What's the minimum size for a forge shop?

Joss

Joss

Joined
Nov 20, 2001
Messages
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Hi all,

I am looking for a house, hopefully somewhere where I could set up a forge. In Seattle (where I live), most houses have a basement, but I think a forge is probably not a good thing to have indoor, for obvious reasons... :o

So I'm looking for a house with a detached garage. However, those are hard to come by, and sometimes carry a hefty premium. Plus, I've found a really nice house, with a garden but without a garage.

Given the footprint, it's unlikely that I could get a permit to build anything in hard the size of a 1-car garage. It might be possible to build a smaller shed-like structure in wood (I could set it up on an area of the back yard covered with concrete). However, I wouldn't be able to get power in.

I am trying to think creatively. I can set up a shop indoor for the cold work, including grinding, and only do the actual forging and HT outside (ideally, that would include salt baths eventually). I could do some heavy grinding on damascus billets, etc, directly outside.

In such a case, what would be the size required for the forging only portion?

I am interested in hearing about anyone who has direct or indirect experience forging in an urban environment and a constrained space. (And although I realize that the ideal place is larger and out of town, it's just not an option at this time.)

Thanks,

JD
 
Being without power limits the amount of equipment you can use, so minimal shop size shouldn't be a problem. I was at a full time makers shop a few weeks ago that is under 200 square feet, including a power hammer 2 forges an anvil a band-saw, belt grinder, work bench, and various other things. It can be done, so good luck!

Tony
 
Before I moved, I had a room set up with my forge, press, steel and quench tanks it was 10 feet x 14 Feet. I had plenty of room to move around my equipment and work.
 
If you're only looking to forge outside, set the porta-forge up in the doorway of a gazebo, put the anvil and stump on the ground, and fire away. You'll also add value to the property that way. Still annoy the neighbours, but...

Darryl
 
I've got my main work space set up in a 2 car garage. I use about 1/3 of it now that I have everything set up (the rest is occupied by my mom's car, and a bunch of junk). I figure a space of about 10'X15' at most. That covers my forge, anvil (although I'm lookin for a bigger one), 2 bench grinders, 2X72 belt grinder, 4X36 belt sander,12" drill press, 8" bandsaw, storage for all my materials, and most of my hand tools.
I'd think if for just the forging end of it, assuming you don't want a press or power hammer, a small shed/overhang would be great. Figure, you won't want your anvil more than a step or two from the forge. A well made forge only has to be a couple feet away from any walls, provided the opening is facing away from them. Quench tank is going to need to be equally close (when in use), and doesn't require a lot of room around it with the right safety precautions. Or if your water quenching, you don't have much to worry about at all. You'll want a shelf of some sort, either metal, or lined with firebrick to normalize blades on, or sit hot stuff while your working.
If you make things somewhat mobile, I bet you could get it all in something 8'X8' with room to spare :)
 
Check your local building regulations. Some/many places have some size threshold under which no permits are required. I suspect that is to allow garden sheds and play houses without a lot of paperwork.

Also, check out Matt's suggestion about a mobile structure. Most/many places have something about no permits for temporary structures. Hopefully, we can get a larger, rural property next. I would put down a used shipping container and have an instant shop.

Good luck.

Phil
 
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