good place for forge bodies?

[Jared Stenoien]

I have been calling around different air conditioning places looking for freon tanks but it seems theyre not allowed to give them away, some new EPA regulation. Anyone have any other good sources that are very cheap/free?

 

[RUJOCO]

If you or anyone you know work on commercial building sites, try sprinkler main pipe. I walk by the stuff every day. The pipe is steel and runs 10" or smaller. Just weld on some legs and ends and drill a hole for your burner. The pipe for the sprinkler drops make great burners. Good luck.

 

[Raymond Richard]

Propane appliance dealers normally have old bottle up for grabs. I even got one or two bottle from along side the road.

 

[Jared Stenoien]

Thanks, I'll have to give those a try.

 

[Erik Fritz]

if you have a railroad section crew close ask for a spike keg they work great.

 

[McAhron]

Spent freon tanks can usualy be had for free from most automotive shops and they arent flammable either,A local scrap yard will have what you need too

 

[cmd]

Just keep looking, you will be amazed by how many things will look like forge bodies. Mine is made from a 15 gallon steel drum that held racing fuel. It took some work to get it shaped and sized right but it works well now. Paid $4 for it and met a nice group of guys at the same time who happen to also be interested in knives.

Recently there have been two different hot water heaters set out along the side of the road for pickup. They would probably make good forge bodies after some resizing and shaping.

Keep your eyes peeled, keep asking around, there are all kinds of things out there that can be made into a good forge.

Chris

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

Tank from a used water heater.

 

[Reg ELLERY]

I went to the local scrap steel merchant. I had tried the same place a number of times but finnally came up with the good. I paid $15 for a meter
+ a dollar a cut. So I was feeling in a spending mood I had a total of five pieces cut 4 at 300mm and 1 at 350mm. then I had 5, 25 mm rings cut. I use them to make the front door.

I don't need all that for myself but I have made 2 for mates while I am on holidays and I know I will be asked by the students at the knife classes.

I used 220mm od and 3mm wall thickness. I have helped mates build forges 10 and 12 in diamiter. It costs more for the larger pipe but it all works fine.

 

[Jared Stenoien]

thank you everyone

 

[howiesatwork]

I kept the charcoal tank when I changed the water purification system under the sink.
A bit bigger than a Freon tank, but smaller than a propane bottle.
Just need to cut the ends off it.
Yep, just keep looking around, and one will jump out of nowhere...

 

[Sweany]

don't forgot garage sales...
http://www.forgemagic.com/bsgview.php?photo=472&cat=&by=Sweany