Rookie Frustration around an Appropriate Heat Source for Forging Blades

[QuickEdge]

In an effort to get started in the forging aspect of bladesmithing I went out and bought a roofing torch. I built a small forge using kiln bricks (these things are way too delicate for a forge). I can't get the metal hotter than orange. The flame is also very concentrated in a 2 inch area so I can only work on small sections at a time. I just called the manufacturer and found out the flame on the torch only burns as hot as 2050 deg. Fahrenheit at the it's hottest point. I'm thinking that heating small and thin sections to orange doesn't give enough time to move the metal (it's probably blood red and below Ar1 by the time I get it to the anvil). I'm looking for some help on this subject. Should I abandon this forge and build something like a Tim Lively's washtub forge? I went with propane torch because I'm close to neighbours and wood fences and they were readily available in my area. Is it wishful thinking to think that better high temp. bricks would get the metal closer to yellow and more even throughout? Is there an easy to build or readily available propane forge out there that would do the trick? Any opinions or suggestions? Once again grateful that this forum exists especially in these rookie 'stuck' moments...

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

What you did is try to imitate a forge, not make one.

You need to read up on forges and forge types. The stickies have a whole section on that with lots of info. High temperature Tools and Refractory has everyrthiong you need as well as lots of info. http://hightemptools.com/

 

[Atlas Knife Company]

I, and many others, build all their forges from kiln bricks. HEre's a link to a WIP for making a 2 brick forge from those delicate bricks. Easily hot enough to forge with a decent torch.
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/920120-Virtual-BBQ-2-Brick-Forge-WIP

Here's an affordable burner and regulator that will easily get the 2BF to welding temps:
http://usaknifemaker.com/forging-to...tlas-forge-burner-and-0-20-psi-regulator.html

 

[QuickEdge]

thanks for the responses. Zaph1 - what does 2BF to welding heat mean?

 

[Atlas Knife Company]

2BF is a 2 brick forge. Welding heat, as I've derived from Ron Reil's website, is 450 BTU per cubic inch. A 2BF such as my Atlas Mini Forge or the WIP design, has around 50 cubic inches of chamber. The best propane torches, even a modified MT245c, only have around 6000 BTU. That's only around 120 BTU/inch in a 2BF. The burner I've shown you delivers 30,000 BTU, or around 600 BTU/inch in a 2BF.

 

[QuickEdge]

thanks Zaph1 for your informative reply

 

[sunshadow]

Zaph is not going to tell you to buy his Atlas mini forge on this thread, but I will tell you it is a pretty slick design at a great price if you decide not to make your own

-Page