Hello and good day, ladies and gentlemen!
I am an all-around, backyard mechanic, fabricator, tinker'er, etc. I rebuilt a '96 Jeep Grand Cherokee with a 4x4 conversion, 4.7L stroker, 4" lift, trussed high-pinion Dana 30, 3-link up front, and future plans for a bullet-proof D44HD, 4-link rear and 4.56 gears. I also built several over-powered electric ATVs for my kids; the current project is a Razor MX650 with a 2000w brushless system powered by 60v pb (during testing; then 75v lipo). If there is a "garage project" to wrap my hands (and head) around, I am excited for the challenge. Suscribed to YouTube channels like Alex Steele's and been lingering around IFI and https://www.bladesmithsforum.com/ for a while now. To note, haha - I am not a "product" of Forged in Fire. I watched a couple episodes when it first aired, that's it. Blacksmithing is always something I've been intersted in, just never had the means to get into it until now.
I had an old propane tank sitting around so I decided to turn it into a forge. Very simple setup with a welded frame with rollers. I still have to cut a hole for the torch, weld in the support shaft and paint it high-temp I picked up at Lowe's. Thus far, quite pleased with the progress. Couple questions for the vets as I go forward:
- Should I cut another hole (access) in the back of the tank or simply keep the single access? Obviously I am not making a sword anytime soon, so I can't see the need for pass through beyond the length of the tank. My question is for heat dissipation - don't need the heat building up so much it blows the access open.
- In preparation for the tank itself, I bought some kaowool (1"x 12"x 24" Ceramic Fiber Insulation Blanket 2400F) and 'MEECO'S RED DEVIL 1352 Furnace Cement and Fireplace Mortar' from Amazon. After reading https://www.iforgeiron.com/topic/51493-blown-propane-forge-question/?tab=comments#comment-546241 and https://www.iforgeiron.com/topic/47439-forges-101/?page=27, I learned I need some fumed silica rigidizer for the kaowool before the refactory cement. Will the Meeco's product work?
After reading many posts and reviewed blueprints for home torches, I settled for a design I liked the best. Understand Frosty is the T-burner God, so this design may not be up your alley; however, any input/comments is appreciated. All of the brass plumbing is 1/4" leading to black steel reducers up to 1". The SS flair is 1.25" to 1.5". Currently using a .035 MIG tip as I had a bunch of those laying around. Frosty and Mike recommended a .045 tip in another member's post (for a 1" pipe). Will there be a noticeable difference between the two sizes? Also using a standard Blue Rhino 15-lb tank and 20psi regulator. Pay no mind to the flames coming out of the breather holes in the photo. That was before I made the choke collar; the video is after.
I still need an anvil, hammers, tongs, etc. There are rather large antique/junk houses in Bird-in-Hand, PA, about a three hour drive for me. Thinking of stopping in to see what they have. Appreciate your time and help. Looking forward to hearing from you!
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