The White Horse LHS

Hi Guys. I can get access to potters/modelling clay with about 40%grog. Would that do? and what is the best way to set it in the drum? Regards Seán

​LastRonin is correct gentlemen. I apologise if I didn't make my self a lot clearer in my explanation. Please check out the '' White Horse Living History Society'' facebook page, you will learn more about what we do by looking through our photos. You will also find photos under my name ''Seán Shields'' on the same page, they show a lot of the stuff I make. All my pics are on an external hard drive as I had my laptop repaired recently, so I will post pics as soon as I can. I am going to read through all the info guys but some of the stuff you mention is not available here in Ireland. I need to devise a lining system that doesn't crack and where everything doesn't stick to it. I was thinking about firebrick and cutting it to the shape of the drum, any ideas on this guys? please share. Thanks for you advice so far guys. Kindest regards. Seán

Greetings Gentlemen. Thank you for your response. At the moment I am forging spearheads, axe heads, nails, hinges, knives and war hammers for my group. My forge is working very well except for the lining failing and cracking in the heat. My group the White Horse Living History Society is based in Ireland and we portray the Bronze and Iron age, the Viking, Norman and Roman periods. I also belong to an American civil war group. I am an Art teacher and Artist and I love to work with my hands, when I was in secondary school blacksmithing was a major part of my metalwork module and I always loved it, so last year I set out to build a forge and just have fun. I will be picking every ones brain as I am sure there will be a lot of trail and error Kindest regards. Seán

Dear friends My name is Seán Shields andI am a battle re-enactor and I am new to the world of heat forging. My intention is to make simple equipment for my group. I have built a pretty reasonable break drum forge set in a square metal base with stand, canopy and bellows, and it works great but my problem is lining the inside of the drum as to create a bowl in the centre. As the drum is a large one it will use too much fuel and I wish to raise the internal height of the drum. I know people out there frown on these types of forges, but it was cheap to build and when I develop my skills and confidence I will spend the money to construct a forge that will best suit my needs. I would greatly appreciate any advice people could give me, I have tried clay and concrete but these materials just don't stand up to heat. Many thanks. Seán