JHCC

Or really hot, as the case may be.

Ever thought of adding some external fins to the plenum, to help radiate off some of the extra heat?

TIt looks to me like you are building your fire too low in the forge, and so there’s not enough insulation between the bottom of the fire and the sheet metal pan. Increase the depth of sand/ash/kitty litter/dirt so that it’s only a little bit below the bottom edge of the tuyere. IFI member EverythingMac has a video showing him putting the fill in his own side-blast: https://youtu.be/6ExLtAOqBk8

Having met both Powers's, I can confirm that Thomas got the better deal.

For example (from the same volume):

What is this “paint” of which you speak?

Update: I just got word that Fr. John died this evening. Thank you for your prayers.

Asking for prayers for my friend Father John Bostwick of the Norbertine Abbey in De Pere, WI as he nears the end of his life. This is from the Abbey: NEWS OF FR JOHN BOSTWICK "Father John Bostwick is nearing his last days. He has spent the last two weeks in the hospital and is now home at the Abbey. His kidneys and heart are failing, but his mind and heart are sober and alert. He's experiencing a lot of pain and discomfort. If you could please keep him in your prayers and add him to your prayer chain, we'd greatly appreciate it!"

It was a freebie from a coworker who found it in the garage of a house she just bought.

Stainless steel.

Serpentine chimneys are things I struggle with.

Cut the top out of the Molson keg to make a new slack tub. And since the gas grill base that used to support the removable flue for my coal forge has become the base for my new gas forge, I needed to make a new movable flue support. An old garden tool caddy does the job nicely, and also provides storage space for some coal sacks.

Instead of the elbow where the air pipe from the fan turns 90 degrees towards the forge, install a tee with some kind of gate on the open end. That will allow you to waste your excess air in a controlled manner.

I have nothing to add to what Latticino said other than a recommendation to keep this blade for comparison with the blades you will eventually make. As your skills improve to the point that you get frustrated with how far you have yet to go, it’s nice to have a reminder of how far you’ve come.

Made a mold for casting the block on my NARB.

From Entwürfe Zeitnahar Schmiede Arbeiten by C. Zimmerman (Munich, 1959):

And here we are: (Awaiting refractory.)

Fixed up the stand for my new gas forge and NARB. I was about to weld the forge to the stand when I realized that that would make putting in the kaowool and hard refractory a real pain. Instead, I will do it in a set of brackets that will hold the forge in place under its own weight.

Starting small and building skills progressively is always a good idea.

My pleasure. Again, I'm not a gasser expert, but it might be worthwhile to rigidize your wool and add a rigid refractory lining now, so that whatever you end up doing to the burner doesn't have to get readjusted when you then modify the forge. Just a thought.

Welcome to IFI! If you haven't yet, please READ THIS FIRST!!! I'm sure someone more knowledgeable about gas forges will be along to address your specific issue, but in the mean time, please read THIS POST about the dangers of unsealed ceramic wool forge linings.

True: they were more a marketing gimmick than a real tool. Turning your bit of rail on end might help a bit, but definitely keep your eye out for something more substantial.

It's so quiet!!

Where to start: THINK! Answer the W questions: WHAT do I want to forge? WHERE can I forge? WHY do I want to forge? (Note that this one may change as you get more experience. Someone who starts out doing ornamental pieces may find themselves captivated by bladesmithing, and vice-versa.) WHO can help me learn how to forge? (You're already here, so that's a good first step. However, nothing beats in-person instruction.) Then think about the four things you will need that start with H: Something to HEAT the metal. Something to HOLD the metal. Something to HIT the metal ON. Something to HIT the metal WITH. Everything flows from these questions, especially if you take the time to ask yourself: What do I not know or have NOW that I need to know in order to take the very next step? By focusing on what's right in front of you and the very next thing you need to do, you won't get ahead of yourself too much. (Also, a much-neglected aspect of starting out is proper tongs. People focus on hammers, anvils, and forges, and never give nearly enough thought to what happens when you hit an insecurely held piece of glowing metal. If you have some cash, invest in some good basic tongs. You will NOT regret it.)