Forestsmith

Not necessarily. Soapstone in large quantities isn’t exactly readily available, as well as being heavy and expensive, those reasons alone would make it a poor choice, all of which would be negated if I already had it on hand. I also don’t know everything and so that’s why questions need to be asked! As far as asbestos, to help clarify for future concerns, I did a decent amount of research into that (im installing my soapstone countertop myself, so I do need to be aware of asbestos) and the commercially mined countertop soapstone is tested for it. I mean this day and age theyd get sued left and right if it did contain asbestos. However, old stuff or anything that did not come from a modern commercial mine would, for sure, be concerning.

I actually didn’t consider it as a liner, but I think I may experiment! I appreciate the firebrick suggestions, I will most certainly check into it. The soapstone, however does, not sound like an ideal material, but I do think it may have a place in my forge build, even if its my table top next to my forge. I still may give the lining or shell a try, considering I will have a significant amount available. I will keep everyone posted on my results!

I should have specified, this will be a small to medium sized gas forge. I was thinking using soapstone as the shell and still lining with fire brick.

Hello! I’m building my first propane forge and I have been reading about various forge designs and I had what I think is a good idea pop into my head. I absolutely love soapstone, and I am ordering a slab for my kitchen counter, why not use the remnants for the forge? It looks like soapstone can handle up to 3,000 degrees (I have a soapstone woodstove) but not sure about the insulating value. When my woodstove fireplace is ranging hot its about 500 degrees on the sides. However that is with firebrick as well. Has anyone here tried this? Any thoughts? Thanks!