Is this forge adequate?

[Cedar Bender]

I am just getting into this knife building stuff, and I have a question about a forge that I inherited a few years ago. It appears to be almost new, and has N. C. Tool Model-3 stamped on top. The inside dimensions are about 12" X 6" X 3". My current plan is to start with material removal blades and move into forging, but I would also like to do my own HT right from the start. If I add PID control to this forge, will it work OK for HT? Are there any other modifications that I will need to make?

I also picked up this anvil...I hope I can put it to good use!

Thanks!

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

That is a good forge for small knife work and such. It isn't the best choice for PID control HT, but could be converted. It is an atmospheric burner, and the lower pressures and no blower mean it will huff and puff as it cycles on and off....not the best scenario.
NC forges are real working forges, and hold up well. My Whisper Low Boy has thousands of hours, and I only re-lined it once.

I would use this forge to do simple HT and forging. Install a PID and TC as a read-only pyrometer.
Later build a good HT forge with a blower and PID control.....and eventually get a HT oven.