Question about NC Forges

[Sgt_Bobbo]

I have been reading a lot about forges recently and have decided to buy either the NC knife maker forge or the single burner chili forge.

If I were to get the NC forge would the door lining need to be coated with a refractory? I just cant imagine that would hold up being opened and closed. Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[Tom Lewis]

I have had a NC forge for many years. I don't weld in mine and the door lining and everything else has held up just fine.

 

[Sgt_Bobbo]

I have had a NC forge for many years. I don't weld in mine and the door lining and everything else has held up just fine.

Have you ever put refractory on the door lining? I only ask because it seems every time someone sees kaowool without it they say it is bad for your health.

 

[Tom Lewis]

I have never done anything to the forge except use it.

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

A little wool exposed due to wear and tear or at an end isn't the big worry. It is forges with the entire lining made of uncoated wool.

 

[Sgt_Bobbo]

A little wool exposed due to wear and tear or at an end isn't the big worry. It is forges with the entire lining made of uncoated wool.

Thank you Stacy, you have eased my concerns.

 

[Sgt_Bobbo]

BTW, which one would you guys recommend, the knifemaker 2 burner or the lowboy?

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

I had both - Both are excellent forges. I gave the Knifemaker to my SIL Steve and kept the Lowboy. It has served me well for over 20 years.
The Lowboy allows much wider projects like hawks and ornamental work. The 9" firebox also allows placing the blade tip to one side in HT to avoid overheating in the hotter center.
The knifemake is longer, (but I can do swords in the Lowboy, so that isn't a big deal). Any large amount of curve on a kukri or other large blade may be a problem in the 4.5" wide chamber.

 

[Sgt_Bobbo]

I had both - Both are excellent forges. I gave the Knifemaker to my SIL Steve and kept the Lowboy. It has served me well for over 20 years.
The Lowboy allows much wider projects like hawks and ornamental work. The 9" firebox also allows placing the blade tip to one side in HT to avoid overheating in the hotter center.
The knifemake is longer, (but I can do swords in the Lowboy, so that isn't a big deal). Any large amount of curve on a kukri or other large blade may be a problem in the 4.5" wide chamber.

Thanks Stacy. Sounds like the Lowboy is the way to go.