M.G.

For sure. I would use fire brick to shorten the trench to a single tuyere, or double, along with a method of closing off the excess tuyeres when not in use.

Thanks Charles. I'm thinking 3 tuyeres from 1" iron pipe. In a 4"x20" ish trench.

Charles, I don't want you to think im ignoring you. It is a lot to think about. And ive been jumping back and forth between the threads in the solid fule section, with special attention to the side blast history thread. Then trying to lay it out on paper. I think im gonna have to harvest some clay. But, do I build a progressive firebed? With expanded dims (according to the table on post civil war charcoal forges) to be able to choose the size of the fire based on my stock materials...Or do I build a consistent pit, with only the ability to expand the size of the hot spot by opening more airways for jobs such as heat treat...?? I dont see my self getting into swords in the near future, but sooner than later I will be learning how to direct a striker so I can make hammers. In which case im wondering if I should just split the difference and maybe shoot for what might be considered to be overkill for a majority of stock. Or do I just have to pump harder and longer, to work larger stock?

Anyone have links to pictures of Mr. Sells forge?

Thomas, thanks for the advice. It makes plenty of sense. Taking everybody's thoughs in to consideration I may end up cutting down the 55, chop it in half then overlap the front and rear, drill and screw em together with sheet metal screws. If I decide I need to change the size I can un do it and adjust the length of the forge body. As of the dims of the hot spot I will shoot for about 6"x4" ish... by only drilling air holes in about 5" of the piping. I'm digging the concept I've got in my head. Now I need to get back in to the shop and make it happen. Thanks for the advice and inspiration.

ThomasPowers, im not sure that I nedd the full length of the barrel, I was picturing the bed of the fire only to be about 18"or less in length. The 55 was easily available and would allow me to build a bigger fire if I ever needed one. But really I don't see myself making any swords for quite some time. So a smaller fire pit, about the size of the one pictured in Mr. Livelys wash tub forge, seems pretty appropriate. But rather than using clay or refractory, I was going to use dirt and firebrick, to keep it modular while I figure out what I need and how to control the fire.

Frosty, welding is not available quite yet. But hopefully soon. This is the first attempt. I was considerinv cutting it down a bit more. But I don't have the ability to add material, I can only remove it. So i didn't want to take it too far yet. Knowing that I don't know what exactly I want yet... I may pick up another one or two 55s at some point, then are pretty readily available around here for 10 to 20 bucks, for real clean ones. When I get a welder in the shop I will build a rolling stand. And maybe build up an even better forge housing. I would love to see how you were using the 55 in your idea. Feel free to post pictures.

The way I was seeing it in my head, the fule and fire would only be about 1/3 the volume or less of half the barrel. But having the ability to rearrange the bricks and piping to build bigger fires when i want to start working larger. And hopefully with a hand pumped air supply I can keep the fule cost down. But you may be right, Irondragon. Ill probably be running out for wood every thime I want to cook some steel.

I finally settled on a concept for my "box" of dirt. I decided to go with a 55 gal oil drum. Although not the typicall "55 forge" seen around the forums. Im laying mine on its side to create a "JABOD" with a longer fire bed. I will be burning charcoal for fuel. And I will be building a box bellows to accompany the forge. As of right now I've got my box ready. Next I will build a rolling stand then pipe and fill the box with fill dirt and firebrick. Never built a forge before, so any thoughts or suggestions are much appreciated. I will be posting more photos as it comes together.

Well technically if its solar its nuclear. Just really far away.

Might as well get with the times and go solar. Haha, but really steam is not a bad idea. Already producing plenty of heat.

Rough

Awesome, I love the idea of a power free shop, but it sounds like a lot of extra work. Im sure you will be pleased when you get some juice out there, for those grinders and P hammers.

Oh yeah that sounds like a blast! Are ou running a zero electricity shop?, or have you somehow lost power to the space?

Awesome Thomas, can you do a pictoral walk through of the experiment to put up in a thread for us, super curious to see what you put together.

Im definitely not starting with making tongs. But hopefully they won't be too far down the line. I have a couple punches and chisels to make first. Probably after a few small projects to sort out the medium. But tooling is on the top of my list, im starting with more or less nothing other than a modified store bought 2 lb hammer and a massive hunk of steel to beat on.

I am pretty stoked. I can't wait to get to put it to use. Hopefully soon, we are trying to get the forge built in the next week or so. Im scrapping together most of this operation so some parts come together faster than others. Next im trying to source somebody's old BBQ to build a small semi portable JABOD to burn charcoal.

Oh yeah, an engin hoist would be great, im always on the hunt for a good deal on a cherry picker for the shop. I've also been considering an overhead chain hoist for the shop too. But either way I need to get a welder first, then I'll be able to weld tabs on to the round and have a way to secure and move it with said lifting device. Also building an A frame or tripod hoist with pullies wouldn't be too hard of a job. Im digging the thoughts. I just picked up some more drops that the guy had laying around. A few of these ones were snickered 4140. I am thinking I possibly have a good striking anvil here, as well as a few pieces that may make a good treadle hammer at some point. And a nice thick walled piece that I will make serve as a substitute for not having a hole in the anvil, so I can drift holes.... just a few of the ideas I have running around in my head. If you guys have any thoughts or suggestions on ways to make tooling for the trade i would love to hear em. Here is a flick of the load I picked up today.

Nice, thats a good thought, "lug wrench" Also Thomas, I've sorted the consistent supply, but only brought home what I could hold in my arms.

Super great side thread guys! I would like to add, from my experiences in other creative endeavors, I find that screen time is very valuable to me. Personally I find watching others work really gets my mind moving in very inspired ways. I use this inspiration to get motivated to get on with making.

Welcome, Fluff. My name is Matthew, I hail from the PNW as well. Also super new to the community and the craft here. @CheechWizard NTHS grad here too. I'm based just south of Portland now, but spend a bunch of time in Lacey and Olympia too.

Arkie, thats a great point being made about the lower milage scrap being avaliable at a different source.

Thanks, Rachelle. I'll be looking into those options once things get rolling in the shop. Im gonna start building my forge early next week, amongst a few other small projects to get the workshop ready to rock n roll.

Definitely no sucker rod readily available in my neck of the woods.

Frosty, sweet. Lots of farms round here. Haven't gotten a chance to make the couple hour drive to the family farm in Corvallis OR yet, but i plan to make a visit some time soon. Familiar with Fab shops. Just wasn't sure what you ment by "drops" but totally makes sense. I know them as "off cut". I picked up a good amount of drops from a local machinist the other day. Probably end up digging through his pile more when I have a better idea of what is going to be useful scrap for the projects I will be doing. As for asking around these parts, I was curious as to what scrap others find useful for tongs. I see you, (Frosty) have specifically answered this in other threads. So I appreciate you taking the time to drop some insight here. As I familiarize myself with the forums I promise my questions will become a lot less annoying.