Stainless steel screen in the forge,,

[Grouser1741]

Hello everyone!! I am making a coal forge, and i have found a piece of ss screen i was gonna use in the bottom of the fire pit. Will it off gas bad stuff and compromise any processes, welding etc? Thanks!!

 

[Win Heger]

Welcome to the Forums. Find your way to Knifemakers Discussion area and post your ? there. Maybe one of the Mods will move it for you.

 

[Tom Lewis]

I don't have any personal experience to offer, but I do remember Bill Moran saying anything stainless in a coal forge would cause problems in welding.

 

[HWooldridge]

Good, consistent blast is required to get the fire hot enough to be useful. The term "screen" would indicate small mesh that will clog quickly. I've made and repaired lots of solid fuel forges - a single slot 3" long by 1/2" wide in the bottom of a 12x12 square or 12" round pot will make a great fire.

I've never used stainless anything in a forge because mild steel or cast iron serves the purpose well and is a heck of a lot cheaper. After 30 years of bottom blast pots, I finally built a side blast, water cooled, tuyere from black pipe and don't plan to go back to bottom blast. Clinker is no longer a hindrance because it forms below the blast, so I can forge for hours and enjoy a nice, clean, hot fire.

 

[Grouser1741]

Thanks, I was worried about the ss. I have found an old pot bellied stove and pulled the grate out of it. That should work just fine I think!!
Thanks for the help!!!