MrCairney

I loved that quote from Grant too Great post Ten Hammers, old guys only scold with a good reason I realise I've done that thing people do on forums where they pop in and ask a question without even introducing themselves. Hi I'm Steve from the North of England, I'm 34 (just to clear that bit up!) and I'm looking forward to the christmas break from work so I can get stuck in and spend some quality time making woodworking knives. I've got an interest in the whole process, right up to the finishing leatherwork. I'm big on the scandinavian style of utility blade. I must say I feel quite embarrassed that some of you might think I'm a bit soft in the head for asking the original question (it's in my nature to question everything), but hopefully I'll be able to make up for that eventually.

We know that I won't be running one (as I promised), but the gas forge in question was running on propane, the forge itself probably 6"x6"x10" and running for less than 30mins. Just interested on the kind of CO/CO2 output would be achieved there. Purely out of curiosity you understand.

Thanks Rich and Bryan. I'm a big believer in less is more, which is why the bucket forge interests me so much. My hammer is actually a hot cut chisel, my vice is a big old spanner wrench bolted to a stump and my anvil is a sledgehead set in the same stump. The reason I would have liked to have a forge in the same place as the rest of the set-up was for efficiency I suppose. The irony being the bucket is probably as portable as they come, and all the above can be carried up from the cellar with no problem at all. What WAS I thinking? Is this what happens when you think out loud? The rest of the tools will stay in the cellar, as profiling, bevelling and handling are all jobs quite suited for there.

Absolutely, what more can I want? Thanks again all.

Please understand I was not ignoring any of you here. Why some people feel it safe to work on gas indoors (as I said before I know some that do) isn't something for this thread. HOWEVER: as far as what I will be doing (which is what this thread is about): be rest assured that I will stay outdoors, regardless. I mean that.

Gents, I will not be bringing the bucket indoors.

Aside from this, the logistics involved will probably mean I will leave the bucket outdoors and look into constructing a mini gas forge. I know a couple of smiths with this set up who, with the correct precautions, operate and use it safely on a daily basis. Thanks to all for the insight.

Not quite sure how you get that conclusion as I am far from that. I will however do some calculations based on the burn times I will be looking at.

Thanks Fe-wood, although you can paint a dark picture, and I don't want to belittle anyones experience or expertise, I think that careful planning and procedure will mean I will be able to smith safely. It's interesting that no-one here has replied to say they have a similar set up scenario (if anyone does, please do!). I guess this forum has a lot of US users, and you guys tend to have more space!

I dropped a line to a friend who installs wood burners among other things and he very amusingly sent me this when I enquired about a flue solution:

Can't argue with that Mike! Am I right in thinking that it's the fuel that is the bump in the road here? In fine weather I've no trouble forging outside in my backyard, my kit is all very portable. However, as the winter arrives it would be nice to have shelter. So, how about a comprise? I wasn't going to go for a gas firer since I think charcoal goes easier on the stock I'm sure you all know Larry Zoeller's "mini forge" set up. Now, while not completely being free from the build up of fumes and I'll still need to take the required steps, I'm starting to think it might be the 'safer' option?

Hi Doc, not quite right, the lining is a vermiculate / fire clay / ash / sand cement. The lining of my bucket is 2 inches of ceramic fibre coated with fire cement to at least remove the risk of getting cancer to the mix! Thanks for all your advice. I'm looking into the logistics of adding a flue.

Yes, CO would be my main concern as you don't know until you hit the floor. I WILL be purchasing a CO alarm as a matter of course, along with fire extinguishing kit. I'm sure you all know the bucket forge, but just in case you don't here's the kinda size we're talking about:

Thanks guys, this is exactly the reason I'm planning ahead. A small flexible flue might be worth designing. At a push I could bolster out a bit of a hole in the wall vent (it's one of those brick grills with holes in) to run the pipe out with perhaps a fan at the bottom on the stairs to keeping the air flowing. But please keep the suggestions coming

Hi everyone, I'm in the process of setting up my cellar with a small charcoal bucket forge for bladesmithing. I have a question about safety though. What are the real world CO risks with this setup? My idea is to light the forge outdoors and then transport it into the cellar where the rest of my set up is. I'm going to invest in a CO alarm but I've never really been told, or read anything by experienced blacksmiths that this is a really bad idea. My cellar isn't huge but is of stone construction, and aside from a grill to the outdoors doesn't have a window. Am I being over cautious? I don't want to make a pink corpse after the first burn!