Eddie Mullins

I thought I would add a little more info. THis burner uses a 20 PSI regulator and is rated at 185,000 BTU's, which theoretically should be sufficient for just over 400 cubic inches based on the 450 btu per cubic inches I believe I have read previously.

Thanks - I'll take some more pics. This design is so simple ( or apears so to me) its almost scary LOL. Probably too good to be true, but since its already here, I figure it wouldn't hurt to try it, if it don't work, I can also make one from the plans out there. Any characteristics I should be looking for in the flame?

Neat ideas. I think what Bob is referring to is a design similar to the handles used for taps. Obiously you wouldnt need the 2nd handle on the opposit side. If that isn't what he meant, then consider it my suggestion : ) .

I’m just about 2 months into smithing, but am obsessed and viewing the world from a different perspective now. I am using a coal forge I built, but have been pondering the potential benefits of a gas forge, which if I pursue, I would also build. Well, when cooking fish on my jet burner recently you can guess where my thoughts went – potential forge burner : ) . This jet cooker is designed for rapid heating of larger cook pots (like for crawfish boils) and is not your typical propane burner. Very simple design, and relatively inexpensive, but also looks easy to build. I had to take it to the shop and see what it would do. It got 3/8 rod up to forging temp with little trouble. I will probably continue to use as is for spot heating / finishing / etc (plus I can’t destroy my cooker), but am thinking this burner could be replicated easily (or is cheap enough to buy another - only about $30 including the hose w/ connections) and may be suited for a forge build project. I was thinking one option might be a small "bean can" type (or on that scale, maybe even with bricks), I could make use of the stand with the burner, and just fab a small portable forge that could be placed on top. The burner could then be used as a cooker or forge as needed. I could also buy or build additional burners for larger or more permanent set ups. Thoughts?

Very Nice!

Very nice and interesting piece. I'm new to smithing so mobiles that spin on balance points may be old hat, but I have never seen one. Very clever and intriguing desing IMO.

Thanks for the feedback. I have definitely been fortunate to find things locally quite quickly, and that is thanks largely to Glenn, who I mentioned in my first post. To comment on the anvil base, in some of the pics it was sitting on a table, in the latter pics its sitting on the stand I built. The stand is ~ 14" square, and is fill with crushed brick, its quite stable and size wise is working pretty well for me. Since there seems to be no actual performance isues with going square, I think I am going to go that route. I can get 2 4x8 sheets for about $125 current prices, which will be enough for me. I can't find 12" round pipe for that price, and if I can do it, I'd rather build than buy anyway : ) .

Thanks for all the detailed pics Wesely. I see you went with round pipe for the chimney also. Is there a reason no one uses a square tube for the chimney?

That definitely seems like a good option for a smith on a budget. It doesn't look like the tin has seen any heat. I have been trying to stay away from anything galvanized, not knowing what temperatures it can handle and still be safe. If I decide to go with a horizontal run before the pipe I will keep it in mind.

This post is my first, so a bit of an introduction to begin with (sorry in advance for rambling). I am in NE Arkansas and developed an obsession with forging just about 3 weeks ago. In that time I built my forge (from scrap materials), acquired an ASO and luckily an actual anvil, a few hammers and have forged every day except 1 for about 23 days now. My forge has been tweaked a number of times since and now works quite well for me. My anvil has gone from mounted on a table to finally a stand, a post vice has been added, as well as a 2 lb cross peen and a 2 lb rounding hammer I “made” by modifying an engineering hammer, its fast becoming a favorite. I have included some pictures to show the progression of my current shop, a few of the items and tools I have made, and my forge. One of the pictures is of “a knife shaped object” my 13 y/o son and I made together. 1st attempt for either of us to make a knife and his first time to forge anything, so its one of my favorites, although not quite one of my best : ) . One of the more practical for me is a rod holder for my boat, just in case it was obvious what it was. You will probably recognize some of the other items from anvil fire projects. I know local resources are often brought up, so I will also let you know I have met a local smith, Glen Owen and have joined the AR Blacksmith Org and attending a meeting. Glen is he steward for the local chapter of the AR org. and has gone above and beyond to help me get started on the right foot. I owe him tremendously. He and I have also spoken about my question, but was just hoping for maybe some additional input from those that may have done this before. Now for the question. I want to make a side draft chimney for my forge. I have been pricing large diameter pipe and it’s just out of budget right now. I saw the Hoffi design which was a horizontal run of rectangular box then a vertical round chimney. I am currently thinking about going vertical straight through the roof, but was thinking about getting sheets of 11 ga (1/8”) sheet and welding a 12” box for the chimney. My thought is to make it in sections that would slip together. I would create an insulated or double wall where it passes through the roof. 2 sheets would give me enough material for this (I need about 12 ft to clear the roof peak by about 3 ft) plus extra for flanges, hood , double wall section, etc. Does this seem feasible? Any thoughts?

Well you have lured me out of hiding. Been lurking on here for a few weeks. I'm in North East AR.