I am freshly out of the USMC. 12.5 years and 100% VA disabled. My dad was a farrier/blacksmith for 30+ years and I wanted to learn the art. I use his forge when I visit, but I live 500 miles away.
To get started, I bought an old stand forge and wanted to get it up and running. It was in disrepair, but I've got the blower moving and bought a new ashgate and tuyere grate.
It had a small crack in the pot on the edge, which I will weld. I am pretty resourceful, so I can rig a belt. In pictures of similar forges, I have seen, there is an additional piece to attach the lever. I have seen how to rig it to work without that piece, but I would still like to find one to complete the forge.
there are 4 bolts in the side that appear to have been to hold a wind/heat shield. I can make one from tin, but I would much rather at least be able to see what it is supposed to look like.
I am very new to the community and know very little as it pertains to antique forges. Any and all information, from you seasoned guys, about this forge will assist me in learning and will hopefully help me narrow my search for parts. I would like to know things as simple as what this style forge is called.
Also, I was wondering about lining/insulating the bottom of the forge. Fire brick would be too thick. I was thinking some type of clay or mortar. How were they originally insulated?
the first photo is a similar forge with a complete handle/lever assembly. I am missing the metal piece between the bracket and the wood.
The following 3 photos are the forge I bought.
once again, any and all information on this forge would be extremely helpful.