Beatsy' s Forge

Michael did you read my post to Frosty? I agree ,I need to step back and do a lot more research. If you think I'm like talking to a brick wall then you need better reading glasses.I am taking your guys advice and redirecting it to just start something so I can begin the life long learning process and yes I am aware it is gonna take lots of research so I'm ready for that .So I guess if I have any real questions for you or questions that you feel are admirable for you to answer, I will ask try to ask them with some thing knowledgeable so we know what I am talking about.Not trying to sound insulting it is not my intention just saying I'm gonna go back to the chock board and regroup so to speak and start something so I can begin learning and figuring out them mistakes that you talk about .So thanks for the help and getting me back on track . Thanks, Martin

I will be adjusting my intention and doing quite a bit more investigating before I build with brick. I like your have lots of experience with masonry only my education is from blast furnace, reheat furnaces,and steel making furnaces. I was a former and prior to that was a laborer /mason tender so I am also fermilur with this type of work ,not only is the chimney the toughest part it is the most exciting. But for now I am abandoning my dream and making changes so I can get started smithing and my learning process. Thanks,Martin

Yeah I get it ,you are probably right, but did you not build brick because of the time compared to fabing one or did you decide that it was not necessary even that you had the brick? Now my question is did you have the brick before your first forge? But nice tools are great but I am more into functionality and quality over the way something appears. Could be the nicest looking thing in the world but it is still a terd ya know Screw it I don't have any way to weld anything right now but some day .Your rite fabing something is faster sometimes Mabe even better.Frik it I am just gonna use this old wet bar stainless sink put some brick in it and light some coal on fire ,heat some steel and beat on this honk of rail I found a while back.my wife is right ever since I have become clean I go from one addiction too another taking to dam limit. Who am I kidding anyway I don't even have an anvil persay and by the way the prices keep going up I probably never will . Thanks Scape that idea . Martin

Thanks Thomas I wish give it a go.

She is beautiful, My family and myself are prying for her and your family. God is with her and you he will give her and you the strength to get threw this and any other obstacles that life has in store for you and her.God Bless and be with you forever and always in God's name . Amen Sincerely, Martin

Thanks Frosty, Let's forget about pictures for now. Although I seem like I am more in a rush I assure you that I am not just making an attempt to get my information together and have a basic understanding of the scope of my project.I am going to build a permanent forge and with some help I can pursue the project with a clear path. I have a pretty good idea on how much I want to build just trying to iron out a few okay alot of details. Before I ask for any more help /questions I will be on point with my inquiry. So it appears that I have lots more to research than I originally thought. I am not the type of person that when meeting people for the first time like you said don't start the conversation with the supplies I have to work with I will just introduce myself and wait for the time to interject the conversation with my supplies. I only gave a detailed list of the material so all would know what I had to work with and give them the opportunity to assist in how they my change what I have drawn or give me a better idea. I was in no way bragging on the materials. So again thanks for your comment and let's start over.My name is Martin I am extremely interested in Blacksmithing and would like some advice on how to diy an indoor coal forge. If you had the free materials I have how would you use them ? This is an artform that I am certain that I will have success in some day and how ever it appears I would like to build a smithy that I will utilize every day and not have an issue for some time on if I need a different setup. So let's let you direct me to something that is of value, not saying you didn't do that before but I was wrong for not hearing the help I was offered. I like I said have this stuff and how would someone of your caliber utilize it for your idea of the perfect forge?Another thing that comes to mind is has any of you seen or built a forge that can be accessed from both indoors and outdoors for hot weather applications. So you have the option to work outside if you wanted I haven't seen anything like that but if I thought of it,it must be out there.So I will see if I can find anything on it. Sincerely, Martin

Thanks arkie I agree with your comment and will take that advice,I will build and Thank you for you comment I am not quite set on a size but I know I want it large enough to heat about 10in.of steel for the time being, I don't have a power hammer so I think a hot pot 10inx12inx3.75 will be a just size for quite some time. Again thanks.

..I am willing to read anything and learn all but all I mean is there is a lot of information you have directed me to and lots of it is hard to determine what is being talked about with out pics.I was not being a smart ass when I said that I understand that people get tired of answering the same questions over and over again. Sorry if anyone took offense to it .Was not my intention. And to ad to a previous post I don't think I am better than any one and I think it is unfortunate of you to see fit to set judgment on me.So I will step back a little and read my eyes out so I know what I'm talking about. As far as the toys I have to play with I am greatful for all of it and would be willing to share any of it .Your rite I will start small and learn from reading and figure it out as I progress. Thanks for the advice . Brent It would be greatly appreciated for measuring the forge and any pictures if you can will be a plus. Thanks Brent it would be greatly appreciated for measuring the forge and any pictures if you can . Thanks ,Martin

Brick for the most part ,so are you saying to build it the same general way.I do realize you are given me help.And I am sure by everyone's redirection to previous posts or archives is an easy way to blow off someone who is just getting started. Wichita is understandable who wants to answer the same ridiculous questions over and over again. I mean I get it. These are some sketches I have made to give everyone an idea of my plan and to feel free to comment on or suggest and changes in in what I already have in my head. Top view will be posted soon and the table height from the floor to the top of the table is 31in. Thanks for your valuable comments and suggestions it is appreciated.

