R W

Thanks Latticino. Typed Dawn 21/2 B Blower into Google and found the blower in question. Is a commercial model original manufactured for dust extraction etc. 2850 RPM was the speed mentioned, but I believe in a forge application this speed would have to be greatly reduced. Have decided to wait until I have built the forge and sort it out by trial and error.

Could be described as almost new. It would not have been used as a forge blower although its design and appearance greatly resemble one. It is of heavier construction than the usual blower designed for forge work. Not sure what it was used for previously if it has been used at all, paint is still unmarked around the outlet pipe. The unit is marked DAWN 2 1/2 B Did intend to drive it direct with a 1420 RPM electric, If this is to fast will use pulleys to obtain the correct RPM. Have thought of using a temporary set up utilising a B&S engine or a tractor belt pulley to check the air flow at various speeds.

I don't think it requires any explanation and I'm sure most readers would have realised that the term SIDE BLAST should have been used.

I,m in possession of a blower with a 6" dia (blades 1.5) 6 blade fan, outlet is 2.5". I am considering using this on a back blast type forge. Could someone give me a clue as to what maybe a suitable speed to run it at in this application. Thank You.

Thanks for the link to some great videos.

Where can you purchase the correct carbon rods that the were originally used? Ive made several inquiries and so far have not been able to locate a supplier.

How successful is the local coal in your forge?

On Ebay at the moment is a new side blast forge, 24"x 24", water cooled and fitted with a hood, air pipe is 1.5"dia Some usefull information given in the listing re side blast forges, Buy Now Price is $599US. Look under blacksmiths forge.

With a good drill bit and a pilot hole a Cole Drill is easier and almost as quick as a hand held electric on most holes 1/2" and over. They do not lock up and the bit keeps much cooler.

Would like to keep the outer shape as near as possible.

Need a 3/4" square hole through the centre of a piece of round bar 2"dia x 3" long. Have bored a 3/4" hole through the centre. Any advice on heating, punching etc would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks for this interesting information.

Interesting but not really very useful.

Try; Refractory Materials, on www.yellowpages.com.au Should give you somewhere to start.

Own a drill similar to this, does not have power feed, I've found it to be a great machine.

I agree with you, and feel the grate you have referred to on Ebay should be ideal, am inclined to puchase one.

Since finding out about them and now owning one I can say the same thing, they are great for drilling out stripped threads broken studs etc. the slow speed combined with the feed screw have resulted in a very usefull portable drill, supposedly capable of drilling over a 1"dia hole, 29/32" is the largest I have drilled so far.

Recently purchased a "Cole Drill" through Ebay, have found it much easier than using a hand held electric drill when holes larger than 1/2" are needed in material that can't be placed in a drill press.

Meerry Christmas and Happy New Year to All

Have not seen a forge quite like that

Some of the best HM accessories I've seen.

Charcoal appears to be available.Have a look at yellow.com.au - Keyword Search type in Charcoal NSW, phoned two places that came up, said they sell to blacksmiths, it is expensive.

Have an SB10L and have found HSS OK, cabide tips maybe better on a modern lathe. Purchased a OMNI-POST from Omni Post - The quick change tool post system for your lathe! and have found it excellent.

Looks like a great tool, any chance of some more detailed measurement or plans. Thanks, R W

Has any one built a jig or other device for making U bolts (round & right angle).