but what about damascus? Do I need a 2800 F insulator for welding?
Thanks
 
The 2300 degree Kao-wool should do fine for you, even for welding though it may not hold up as well as 2700 degree stuff. The 2300 degrees is the temp. at which that the Kao-wool will begin to deteriorate. The 2700 degrees stuff is considerably more expensive.

More important is the density of the kao-wool. You want to get the heavier density stuff as it supplies a higher insulation factor. You may know this already but you really shouldn't use uncoated Kao-wool in a forge. You really need to get something like Satanite and/or ITC-100 to coat the kao-wool which not only protects the kaowool but increases it refractory capabilities (by quite a bit if you use the ITC-100). It also protects you from inhaling the ceramic fibers that can blow out of the forge (so don't forget to use your respirator when you work with the stuff too).

Instead of using bricks, if that's the route you want to pursue, I'd consider a castable refractory liner. This type of forge takes longer to get up to heat but is considerably less fragile and less susceptible to flux attack (flux will destroy everything eventually!)
 
I wouldnt use Koa Wool. The castable refractory will last for years. The forge needs to run at 2300-2400 deg. for forge welding damascus and cannister type welding (mosaic) Kao wool is too fragile and loses fibre into the air.

Just my 2 cents.
 
Greeting's one and all Here is How i Built My Forge and i Think it is Perfect !! First The Kaowool inside of a Round Steel Pipe ! Second Use a Whole Gallon of Rigidiser to help hold the Shape including the Back! Last after all of the Kaowool is "Stiff" Get a Refractory Mud and Coat Everything inside the Forge / ad 2 thin Firebrick's inside for a "Floor" Make Some Sort of Door Opening in Front That is Adjustable and Insulated !! Damascus Welding Temp I Alway's achive within 10 /15 min :) ;)
 
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