HotRock

Thanks Frosty, may of jumped the gun, I'll get back to reading

Hello Hello I am not a smith, I'm new to all this so bear with me, however I’m helping a friend build their first home forge. We want to make something that’ll last at least into his intermediate smithing journey. After digesting some of the info on here I understand a round forge is the way to go, or if not round, a square forge with a ribbon burner. I’ve unfortunately had a tough time finding a used air compressor or steel pipe large (and cheap) enough for a round forge. I will continue searching in the coming weeks and swap to a round forge build if the opportunity presents itself. The current plan is to make a double burner (venturi or T) square forge out of firebricks (with a welded frame and stand), and once the time comes for an upgrade we could potentially swap the same forge to a ribbon burner design down the road. Which brings me to some questions: 1. Are vortex currents still a consideration for torch placement in a square forge? Is there an optimal position for the torch? I’ve uploaded some images of potential options, any thoughts appreciated. 2. I see hard alumina firebricks are great for their durability but work against use in fuel efficiency and insulation, and so are recommended to be used for the floor of the forge only. How bad of an idea is it to line the sides of the forge with hard bricks as well? (hard bricks on sides are 1.5inch thick) How much would that spike the fuel usage? Reasons for doing so would mean I can avoid cutting soft bricks, the dimensions of the hard bricks on offer work out nicely for the size forge shown in images, about 5 inch by 6 inch fire chamber, plus they're cheaper.) We could just cut bricks if it's worth it though, or just make a smaller forge. 3. And I can't help but throw in a final question, even though it's been asked and asked. How much worse is a square forge? Am I barking up the wrong tree and should force a round forge build. If I find no round steel housing, I’m half a mind to try casting a round chamber inside a square firebrick shell as shown in images. Is the benefit of a round forge worth the extra work? (plus, to check my understanding, do I have the torch placement correct for a round forge) Props to this whole forum community, appreciate all the info on here (and any help with this), cheers