NecroSteel

Sounds like a perfect idea! Can you send me some contact details so I can give you a call tomorrow?

With all the advice and comments you've made and my popping in and out of other threads I've decided to go for a bottom blast forge. It seems to be more portable and since I'm only starting out I can't see myself needing anything bigger for some time yet. I had a response from Vaughans her in the UK but their prices have increased considerably and their square bottom blast is now about £963!! Clearly too expensive but I don't think I'm capable of building a forge myself. It needs to be made of metal and portable so I can pull it in and out of the workshop I have. I don't have the capability or tools to weld bits together.. I've tried ebay but never seem to see any on there. SO..does anyone know where I can get a solidly built bottom blast or where I can get one made? Would a local Fabricator be able to build me one do you think (if I got them the parts and a plan)?

Hey, I've had a response from Vaughans with regards to how long they would expect their non-water cooled side blast forges to last. They have said that ".. as long as the fire is built correct (eg. 4 - 6" away from the Tue Iron) it should last 2 years+. ".. SO...heck... The only bottom blast I've used was one that didn't have a deep fire pot so the iron was pushed into a coke heap about level with the general base of the forge, with a bottom blast do you only get forge welding heat inside the fire pot or will you get it higher up?

Hey, Well surprisingly I did receive an email from them today asking me to call them. I did so again today and they answered quite promptly. On speaking to the sales lady Aimee she was very knowledgeable of the products they sell and is pulling a quote together for me now. From the call I know they are closed on Saturday. They are pricey but it is good for a one stop shop I think..will soon find out.. Ive been searching eBay for sometime now and got a few power tools and extractor fans etc but haven't seen any quality hand tools for sale. I'll give glendale a call when I get the quote through from Vaughans.

Hey John, You mention that without water cooling the side blast with 'erode'. I've seen side blast (at Vaughans) that doesn't seem to have a water tank and it looks like they sell replacement Tues. How long would the Tue last without cooling do you think and what are the signs\symptoms of the Tue eroding? N

Hey, I've heard people mention Vaughans (www.anvils.co.uk) and am interested in getting some gear and my forge from them but for I've managed to get through to them via either phone or email . No response from my mails and the phone just rings. Does anyone know if they are still in business or if there is another supplier that sells the same forges as them in the UK please? I'm considering either their bottom blast SFPBB or their Side blast SFP238 (no water tank). Thanks,

Thanks John. I've used both types of forges on my courses but I preferred the side blast best. I've not done any welding and don've have the equipment so probably won't end up building one myself so I want to buy one that'll last me years. There's a guy from Somerset on ebay selling a side blast (with water tank), one with a hood and one without. Do you think if I get the one with the hood, put it inside the door and then attach the 8" exhaust extractor to the hood that it'd be good enough? I'll definitely see if I can swing coming to the iForge weekend on the 11th/12th - Is it at Westpoint Forge? .. I live near St.Neots. P

Hey all, I've been skulking around for a few months now but can't find a thread that completely answers my problem. Basically I'm a new blacksmith. I've been on a couple of three day courses but have had no metalworking experience prior to this. I loved it though so thought I'd try my hand at it as a hobby. Not wanting to annoy the neighbours or the wife I managed to get hold of a small workshop on a local farm. It's about 25 feet by 20 feet but I've only just access to it. My problem is that it only has a normal sized door and no windows! I also don't think I'll be allowed to install a chimney, especially since I'm only renting it and for a very small sum. So.. What do I do for the forge? I would love a side blast forge without the hood but I've seen two types, one with a water cooler on the back and another without (sold by Vaughans). I was hoping to have is just inside the door but am a little worried about the smoke. I've ordered a 8" exhaust extractor with flu hose thinking that I could set that up next to the forge when it's running. What do you think?? Another alternative is to get a bottom blast that I can lift outside but then I'll have to run inside to use the anvil ( can't leave the gear outside as it's a prime site for theft.. Does anyone have any ideas please?? thanks.