Bleu86

I did not! Thanks for the link!!!

Is fumed silica thickener the same as rigidizer? I am brand new to smiting (still waiting for that first hammer blow) and setting up my shop. I live in an area that is currently under Covid Lockdown so I'm looking for options on amazon to pass the time. I can find "Rigidizer" for $30.00 per pint or a gallon of "Thickener" for $18.00. Are those the same thing ? Thanks, and apologies for the ignorance.

Oooh, good to know theres a local supplier!

Hello, and thank you for the welcome! My current end goal is blade smithing, maybe even some pattern welded stuff, but I know I'm a long way from that. Right now I definitely want to focus on basics and making the tools I will need.

Awesome, thank you! So as I understand it, I'll just need to keep an eye on the refractory and replace as needed? Is that something that I can just put another coat over or would I need to chip everything off and insert fresh insulation and recoat? Regarding the table, we are building one with a couple of metal sawhorses and some square tubing. It will be outside in a covered bay next to the barn, so plenty of room to access it from either side. Love the idea of building a porch from fire brick. This is just a funny hobby so fast and simple is my thing too!

I'm very familiar with Liberty Hill. Grew up in Leander and currently live right on the border between Austin and Cedar Park. Its good to have toys. Its one of the reasons I asked my dad to join me, lol! He is retired and has a much nicer collection than mine, as well as tons more space and some rolling tables to mount to.

Howdy, I tried researching this but I couldn't find an answer. I'm a true first timer and I just purchased a super cheap gas forge with a very open face. As in, the edges of the kaowool are exposed (see pic). I'm going to treat with rigidizer and cover with refractory, but I didn't know if that would be enough. Do I need to look into attaching a metal lip around the edges to cover that insulation, or would a coat of refractory be sufficient? Obviously I will be using fire bricks at either end to help with keeping the heat in. Thank you for any help!

Hello! I'm located in Austin, Texas and have absolutely zero experience smithing. After watching TONS of YouTube videos I decided to give it a shot. I work a desk job and I miss the satisfaction of physical work and creation. At first the plan was to build a basic coal forge but after getting my dad involved (I'm married with 3 kids) we ended up getting a single burner gas forge today. Still working on setting up the "shop" when we have time but hope to start moving metal in a week or two. I'll have a ton of questions as I develop I"m sure, but currently I don't even know what I don't know. Looking forward to learning and sharing with everyone here. B