Tyler Cech

Ok, thanks. I was just spilling out an idea.

Ok, so I am not the architect I wish I was or am I a good artist. But, what I’m trying to show here is what if you set the top of a rail road track into a block of wood so the bottom which is wider and flatter is sticking out of the top of the block when laid it’s side. If there are any questions because I didn’t explain it well or the drawing isn’t great, just ask.

So when you use the rail road piece, what does it look like when it is done? I don’t know if I’m just not getting it but all the pictures show it so that it is set up horizontally, shouldn’t it be so the big flat side is on top for hammering?

I actually made this today in like ten minutes just to try banging on some metal. Needless to say.... it didn’t work to well. Those aren’t fire bricks btw. I just tried to do this in a couple minutes.

Well, I basically have a junkyard full of stuff to use. I know how to make charcoal, which is the way I’m leaning towards, a solid fuel forge. I’m planning on using a large metal bowl I have and setting a brake drum in the center with the pipe coming down for a ash dump and hair dryer, probably the way that Glenn had said. I’m hoping to use what I have instead of buying things but I can buy things if needed.

Ok, yea sorry, I’m just trying to gather other ideas. I’m reading the posts. But thank you.

I was told a while back by a blacksmith that his first forge was made with a hair dryer. But maybe that would not be a good approach. What do you suggest, other than Glenn’s idea. We suggest you start reading the posts here , Insulting Glenn wont help you

Ok, will do. Please stop posting before you read anything, you are asking basic question that have been answered too many times already

I have a couple of really old rail road spikes that I dug up while metal detecting. Would they be an ok steel to clean off and forge?

I’m planning on using a hairdryer too. I’m trying to have it set up to a metal pipe. But Is it a good idea to use a hair dryer? I haven’t done it yet, so I’m think about just cutting out the heating module in the hair dryer and using I that way. Good idea?

Ok, will do. What about hair dryers? Is that a problem of giving too much air? Or is it fine? Should I try buying a pump? Like I said I’m on a tight budget. Or would a bike pump work? I’m sorry so many questions I just want to make sure I do things right.

I’m thinking about making a forge. I believe that the best for me would be a coal forge. I am on a budget of the least possible amount. I’m thinking of making a forge out of a large metal bowl or plate with a brake drum stuck in the center that is all stuck on a big stand. I would have a pipe coming down for the hair dryer and ash dump. What I want to know is should I use refractory? What is the best quenchant? And what is the best metal for working with small knifes that will be quenched. Keep in mind, I don’t have many power tools to use. I have hammers, tongs, no belt grinder, no drill press.... etc.