makefire

1 hour ago, Buzzkill said:

We always encourage people to put their location in their profile since the answers to some questions are location specific 

Done

Quote

What do you mean by ceramic coating for the wool?

According to the can the supply place I got it from it's mostly fireclay and aluminosilicate. It's supposed to form a firm protective layer on the blanket.
 

Quote

 

On to the forced air part:  First, it's a bit of a myth that forced air burners are more efficient than naturally aspirated burners.  If both are tuned right they will use the same amount of fuel and air to produce the same amount of heat.  Where some people get confused is that blown burners typically run at lower pressure, so they assume that means less fuel used. Naturally aspirated burners use a very small diameter hole for the fuel and higher pressure, while blown burners usually use a larger diameter fuel inlet and lower pressure, but the volume of fuel used is pretty much identical, again assuming both are tuned properly.

 . . . .
If fuel efficiency is your main concern and you have basic shop skills and tools I'd highly recommend taking a look at Frosty's T burner and going with a half inch diameter burner.

Good to know. I was confused on that point.

Sorry, I need to clarify. When I say paint bucket I don't mean 1 gallon. I think the bucket I found is close to a 5 gallon bucket size.

Thanks for the info so far. I'll keep following and researching.

My son and I are wanting to make a small propane forge (paint bucket sized). Mainly we'll be heat treating steel knives and possibly forging a few odd items. Pattern welding may be fun, but that will come later after some experience and maybe if necessary a bigger forge. I've done all kinds of research, but due to the volume I've got more questions than answers. I have the paint bucket, more ceramic wool than I need, ceramic coating for the wool, a couple IFBs for the bottom. I am wanting to get a regulator and blower and go forced induction as I have heard you have more control and it's more efficient on fuel. However, is that possible/reasonable on a forge this small? I've not seen any paint bucket sized that use forced induction.

Recommendations?