Black Maple Forge

Today I drove out to Amish-ville to buy coal (from Maysville Elevator), and got 150lbs for $12.00!:cool: Then I went home and got to work. My coal coked very well, but was just a little bit more smokey than I thought. I also made my first forge weld! (I hadn't done very well welding with charcoal:mad:...) The pictures are of one peice of coal (bad quality picture) and my 1st ever forge weld (a link)-both sides. I actually got the fire so hot it destroyed almost an inch of my link...:rolleyes:

I am not sure of exact temperature, but I use fireplace bricks in parts of my forge, and it gets red hot, but doesn't usually seem to cause any damage:D...

I think getting a lid would be easier:rolleyes:. Does anyone know where to get a lid to cover a 55 gal. drum?:confused:

Maysville Elevator 10583 Harrison Rd Apple Creek, OH 44606 (330) 695-4413 Coal here is about $9.30 for 100 lbs, $4.50 for 50 lbs, and around $95 for a tonne. :)

Here's a good picture of an armouror's forge, and the pair of bellows with it's rocker shaft used. Also, 2 pictures of my big medieval-style forge for (decently) small work:D. I love how the pair of bellows works. If only I had me a pair:(... By the way, I am planning to build a medieval-styled portable forge out of wood (see:http://www.iforgeiron.com/forum/f7/making-forge-out-wood-8038/). If I can finish it soon enough(), I will post pictures...

Thanks for the good info! I think I'll get to making a portable one soon:D...

If the vise is in working condition, the anvil has a good flat face and a rounded horn, and the blower works, then you made a great deal!:cool:

I have heard that people used to make forges (both portable and stationary) out of wood and coat the inside with clay. Would this be safe to actually use?:confused:

How do I properly load the wood if the barrel is upside down:confused:? Or is it amlost on it's side?

Thanks for the insight! Another question: Is there an easier way to seal an oil drum than with clay (and a sheet of steel)?

I think it is actually thin steel, but I'm not sure. It came off of an old screen door(), and just seemed like "tin" to me.

Thanks! I was just concerned with the tin and it's melting point, but if other people have done it, I can!:D

Hello! I usually use charcoal that I make in an oil drum, but it doesn't have a lid. I put sheet steel over it and seal it with clay, but I was wondering, would a sheet of tin would work instead:confused:? It would be much more convenient:rolleyes:...