elbadger

Thanks! Unless something comes up, I should be out there tomorrow.

Do you need to register for the fall conference if you just want to come check it out? I'm not an AFC member but would like to come up there with my family and have the chance to meet folks. Also, is there an admission fee?

Just finished my first experimental claying. Mixed 2 parts play sand, 1 part pearlite, and 3 parts clay cat litter. Ended up having to make two batches, but the first batch had too much water. We'll see how it turns out at the end of the week.

I guess I should have mentioned that that was just a mock up of ideas I had for the inside before claying. I have the T for the air and ash cleanout, they just aren't attached. The original stand won't be used, so a new one will be built... eventually. Until then, some cinder blocks or something similar should work. The ring that is holding the pipe is actually my plan if I go with a bottom blast air. Which method would work out best: bottom blast or side blast using the elbow?

So my quest for refractory cement/fire clay came up empty. I was able to find black pipe that I hope will work out. It is 1" inside diameter. The 1 1/4" was just a hair too big and would have meant cutting on the cast iron. So, attached are a couple of ideas I have in mind as well as a comparison of the size differences in the pipe. The first and second pictures are just using the cut off end of a coupler to set the pipe in place. The third and fourth pictures are an idea I have of using a 90 degree elbow to provide a side blast. What I don't like about this is how high up the elbow is. Not a big deal I guess, just add more clay and build up higher, right? So far, all the pipe and fittings, except one, are in returnable condition. Oh, and how do I add attachments in-line with my post?

Will this work: http://www.homedepot.com/p/H-C-Muddox-50-lb-Fire-Clay-100011882/100321936#.UiIWajYqjlY

I finally got a chance to take some pictures. The hole for the stand is 1 7/16 - 1 1/2 inches. We are about to go out to the Home Depot, where I plan on picking up some refractory cement and some 1 1/2" pipe and fittings as well as whatever my wife wants. I suppose I'll need an anvil at some point, but one thing at a time, eh?

That's a good point, ThorsHammer. I hadn't thought about how I was going to make/enlarge the hole or about it cracking. The other option I have is that the bottom of the grillmaster has about a 1 1/2" - 2" threaded hole in the center that is what the base screws into. I suppose I could build up around that. Otherwise, it looks like I may be back at square one - looking for something suitable. Considering I haven't made any modifications, I still have a cool, portable, gas grill.

Thanks for the recommendations. For now a 55 gallon drum is out of the question and my wife would kill me if I re-purposed her old washtubs. The other items aren't really available either. Also, I don't weld. This is really my first foray into metal working. So, working with what I have, the Bentley Grillmaster, any suggestions on how to best make it work? I'm thinking I would attempt a side air hole and fill the bottom with clay. Also, should I try lowering a side or two, or just build the clay up to near level with the top?

Hi all, I have been trying since spring to find something suitable to make a forge, but unfortunately, no brake drums have come my way. However, yesterday light may have shined down on me. At the flea market, I found a Bentley Grillmaster IV portable gas grill (http://www.amazon.com/Bentley-Cast-iron-Gas-charcoal-Grillmaster-Grill/dp/B00BVPGZ0W). I'm pretty sure it is cast iron and just under a quarter inch thick. Is anyone familiar with this and would it be worth trying to make a forge out of this? Thanks for the look, Kevin