Starting to build my forge :)

D

DReicht

Joined
Oct 26, 2006
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101
After much reading and much pestering :) I'm finally starting to build my forge. Just got the firebricks today. They're only 2300-2500 degree rated, but they're going to be covered in a ash/adobe mixture.

One question, whats the best wood to use for ash?

I'll post pics of the process :)
 
Most any hardwood should do fine. To be a purist, a high silica material like rice straw or tall grasses like wheat would be the best. IIRC, the Japanese use rice straw ash for flux and for a refractory mortar.

Back in the 60's we used to use powdered asbestos and portland cement to make high temp mortar.Would mix it and apply it to the joints on steam pipe insulation (also asbestos) - by hand. Can't figure out why they don't do that anymore???
Stacy
 
XD Hey it wasn't that big a deal when it was flaking from the ceiling, why would it in mortar?
 
Once mixed in the cement,they say it is stable (most cities water pipes are asbestos cement,as well as the building supplies used to build most older houses and schools). It is the mixing and handling of powdered asbestos that got most of those pipefitters in the shipyards.Of all the guys who worked at the chemical plant with me, only one has had asbestos related lung problems ( he was a three pack a day man,too). Several of the rest of us have "Pleural Plaque" which is more likely the fact that most of them were and still are smokers.( I quit back in the 70's,except for an occasional cigar), and I haven't tested with any problems!!
Stacy
 
I just thought, would it be good if I could just buy silica straight? I've read about it being available in craftstores. And if not, I think I'll just use oak ash as it is the most available in my area. Just scoop up the remains of the fire correct? Take out any coals and mix it in?
 
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