mini forge soup/paint can forge question

[jacobs]

Ive heard to make a mini forge from a soup can off youtube you need plaster of paris and sand. Ive got sand but dont know any where to find plaster of paris locally. Is there an alternative I can use?

 

[Karl B. Andersen]

Try this forum for your information:

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/forumdisplay.php/806-General-Knife-Maker-s-Discussion

 

[jacobs]

I have learned how to make a small forge from a can from soup or paint and in the instructional video it uses plaster of paris and sand 50/50 mix. I cant find any plaster of paris locally so does anyone know of any alternatives for filling the inside of the can that is common and I might be able to find locally?

 

[RevDevil]

Actually, Hammer is Tongs would be most appropriate.

Custom and Handmade section is for discussion of completed custom/handmade knives. Not the place for advice, how to, or asking for suggestions on the process.

 

[tattooedfreak]

Go to the hardware store or anyplace that sells wood stoves and get some refractory cement. Mix it with a little water and perlite (garden section or nursery) and pack it in. Thats how I made my first can forge and my first large one.

 

[Storm Crow]

Or get some 1" wool forge insulation from one of the forge supply places. I used a coffee can forge like that for a long time.

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

My dad got plastered in Paris during the war....but that is probably a different thing.


Plaster of Paris is often just called patching plaster now days. You can buy it at every hardware store and big box hardware in the world.
http://www.homedepot.com/p/DAP-4-lb-White-Plaster-of-Paris-Dry-Mix-10318/100126904

That said a forge made with sand and plaster would be a pretty poor forge. There are many better insulators. The better choice is kaowool. Other home built forge refractories are vermiculite and plaster.
Soup can forge is a misnomer......search for "Coffee Can Forge".
Here is the BF search engine that will find all sorts of discussions:
https://www.google.com/cse/home?cx=011197018607028182644:qfobr3dlcra

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

My dad got plastered in Paris during the war....but that is probably a different thing.


Plaster of Paris is often just called patching plaster now days. You can buy it at every hardware store and big box hardware in the world.
http://www.homedepot.com/p/DAP-4-lb-White-Plaster-of-Paris-Dry-Mix-10318/100126904

That said a forge made with sand and plaster would be a pretty poor forge. There are many better insulators. The better choice is kaowool. Other home built forge refractories are vermiculite and plaster.
Soup can forge is a misnomer......search for "Coffee Can Forge".
Here is the BF search engine that will find all sorts of discussions:
https://www.google.com/cse/home?cx=011197018607028182644:qfobr3dlcra

 

[Atlas Knife Company]

Yeah, plaster and sand is a harsh mix that really has little insulation value. Give this a shot:

http://www.myheap.com/chapter-1-materials/how-to-make-irc.html

 

[Atlas Knife Company]

Oh, and please don't ask the same question in multiple sections. Perhaps Stacey could merge these two threads for you.

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

Merged

 

[FullyTorque]

I tried the sand and plaster mix in a large soupcan... Mostly a waste of time and money. But ill tell you that it is available at most arts and craft stores or even in the arts and craft dept of certain large super stores.