This is what I thought would be best for my smithy or at least something similar. I have pot dimensions and I think a side draft would be my best option size wise not huge but the one pictured is in my opinion perfect. What do you think about a brick table or castable I am unsure because bricks may shift or heave but castable may crack but can be patched pretty easily.

2Yep and I have a pretty good idea on what I'm looking for . trying to figure out what type of hood will be best.I want the hot pot to be 10inx12inx3.75in ,table size 3.5ftx4.5ft.trying to decide whether Wether to use castable for this or fire brick. Also trying to figure out if I could use carbon brick for the pot.I have 220lbs.of Vesuvius brand Criterion65 high aluminum content ,55lbs of Dry Pack Grout 088b50its a non shrink structural grout refractory and No.200 Volclay about 55lbs,all the hard fire brick I can handle and carbon based brick for lining and blast furnace which is the working surface. Not to mention 15/20 yards of lump coal from Pennsylvania. So he'll yea I want to build a permanent forge . Wouldn't you if it was all freeeeeeeeeee?

Yeah me either I will draw something up and post it so people can get a better idea of what I want to build. Like I have said I have and can get all the refractory stuff that I need for free so why not build a permanent indoor coal forge. I don't see an issue with it even if I am a beginner, someday I won't be and I will be glad I built the thing . I don't think there are any historical forges to see first hand around me.but all I need is a plan I have the place the ambition and the time to become a good smith someday just takes time and I have plenty of that.

Yep this is what I am trying to get at.Alot of reading for almost nothing lot of people argue about what they think is the best and all I want to do is build a permanent indoor coal forge. Some have said I am going to big to soon but I am doing this project to avoid having to build more and more. Besides all the materials are free to me so why not go big or go home .I know I know have the drive and determination to become a good smith some day and I know it won't happen overnight. It is expected to learn as you go isn't that what all of you have done.I just wanted to have someone give me a hand on a personal basis and not redirect me to forums to read.I have the interest I just need a guiding hand so to speak. Thanks everyone. I ask if there is someone who is willing to give me some direction other than redirection no offense intended but the help would be appreciated and the knowledge gained would be priceless. Oh and I have about 15 to 20 yards of lump coal from Pennsylvania free at my disposal. So with a little help and advice, direction other than youtube would be appreciated. I would like if someone who has diy a coal forge from fire brick and castable to assist me in my quest. Thanks Sincerely, Martin Moldovan at Beatsy's Forge

I am a newbie to Blacksmithing I don't have anything except a couple hammers vise grips, channel locks ,castable, hard fire brick, carbon fire brick, some K-Wool 50 lbs of fire clay and 250 lbs of castable all the stuff I can get my hands on is used in steel mill applications. I want to use this 20 gal. Compressor tank line it with K-Wool then castable over that I am not sure how long to make it but from dome to dome it is 31in.the tank circumference is about 14in. I also am needing info on how large of an opening is needed. I will make a former with a flat bottom then cast around it.I am in need of help for the build.Ihave know idea of were to begin and as far as burners should I diy or just spend the money and purchase some and how mane is needed for this size of forge? I am interested in forging blades mostly and what ever else comes to mind in the process. I am also hoping someone has a hand me down anvil for a good price I need one of them to.If any one has an interest in helping me achieve this addiction /adventure please contact me at [email protected]. Sincerely, Martin

I am trying to get started with this new addiction called Blacksmithing. I am wondering if anyone one has built an indoor coal forge using fire brick?I am able to get as much as I want different sizes,all hard brick not insulation brick and carbon based brick ,castable and K Wool basically I have access to all the refractory I need from my former employer and refractory company that does work for US Steel I am Interested in building one that will last so I would like to stay away from K-Wool unless I am only using it for insulation purposes. I would like the hood to be brick also.air powered for now by a bathroom exhaust fan I already have using a 2 in. brass gate value. I also want to build a propane forge using a 20 gal. Compressor tank I have again want to use K-Wool to line it then castable over it all my question is how long should the tank be cut down to and how many burners are needed to get up welding temperature with it .I have no idea how to build these if there is anyone that can help contact me [email protected]. Thank Martin I ended plans for an indoor coal forge made of fire brick and castable