Irondragon Forge ClayWorks

Just getting started on our propane forge, made from an old outdated 20 pound tank. Cut out the ends and opening for the burner holder so far. In the picture is the angle I think will work for the burner, a straight edge is in it to show the angle. Have not welded the holder in yet, waiting to see if all agree with the angle. Also shown is the GACO-750 burner that has a 1 ¾ inch opening and a .0625 orifice. When taking out the tank shutoff valve I had to make a tool out of 2 inch square stock using the metal cutting band saw. The real challenge was holding the tank to keep it from turning, finally had to strap it to a tree with ratchet strap’s and use a 5 foot pry bar (really tested the tensile strength of the straps). Cutting the tank with the plasma cutter was no problem. Filled it with water then added 1 cup of chlorine bleach, let it sit over night. Dumped out the water and no smell so the oil was washed out. Not even a “woof” when cutting. The next step will be welding on legs then lining with 2 - 1 inch layers of Kaowool & ridgidize them. We plan on using kiln shelf for the floor and Satanite. Comments and suggestions are very welcome.

For that use, I would forge it with a pineapple twist and ball for the pommel.

The website was discussed at the last NW chapter meeting in Siloam Springs, looking for a new web master. Hope we can find one, I'm technology declined (just barely able to navigate forums) or I would take a shot at it.

My thought is it belongs in my shop, great looking anvil for sure.

At last count I have 36 total. My favorites are the flintlocks and an original German Jaeger percussion in 58 caliber.

You might look into the Blacksmith Organization of Arkansas. There is a central chapter and river valley chapter with members all around you. http://blacksmithsofarkansas.org/

Looking good.

Is that the one in Cambridge listed for $420.00? I wouldn't pay anywhere near that, maybe $125.00 if I saw it run.

Here is mine, been in service for 25+ years. The only cost was for the pipe and electricity + welding rods for the welder. The blower was donated by a friend who owned Hanby Lumber & Milling that had a blacksmith shop in the early 1900s. The body is cut down from a semi-trailer wheel with a 22 inch manhole ring as the table. The legs are a split grader blade. Everything scrounged from various sources.

I would say that that spot didn't get to welding temp through out, maybe let it soak in the heat a little longer.

In the world of muzzleloading beeswax is an important ingredient in patch lube. I get my pure bees wax from a local beekeeper. In the it followed me home yesterday, I took our trash to the county compactor and returned home with a truck load of various metal pieces. Another fireplace grate (smaller this time 3/8 sg stock), a square tube frame of some sort to be converted into a stand for the propane forge in progress, 2 sections of black iron pipe 6 feet long and, 3 full boxes of 13 gauge carbon spring wire insulation supports.

Ya done good, be proud of your work.

Go for it. My wife is in her 60s and just recently started Smithing. She moves just as metal with her technique as I can using brute force. She is the artist in the family. Check out some of the galleries at ABANA. http://www.abana.org/

I ran into the same problem several years ago when building a Raku pottery kiln. Went to two propane (LP gas) suppliers and got the deer in the headlights look, when asking for an adjustable regulator. One told me they didn't make an adjustable one and tried to sell me one for the 500 gal tank set to 10 in water column household regulator. Discussed, I went to eBay and got one with a Power Jet hand held burner with a Fisher Control's 810L LP gas regulator, 0-30 psi gauge, 30 ft of hose and all fittings. If I remember that rig cost less than just the regulator alone. I never built the Raku kiln so the rig will be used on our propane forge that I'm in the process of building. I'll start a new thread when the forge is being built using the GACO MR-750 burner.

You might try this. https://www.google.com/search?q="iforgeiron"+post+vice+mount&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8

I sent a message but so far no reply hence my question, hoped someone might know him.

A couple of those followed me home, we always called them "stump anvils".

Been my experience that bevels on the anvil are easy to put in and almost impossible to take out. Proceed with caution.

Rifle rack out of rough sawn ceder and RR spikes. Walking stick used as a self defense weapon in the Balkans, called a Fokosh.

I'll wager that it is the same anvil, and still too high in price. I offered $600 for it back then, and the owner wouldn't budge.

I'm in the same boat. Back in the dark ages '90s I would have considered myself at journeyman level. Making and selling my work knives and usable things with very little artsy things. Sometime in the late 2000s I put down my hammer and put out the fire. I didn't pick up the hammer until a couple of years ago so I guess I'm an experienced beginner all over again. I learn/relearn something every time I fire up the forge now.

Where is this located & how much are they asking? The one I looked at was half way between Eureka Springs and Rogers at a private residence. It could very well be the same one because it is no longer at that residence which has different owners now.

Anyone know if Bob McRee is still around? In an earlier post he said he worked with Ike Doss from Berryville AR. What a small world, Ike Doss was my mentor and got me interested in blacksmithing from 1984-1991 when he passed away.

I looked at one just like yours here in NW Arkansas about 2 years ago. The seller wanted $900 for it. Had to pass, way out of the budget.

Hammerfall, That 1060 looks like grader blade edge blanks. I have a bunch of them and it makes good anvil hardy's. I quench it in oil and temper back to straw color.