Tradewater

Thanks Roger, he did a heck of a job on his setup didn't he? That's the same basic layout of mine as well. He used some pretty thick stuff for the hood and I was wondering if you can get by with something thinner. Yes, I am a cheapskate.

Randy

This must be a popular design, I'm building the same one myself. There is an absolute wealth of information on here, as well as a bunch of folks that have made all the discoveries and mistakes already...and will be glad to share. One thing that would help both of us would be a suggestion on the gauge of metal to use for the Hofi hood. I see that fieryfurnace used 3/16ths for his. Could a lighter gauge be used without any heat distortion problems? Not to hijack the thread, just wondering if a person could save a few bucks on the metal.

Randy

thanks for the input everybody

I see that Hofi's hood is made with 3/16..you think it could be done out of thinner stock without heat distortion being a problem?

randy

The Hofi hood has been discussed on the forum. A search will locate the posts.

First what type building are you using? Are you going through the wall or roof? Do you have any building codes that cover forges and hoods? Will you get fined for not building your forge and hood according to the building codes? Will your insurance use those building codes as an excuse to cancel or not pay in event of a claim? We need information so we can help.

It is an all metal building 40 x 60 with metal roof. Going through the wall like the Hofi setup. No building code issues, or neighbors with a half mile. I attended (and joined) the IVBA event in Carlinville, Il over the weekend where I picked up a Roger Lorance fire pot and met some really great folks. Found a Champion blower in outstanding shape and am ready to start welding up a table. I have a 150lb Hay Budden but the edges are pretty rough. Really looking forward to it though. I've been reading and lurking on here for a while and finally decided to take the plunge. Thanks for the comments and I'm sure I'll have more questions.

randy

All you need to do is look through this forum. You won't even need to go back that far. You will get much more out of it if you find it yourself than if someone else does your work for you. I mean no offense. You are getting into a craft that involves a lot of problem solving. This is as good a time as any to get started. An added benefit is that you will find answers to questions you didn't even know you had. Good luck.

Bill

Thank you Bill,

I had done that, but didn't find anything regarding dimensions. Did find some very useful info and great ideas. No offense taken and that is certainly sound advice.

Randy

Hi everybody,

This is my first attempt at building a forge and I'd like to use the Hofi style side draft hood. Does anyone know where I can get some plans for it?

thanks,
Randy