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I Forge Iron

tobykilroy

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Everything posted by tobykilroy

  1. No I'm definately talking about a forge, my explanation is just a bit lacking. As it's my first forge I have built one of those brake disc/rotor forges - YouTube - The Brake Drum Forge which seems to be working ok. I hadn't heard about wetting the coal before, if I do I think I'll have to be careful with the firepot I use because it's cast iron and I think it may crack, but it sounds like an excellent idea. I was wondering how to make it stick. By the way I am currently using lumpwood charcoal like you get for BBQs.
  2. Hi Mike, Thanks for the prompt reply. What I'm trying to ask is the best way to have the fire and the best way to put the metal into the fire for the best results. For example, Do I stack the fire like a pyramid and put the metal into the heart of it, have the fire relatively flat and put the metal through it or make a kind of cave from the coal? I just don't seem to be getting enough heat.
  3. Can anyone point me in the direction of some examples and/or tutorials/pictures of the best way to stack your fire? Also how to look after it for the best temperatures? Thanks again, T
  4. Well I've got something cobbled together now. Used a fan out of a pc server, an ajustable power supply, some piping and loads of gaffer tape (the king amongst tapes)! Works a treat! Thanks for all your replies and suggestions.
  5. That sounds good to me! Is there any particular coal I should look for or is it all good?
  6. Hi, I'm currently using a small camp bed pump with my forge and aside from leaving me shattered the air flow doesn't seem to be consistent enough. After a bit of research I have found out that buying one new will set me back a bit more than I can spare at the moment. Can anyone suggest a good, readily available alternative? Thanks in advance, Toby
  7. Thanks for all of your quick replies. I notice in Sabre's video he uses an oil barrel with a removable top to make the charcoal, I think I might have found one that I can blag, so I'll give it a go. I'm pleased you think I'm well on my way, it's nice to hear that my small efforts so far are in the right direction. The foot pump was a last resort. Someone gave me a centrifugal pump but if needs a motor, which I have yet to source. Anywho, I quite like the physical effort at the moment. It seems to make the end result more satisfying. Also, thanks JohnW, I knew there was a question I hadn't asked. I'm not sure my break disc will do 8"-12" but I'll get the maximum depth I can. I have yet to learn to weld, but I am thinking about the next forge to make. The one I have at the moment limits me a bit. Can anyone suggest a good design or idea for a relatively cheaply made forge that will yield fairly decent results? Thanks again, Toby p.s. I'm using the forge outdoors at the moment so I don't think I need to worry about ventilation too much, I may be mistaken.
  8. Just to say hello to all. I am based just outside Devizes in the UK (south west) and have just set up my own (small but functional) forge to further my interest in blacksmithing. Great site, looking forward to a long and informative relationship with IFI. Cheers, Toby
  9. Hi all, Firstly, let me say what a great site this is! I've just started smithing (literally in the last 24 hours!) and I'm already hooked. I built myself a small forge from an old brake disc (or brake rotor in the US I believe), a piece of old exhaust pipe and a small foot pump for camp beds, and I'm pleased to say that I have had some success (eventually!) and have made a small knife and some nails to hang tools from (once I've made them of course). My questions are: 1. Can someone point me in the direction of a tutorial or something to make my own charcoal? I am a little loathe to buy it if I can make it myself. 2. What it the best wood for making charcoal? 3. When is the right time to start using the forge? i.e. Is there anything I should look for in the color of the flames etc...? 4. Have I asked too many questions in one post? If so, apologies, I will create separate ones. Look forward to hearing from you, Thanks, Toby
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