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One Brick Forge Issues

H

hp2spare

Joined
May 26, 2006
Messages
67
I finally did it! I fired up my one brick forge, and heat treated a piece of 1095. The first run didn't work, but the second time out... the file skated off. I didn't do any tempering, but I went out back and used the blade like a machete, threw it, and cut shavings off of a steel fence post. Color me impressed.

The second time out I attempted to heat treat a bowie I've been working on. I can't seem to get the blade up to temp. I manged to get the middle non-magnetic, but couldn't get the whole blade up to temp.

The hole through the middle is about 1.5" x 2.5"... have I made it too big? Should I switch from propane to MAPP gas? Should I step up to a bigger forge?
 
Although you can get lucky with certain bigger pieces in a one brick forge, it's simply too difficult to heat a large blade in one (not that this has kept me from trying!). The size of the hole isn't likely an issue, but having a long piece with inconsistent heat over it's length will be problematic.
This isn't to say you CAN'T do it, just that it's a lot more questionable as far as surety of outcome. MAPP gas might help, but my guess is only marginally.
 
Nope, I don't think it will work, either. I made a three brick forge (should I patent it???:jerkit: ). I use a soft brick on the floor, another sofe brick cut and stacked on the sides and a hard brick on the top (soft seems to allow better heating). I have heat treated 2 7 in blades (both warped). Up to 4.5-5 in work well, though. Yes, I use Mapp gas.

Good luck.
 
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