Insulating firebrick powder

[Atlas Knife Company]

In the process of building forges, I create approximately 50 cubic inches of insulating firebrick powder per forge. I currently have about 1 cubic foot of coarse powder and have thrown away probably 4-5 cubic feet. Is there any use for firebrick powder/dust? Can it be used to create a castable refractory or anything useful?

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

You could mix it with Satanite and pour it into a garbage can lid. That will cast a round "hot work" table to set by the forge. Tongs and hot blades can be set on it. When not needed, just set it up against the wall.

 

[NStricker]

If you can mix it with Satanite and cast it, I wonder if it could be used in place of adobe/clay on an open coal forge like in Tim Lively's design?

 

[rmd]

Use it like vermiculite for annealing?

 

[Atlas Knife Company]

I've tried it for annealing, but it is not as easy to stick something into as vermiculite.

Stacy, great idea on a "hot work table." I might make something smaller than a garbage can lid, but I do like the idea.