ForgeCrossing

haha yes, can always open the garage doors   any recommendations on plans for one?  There are SO MANY out there it is hard to know what to go with.

3 minutes ago, Flankem said:

I guess it depends on what you are planning on doing.  A small gas forge would work great for blades and smaller stuff. 

 

Ill be doing mainly railroad spikes so small is good

After doing more research it seems that a small propane setup might be better for my needs, as I could use it indoors with much easier ventilation ( of course practicing CO safety).  Thoughts?

Yes, I have been trying to find any used equipment semi local, but no luck 

Thanks Charles, I appreciate the help.  Looking forward to getting into this lost art.

mind blown...... haha.  I have some books on order and I'll keep researching as well.  

Side blast it is then!  Any detailed writeups on them?  I can build whatever is needed, but being a newbie I want to make sure I make an optimal setup that will perform and last for me.  

Also, what would be required for an Indoor setup?

13 minutes ago, Michael Cochran said:

Probably the quickest, cheapest and easiest to set up would be a side blast forge. It'll work with any type of solid fuel and it's nothing more than a hole with an air supply blowing in from the side. If you have any type of clay soil near you (I think most of us do) you can use some of that and some sand to build your fire bowl. If you click on the link and ignore all the talk of the forge this guy has a concept for and skip down to the next to last comment you'll see a side blast like what I'm talking about. Iforgeiron.com/topic/44354-plaster-sand-mix-forge-concept/?page1 After  looking at that picture Charles tells us on the next page just how to go about building one. 

Thanks Michael!  I'll check it out.  I have another variable and question I didn't think of.  An issue I have is that as a stay at home Dad I have my children in my shop with me many days so if there is any way to not have to run inside and out in the winter that would be optimal.  

My real question is since I will be primarily just heating railroad spikes up, which are softer and I don't need weld temps, would it be at all possible to use my old cast wood burner to get the spikes hot enough?  Or is that not a viable option?

Good Morning All!  First post here but have been reading the wealth of knowledge for a while.  I know the "what forge" is rather common but I wanted to get some insite on my specific needs so I can get what suits me best.  My main need is working with railroad spikes, so nothing big is needed.  I would like to keep cost at a minimum without sacrificing quality, at least for the time being.  As I gain experience I may upgrade but right now I just need something to get me going for a commissioned piece that I need to manipulate the spikes.  I was thinking coal would be easier, as I am in Western PA so it is readily available BUT I am open to recommendations.  

Every time I search and decide on a forge design ( like brake drum ) there seems to be much opposition to it as well.  What would you guys recommend as a small, budget minded forge to get me started into this great art? 

Thanks!!

Dan