OLDBlades

Thanks Samcro, and Jayrocko.

Ya thats pretty wild James!  I lived in GF too.   Are you AF?

I will post some pictures up of what I make for you. Others can critique it as well, that would be much appreciated.

I'm gonna try two ammo can forges.

One will be a smaller mini forge.. small insolated tube inside a 5.56 can with some kind of mount for my bernzomatic TS4000 torch head.

The other will be in a bigger can with a bigger torch some kind of sheet/brick insulation and a refactory floor, I have a couple door hinges I plan to mess around with as well. 

Those hard bricks where hell to grind, I gave them a try just because they where cheap at Tractor Supply.. I need to source some koawool, and order some this weekend.

One other newb question I have.. I search and couldn't find an answer.

I picked up a high pressure cast iron burner (for a deep fryer) from ACE today... any chance it would work for a forge burner?  

Thanks DSW for your reply.

I'm gonna research and order some ceramic blanket this weekend.  Agreed completely I need a bigger burner, found a few good YT videos about making them yourself.. If that fails I'll look into buying one.  As for tanks, I have a spare 20lb propane tank with lines for forge fuel, also a couple small acetylne tanks. May look into swapping them like you mentioned.

  Hi to you too, TP!  Thanks for the tips.

Thanks guys!  Will be doing much research here for sure.. 

My current project ideas/needs are: gas forge, break drum forge and a 2x72 belt grinder. 

So far I've obtained 3 motors for grinders/buffers.  A couple old torch tanks for outdoor gas forges,  A hand cranked bellow(?) for an outdoors solid fuel forge. But first, I'm gonna attempt to build an ammo can forge. I have some hard fire place brick that didn't work well as a 1 brick gas forge, So I'm planning on packing them into an ammo can for a smaller setup  that I can use Inside my garage.     

Of course pictures are a must.. so heres some whats currently on my work bench. 

And heres some of the good and ugly past work!

Thanks for the link NS. 

Hello IFI community! 

First off I'm James (JTD on other forums), and am from SC. 

About me; big time outdoors enthusist - Hunting, fishing, hiking, bushcraft, and primative skills.. I love them all! I'm married, and a father of 3 crazy kids.  This past year we moved from MT to SC..not quite the same kind of wilderness I like, and way more mosquitos than I prefer, and I've been home watching tv way more than I like.  With that, I needed a hobby to stay sane.  I've tried making file knives before, but was very distracted with other hobbies.. well I'm back too it full steam this time.  I've made a couple "better" knives now, and I only see knife making growing on me more.  

My goals so far for knife making are; Learn alot, and make solid users.  If they look good that would be even better.  

Originally I wanted to buy a grizzly grinder, and a kiln, but with some internet influence, and lack of funds I've decided to scavenge/build a forge or two, and some grinders.  Google brought me here, and now hope to learn alot and build some stuff!

James