Laws concerning the owning/operating of a forge

H

Haakan

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Oct 12, 2013
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Title says it all: are there any laws concerning the building, owning, or operating of a forge? I live in Corvallis, OR.
 
You should check with your zoning department. It could depend on the size and use (ie hobby vs business) and how much your neighbors might gripe.
 
Air pollution, noise ordinance, and running a business in a residential area are the main concerns. If the forge is for a hobby, is quite, and uses propane, it isn't likely to be a problem. Check local ordinances and fire codes as to how close to a building Propane can be kept, etc. ( It can't be kept in a building in some areas)

Because forges aren't common, they usually get lumped in with other business types for codes. "Machine shop" is most likely what it would be called. Ordinances for that would most likely only apply to businesses. Few places would have any ordinance governing a home hobby shop besides noise and smell.
 
Propane or Coal? A small 30K BTU forge is about the same output as a medium BBQ grill, without even the smell of burnt hot dogs. A coal forge is even more similar. Just add a grate on top and grill your burgers. I've never heard of a BBQ being outlawed. Logic would say that the same goes for forges.

Anvils are a different story. Noise ordinance issues abound with consistent, non-construction related hammering.
 
zaph1 said:
Propane or Coal? A small 30K BTU forge is about the same output as a medium BBQ grill, without even the smell of burnt hot dogs. A coal forge is even more similar. Just add a grate on top and grill your burgers.
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That's funny you mention it - I always tell me wife if I give up making knives we can still use my Atlas forge as a high speed hod-dog griller.
 
You also need to find out if you live within an area that has a home owners association.
 
As has been said, laws specifically mentioning forges are probably very rare, if they exist at all. HOA's might be a problem, but I wouldn't go asking questions, because if there is not yet a covenant against them, there will be after you start asking questions. Check your local noise ordinance (and HOA covenants) if you will be hammering, there might be a time frame where construction noises are allowed. What may be more practical is having a discussion with your neighbors and try to figure out if you can come to an agreement on what times might be acceptable for anvil work.

Also it should be mentioned, your homeowners/renters insurance will not be nearly as excited about a forge as us, so be very careful. In case of accident, it won't matter how big or small it is, they will just hear the word "forge".
 
coleslaw said:
That's funny you mention it - I always tell me wife if I give up making knives we can still use my Atlas forge as a high speed hod-dog griller.
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The 20 second hot dog machine! Tin foil on top and you can even heat the buns. :)
 
My parents home in Brooklyn had a deed -NO chickens, pigs, or blacksmith shops. Needless to say , when I finished school I left town !
 
I know several makers who live in urban neighborhoods. They do what they can to make their shops as quite as possible, keep the outside neat, and talk to the neighbors about when noise would be a problem. One has his garage shop within twenty feet of the neighbors house....and their bedroom. He had some problems at first, but has had no trouble since he found out the neighbor takes a nap between 2PM and 4PM each day. He only does quieter things at that time. He solved the problem by TALKING to his neighbor and by showing her what he does. He also made her a nice kitchen knife :)
My neighbors come over often when they hear me at the anvil.
 
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