[email protected] Posted March 19, 2009 Share Posted March 19, 2009 I have a request to build a gong out of 1/4 plate. Maybe 3 or 4 feet in diameter. Any clues onto how I can make it convex? I don't have a forge yet but if this project requires one, why not build one. I do have a set of ace/oxy torches. I was thinking of heating it with a torch and then sledge hammering it into the dirt. I would carve a bowl out of the dirt. please help me guys. much thanks greg Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasPowers Posted March 19, 2009 Share Posted March 19, 2009 When I had to work largish sheets of plate I dug a trench forge in the back yard so I could heat a lot of it at the same time---I had to do box folds in 3/8" plate. Note that dished plate throws a lot of IR back at you! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
[email protected] Posted March 19, 2009 Author Share Posted March 19, 2009 how would I make the trench forge for it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
easilyconfused Posted March 19, 2009 Share Posted March 19, 2009 Simplest method would be make a fire pit in the ground large enough and run a pipe from your air source to the fire. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dodge Posted March 19, 2009 Share Posted March 19, 2009 (edited) Maybe only 1.88 cents here, but I agree; pit forge would be the way to go. However, you really wouldn't need to dig a spot in the ground to hammer the concave/vex. The earth will give somewhat when you hammer, anyway. seems it would have a tendency to bounce around over a pit. After all, you will have to hit it more than once. Just heat it over the pit and flip it over beside it and start wailing. When it cools, flip it back over the forge pit. :) Edited March 19, 2009 by Dodge spelling, syntax and grammar ;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasPowers Posted March 19, 2009 Share Posted March 19, 2009 Remember you don't need to heat more than you can hammer before it cools down. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
[email protected] Posted March 19, 2009 Author Share Posted March 19, 2009 sounds good guys thank you, now I just need to locate some blacksmithing coal Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
781 Posted March 19, 2009 Share Posted March 19, 2009 If you had a big enough press you could do it cold with a sandbag Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasPowers Posted March 19, 2009 Share Posted March 19, 2009 Or real chunk charcoal---which may be easier for you to learn with as it's easier to find and use than coal is and you don't smoke out your neighbors. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
easilyconfused Posted March 20, 2009 Share Posted March 20, 2009 You could even use a wood fire if you didn't mind the time to make the bed of embers. More radiant heat and smoke though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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