Seeking Recommendations for First Forge

raghorn

raghorn

Joined
Feb 23, 2002
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I'm planning to purchase my first forge within the next two months. I've seen several in the $600 range that look like a good buy, but I'd like some advice from the pros to help me figure out what I need. I plan to use it predominantly for forging blades, with maybe a couple small blacksmithing projects thrown in here and there. Eventually I'd hope to make some damascus as my knowledge and confidence increases.

In looking at the various models by Forgemaster and NC Tools, the biggest variation seems to be heat chamber size. Several of them mention being self-regulating, and have various burner configurations. I want to get started off right, but I'm concerned that I'll end up buying more than I really need or one that I'll outgrow within a year or two.

I don't want to build my own right now, I'd rather spend the time and effort learning to use it instead. Based on your experiences, what brands and models would you recommend for a guy like me?
 
Make your own. I was daunted by this myself, not so much that I was worried it wouldn't work, it just seemed complicated, and like one more thing I probably didn't need to imerse myself in.

But basicaly a forge is a source of heat, and something that is holding the heat in. Like you in a sweater.

There are sites on making your own burners, these can be blown, try Don Fogg, or venturi try ron reil. I like venturi, and the only problem I had was getting pipe fititngs that were accurate enough to assemble. to get the parts from one source, check out Zoeller forge, he has what you need to make your own burnner for a few bucks.

Since you are starting with a budget of 600 bucks, why not go to hybridburners, and just buy a burner for 80 bucks that is far better than anything you can get in a commercial forge, or make yourself. It's plug an play my friend. You just need to attach you propane bottle to a regulator hose (available at welding supplies be sure they are propane rated) and then to your bunner. Set-ups for valves and such are on a variety of sites from Reil to Zoeller.

Once you have your burner, it's just a mater of wraping some insulation around it in a usualy metal shell to hold back the heat and you have a forge. If you search all the sites mentioned, you will find what you need as far as designs are concerned, they are basicaly simple and consista of lining a metal shell with refractory wool, a little clay slip, and maybe some catable refractory. With the bought forges they did this for you, may not have done an ideal job. When it wears out you are probably going to have to refit the insulation yourself anyway.
 
I agree you should try to build one. The education alone is worth it. Either way, Darren Ellis has the supplies you need.
 
Travelin forge

Forges is easy. You can build this one with a 3/8" B&D variable speed drill and a pair of tinsnips. You could probably do it without the tinsnips if you had a hammer and chisel.
 
Thanks for the input guys. Looks like there's many options available that will be easy on the budget.
 
I really like it when something old finds a new life/meaning/purpose. Well done and handy, too! Makes me smile everytime I think about it.

How hot can you get it?
 
Funny that this thread came to the top tonite :) I just finished building my first forge with lots of help from Bob Warner. It's a freakin big beast too....mabye a bit of overkill but I like it! It's a 12" x 24" piece of 1/4" thick pipe with 2" thick kaowool liner. Using 2 burners from the desigin on his website.

I must say this was a great and educating experience and I would highly recomend building one yourself....Theres just something about having the knowledge and ability to make something that produces FIRE like that! :cool:
 
If Tim Zowada is still selling forge kits I think overall its the best forge for the money. Its about 16 inches deep (celendrical) ceramic liner, uses a forced air burner that you build from mostly hardware store supplies. I bought one and built it 4 years ago and now could'nt live without it. Tim Zowada can be contacted through the knives, knife makers index. I have the diagrams and parts list for the forced air burner. All still within 600.00
 
i can vouch for the indian george forge. so cna some of the guys that hit the hammerin the past week... but if you're up for convenience then darren ellis is the man. not only with you have a good forge but his prices are better than any other forge maker i've seen and his service will blow you out of the water. not to mention the fact he has all the refractory supplies that you can ever need. good luck
 
I really like it when something old finds a new life/meaning/purpose. Well done and handy, too! Makes me smile everytime I think about it.
Click to expand...

I haven't tried to weld in the tool box forge, but I believe it would reach welding temp. I'm useing the same burner I used in my old forge body. It would weld.
 
If I had one like it, I'd probably use it entirely for heat-treating. Looks too handy to spoil with welding, etc.

Perhaps someday I could talk you into doing a write-up on it?
 
yeah I don't plan on useing this one for welding. Pretty simple to build really.

1. Take tools out of toolbox.
2. Cut hole in end.
3. Cut hole for burner. ( 2/3 from front of forge, burner on tangent, angled slightly towards front of forge.)
4. Line with kwool, coat with ITC-100.
5. Close lid.

:D :D :D
 
Raghorn, options abound for forges, from building your own to buying pre-made. I agree with the guys above that building your own forge can be a great experience, and is something that you should definitely do at some point just for the sake of doing it. Having said that, I do sell a lot of forges to guys who just want to get started beating some hot steel without having to hunt down all of the parts and don't have access to welders, etc. In any case, if there's anything I can do to help you out in any way, feel free to give me a call or send me an email any time! :)

-Darren
 
I should mention also that I purchased all of my refractory supplies from Mr. Ellis! Great Service and not a nicer man anywhwere to do business with! :)
 
Thanks again to all for the input. I expect I'll want to build my second forge once I have developed a set of expectations based on my experience; the first one I'd like to have done by the experts so I can concentrate on the basics. Darren, email is on the way. :)
 
Hi Raghorn, excellent! :) I'm currently experiencing a little email server problems, so it may be a day or so before I can actually get my email messages....as soon as I do, I'll get your message! :)

-Darren
 
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