Alright, I'm starting my first forge build and need some pointers. I have done some research on the forum so far and have a few ideas, but I'm not 100% sure on some parts. I am using an old welding table as the base for my forge, picture below.
It has some pretty thick steel as the top and should work nicely. Plus, was gonna use a brake drum at first but have some scrap lying around I can use to create a large coal forge, (Although I won't be making many large items at first, figured it wouldn't be a super bad idea.). It is 29" wide and 19.5" deep.
I'm aiming for a coal forge so I obviously need a firebox. I've heard that it should be about 4 inches deep, but haven't gotten a direct answer of how wide it should be. Also, should it be centered or offset to the left/right? I have seen some forges that have centered fireboxes and have seen some that sit off to the side. Not sure if that affects anything so figured I would ask.
Another thing, how high should the walls be on the main body? I've seen many use angle iron which seems about right, but I have some scrap C-channel that I think would work well.
I'm most likely going to go with an electric blower, but have thought of going with a hand crank. To start off however, I think the easiest would be electric.
Thanks y'all!
If I haven't been that clear, I'm sorry, kinda new to forging so I haven't 100% grasped all the terminology.