markknx

Frosty, When you built you injector what size did you drill the orifice? If I recall hammers was .035 mig tip. not sure if there is pros or con to a mig tip. it would be handy, but then again there is a lot of cool to made my own on the lathe. I will be building with a 3/4 pipe, and unless I come up with anything better, and this simple it will be the Hammer design. I will have 300 -350 cubic inches in the forge. Thanks for any input. And the info you gave Cary ( it is helping me also) Mark

As I am getting ready to start in this art, I see one truth, even the best camera will not catch the true color of the fire or the Iron. This is why I see your wisdom in getting professional guidance. Mark

​Your last name isn't Demko is it?

Thanks to all who posted advice! I have made some small move based on this advice and other sources. I raided a couple local scrap yards for materials to build both a small gas and solid fuel forge (love scrap yards) I came up with a brake drum and Harlow disk for a small solid forge. small and may or may not work, I have a small low volume electric blower I think will work. For the gas Forge I grabbed a 30lbs propane tank and will do the basic chop and weld job on that. I have a friend (you guys will be jealous) that does refractory work for a major steel mill. He is donating some ceramic blanket and refractory Called super 3000 it is a premixed mortar he says can be used to coat the blanket. (does this sound like it will work) I will have to get my own ridgeding agent. My plan is to line with the blanket then coat with the mortar. How thick is the question. I am thinking I don't want the inside to be any bigger than 8" x 12" For the sake of not needing two burners and fuel waste. Even that may be larger than I need. I will leave a small door on the back for longer work. Also a fire brick floor. I have seen designs where 2 fire bricks have been used as sliding doors on the front and back of the forge any advantage or disadvantage here? Last thing A burner. to buy or build. I have a pretty good metal working shop set up with a lathe and mill so building is not out of the question . I would just need some education and plans. will a BBQ grill regulator work. I think a choke is a must to keep a neutral flame at different heats. Yes? Where am I thinking wrong guys? what should I change or look out for ? Any other advice? I looked up ABANA They show no Chapters with in 100 miles of me My thought is to try to find someone local that will help at a renaissance fair or civil war reenacting. Thanks again, Mark

Gergely, Thanks for your reply. Yes that was a bit slow of me to not say where I am located. I am in the USA just outside of the city of Chicago. (My great grandparents came over from Huugary) Yes a source in Hungary would not work well for me. With coal is there any usable gain in carbon? Thank you again, Mark

Hi guys new here and trying to learn and understand blacksmith work. Right out of the gate pros and cons of gas vs solid fuel? also If I build a gas forge where is a good source for ceramic wool? would the refractory cement used to line steel mill crucible work to cote the wool? is the wool necessary if this refractory is used? I'm sure you guys have heard all this before. I may end up buying it will depend on what I learn here. Thank you for any help. Mark