Hello!
I am new to the forum and to blacksmithing in general. A co-worker had his grandfathers Champion #75 ag/rivet forge and acouple of Buffalo blowers. It only took me a year or so to talk him out of them. After forging some ornamental items for my wife, I decided to tear the forge down and give it a once -over cleaning and inspection. I replaced the legs with some 3/4" black pipe and welded some feet on the ends. While working the blower, occasionally, I would get a waft of smoke around the bottom of the pan. I noticed that one of the bolt hole loops is broken and not allowing the tuyere to seal against the bottom of the pan.
I took the tuyere off and cleaned it, the pan, and the distributor/grate. as soon as the weather dries up, I'll shoot a coat of paint on them. Is there supposed to be any refractory that helps to seal the three together? The grate doesnt sit flush against the bottom of the pan and allows air to escape underneath it. Has it warpped from the heat or is this normal? I hadnt noticed any problems while firing other than the smoke leakage from underneath the pan when green coal was raked in.
Does anyone know what model blower fits this forge?
Thanks for your help, Dave