Inexpensive Forge Build and Demo!

[Daniel Fairly Knives]

Here'a a video on my simple, inexpensive forge and a bit of information on how I built it. If you want to get into forging this was easy, quick and works great.

I'm also in the process of building a larger forge but was literally able to piece this together in no time for only $30. I added an Atlas burner/regulator combo and it is cranking!

I used materials just about anyone can find locally on a budget for the body. The Inswool and Satanite is from High Temp Tools. The Burner/Hose/Regulator is from Atlas Knife Co.

Los of talking but I try to keep it real! I cover the whole build and a bit more. The video is almost in real time too, I wanted to give a good feel of how long it takes to heat up.

I appreciate any feedback... I built this to help get people into forging and to learn more about forge building. I think this will really help with my next build too.

My next forge is going to be a bit larger and I will document the build here... I'm also going to review the 100k Burner from Atlas Knife Co with this forge and with my next larger build. I'm at about 7500 feet elevation and very pleased with the burner.

Enjoy!

[video=youtube;tcbrV4ks-8k]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tcbrV4ks-8k&feature=youtu.be[/video]

 

[Daniel Fairly Knives]

Forge Body

12" x 24" 20 gauge sheet metal

2' of 1.5" wide by 1/8" thick mild steel bar

2 x nuts, bolts, washers (3/8" x 1.5" long)


Lining

1' of 1" thick Inswool

5# Satanite (3 coats)


Burner/Hose/Regulator - Atlas 100k



Notes

I used only 1" inswool and no ITC-100 to keep the build extremely low budget. I recommend making a slightly larger body (same sheet metal will work, I overlapped mine a fair bit) and 2" of Inswool. After that do a few layers of Satanite and a coating of ITC-100. This forge works great but would likely be more efficient with a smaller chamber, more insulation and the ITC-100.

This was made with extras I had for my other forge build and I did it this way in hopes of helping out.

The next upgrades will be - smaller chamber? maybe some firebrick or inswool added... possibly to the floor. One coat of ITC-100. I have some Bubble Alumina for the floor too...

I think a 30k burner would be great for this forge, even at my altitude the 100k gets plenty hot at the lowest setting.

 

[Atlas Knife Company]

Wow, at 8:00 in you can really see that my burner doesn't work well with open ends on the forge. I've had people try to use them without a forge, as a blowtorch, and I always tell them it won't work without the back pressure of the forge chamber. Once you cover the back and add some back pressure it completely changes the burner flame and it really takes off. It doesn't look like altitude had any effect on the burner, which is a relief.

Thanks, Daniel.

 

[Daniel Fairly Knives]

Wow, at 8:00 in you can really see that my burner doesn't work well with open ends on the forge. I've had people try to use them without a forge, as a blowtorch, and I always tell them it won't work without the back pressure of the forge chamber. Once you cover the back and add some back pressure it completely changes the burner flame and it really takes off. It doesn't look like altitude had any effect on the burner, which is a relief.

Thanks, Daniel.

Thanks!

I'm beyond happy with everything about the burner and regulator, nice work!

I left the forge open for the video but when I use it the back is always closed and the front is almost closed... the heat builds up fast as you see. I bet the burner will be great on my larger forge build also, I just barely have it turned up and it is cranking.

 

[BareKnuckles]

Good job... Very simple and economical.

I would have placed the burner entry at the top rather than the bottom of the forge to minimize the hot spot on the floor where you'll be placing your stock.
(Just my uneducated opinion.)

 

[Frank Niro]

Thank you Daniel !
I will never get to using a forge but I have a couple of friends who will love to try . This will be a very welcomed thing from you to them.
Frank

 

[wdtorque]

Nicely done, forge and video.
Couple of ?
How did you determine burner position and angle?
Makes me want to build one.
Dozier