4 brick forge?

i'm sure that would be ideal, i just wanna see if forging appeals to me before i bother building something nicer. :)

do you think it would work or just not be ideal...
 
I'm assuming you mean a plumber's torch, in which case I do not think it will "work fine". Maybe with mapp, but doubtful. I'd say if you want to try out forging and don't want to get into a bigger forge then try to find someone who is willing to show you the ropes or pay for the ABS class.
 
AcridSaint said:
I'm assuming you mean a plumber's torch, in which case I do not think it will "work fine". Maybe with mapp, but doubtful. I'd say if you want to try out forging and don't want to get into a bigger forge then try to find someone who is willing to show you the ropes or pay for the ABS class.
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I still believe it will work "fine" the interior cubic volume is less than larger forges on Zoeller's site that Larry runs off a hand torch. Larry does use Mapp for those, which I'd recommend using. I didn't say awesome, beautifully etc. ;)

It will get him a start for little to no money so he can decide if pounding on hot steel is fun.(who wouldn't?).....:D
 
just build a similar "small" forge as i have. i couldnt have spent more than 60 bucks on it! pmsg me if you want info
 
I'd love to but cant figure out how. ha!

got a picture of it? my main issue is the damn propane regulator is about $40, burner is pretty inexpensive, gotta order the ITC100 or similar coating... it all ads up. love to see a $60 total cost that works.

not looking to weld with it, just forge/anneal/heat treat
 
SkaerE said:
I'd love to but cant figure out how. ha!

got a picture of it? my main issue is the damn propane regulator is about $40, burner is pretty inexpensive, gotta order the ITC100 or similar coating... it all ads up. love to see a $60 total cost that works.

not looking to weld with it, just forge/anneal/heat treat
Click to expand...

http://www.indiangeorgesknives.com/building_a_forge.html

Here's Indian George's tutorial and pictures too. :thumbup:

Wayne Coe Blacksmith for Plistix, similar to ITC and Inswool

http://www.waynecoeartistblacksmith.com/Forge_Supplies.html

Stop by any Air conditioning Heating shop, ask for an empty R-22 freon container. They usually have a pile in the scrap bin or trash... And will most likely give it to you for free.
 
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As I said, maybe with mapp gas. Also note that at least one person on this thread has blown apart a mapp gas tip in a 1 brick forge. Having used 1brick forges with both propane and mapp I don't see someone going with 4 bricks and getting good results. Ceramic blanket isn't exactly the same thing as fire brick.

If you think the math adds up, go ahead and try it out with the bricks. As someone with
a ton of experience trying to do things the "cheap" way in knifemaking (including several plumber's torch forges), I think one will find that the time and money is not well spent vs other options.

If you want to build a mini on the cheap and use a plumber's torch, then I'd go with ceramic blanket and maybe a diy blower.
 
i said screw it and bought the stuff to make a burner today, i already have the freon tank from something i was gonna do a while ago.

having a hard time finding a local source for 2 things, propane regulator and something to coat the fiber blanket with.

suggestions before mail ordering?

thanks
 
You can coat the blanket with furnace cement which you can get at pretty much any hardware store. Just thin it out with water to the point where it is "soupy" and paint it on. I've built two so far using indian George's tutorial and they work great. The furnace cement probably isn't as effeciant as ITC or satanite, but it works and is readily available and cheap.
A tip: cut out the insualtion to size. Trim to fit your tank, pipe/whatever test fit it, then take it out and lay it flat to paint the cement/ITC/satanite or whatever on, then put it in the forge body (seam down). Then prop the thing up vertically to let dry.
Good luck and have fun.
Ed
 
cool. i may go that route or may build one from firebrick ala this guy halfway down the page:

http://www.zoellerforge.com/customers.html

or here

http://www.zoellerforge.com/firebrickforge.html

anyone know if i can use a propane weed burner flame control for the regulator or is that not safe? (ie plumb pipe from weed burner into black pipe sidearm burner)

also, says this forge hit 2200 deg F at 20PSI. what temp do i need to forge at (not forge weld, just forge)

thanks!!!!
 
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