businessmoons

Thanks for the replies.

Should have thought to search the forums before asking a question, but I was feeling giddy about getting my first forge.

I like the idea of converting to propane. It would mean that I can put the forge further away from the house (and the pair of hyper-active ankle snapping children). Whacking lumps of metal on an anvil will be so quiet & restful compared to keeping my little miniatures amused.

I've just bought a Flamefast ceramic forge off e-bay. I only paid a tenner for it, so if it doesn't work out for me, it's no big deal.
On flamefast's site, it sauys that the forge "can" reach a temp of 1,300c . Has anyone had any experience with one of these ? And if so, what did you think ?
If the forge turns out to be a dud, I was thinking that I could just convert it to a coke forge, as it has an integrated blower, but once again, I'd like a bit of advice as to whether the forge is built to take the higher temps that a coke forge can belt out.

Cheers

Pete.

I am in the middle of setting up a forge, and am using the fan from an old central heating boiler. They are easy (and cheap) to pick up off e-bay, and they are already set up to blow through a cylindrical flue, so no need to fabricate anything.

Hey Rick,
I love the forge set up that you've got there. Is the semi-circular metal at the back of the forge just a heat baffle to save the wall ?

Pete.

Hi,
Dobcross, a little village in Saddleworth. Which is slap bang between Leeds & Manchester.

Just dropped in to say Hi.
Just re-discovered the metalwork bug after nearly 25 years. Used to work with my Dad, who was a pipefitter-welder. When he died, so did my enthieusiasm.
So, anyway. Just dusted off his old oxy-acetylene torch, had it serviced and started welding, been bitten by the bug again, and have just bought an anvil.

So, looking forward to pestering people on here for advice as I stumble along.