silverclaws Posted May 23, 2009 Share Posted May 23, 2009 Hi, I have just joined, as I am sort of trying to teach myself forgework for the purpose of a college project, that of making iron jewellery. The iron I am recovering from an estuary, where there lies many sunk and long rotted away ships dating back 200 years or so. The wood has largely gone, but the iron remains so I get it for the purpose of college work. Now, I have tried to use the college's coke forges, but the pieces of metal I am working with, some being about quarter inch diameter at the start, get lost in forge on a regular basis, especially when others are poking around in them for their own work. So, I have plans to build my own forge, a small affair for the purposes of jewellery work. I am planning it to be fuelled by coke, as the college is a free supply of that, but I need something small, has anyone any suggestions ? I have tried working the metal with a torch, this does work, but is definately not safe, hooking a burning torch in the crook of the arm so I can beat the metal, scary !!! I have to consider health and safety in what I do, because of the college, hooking a torch in the arm, is not good, especially as most who use the workshops are definately not workshop aware. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sam Salvati Posted May 23, 2009 Share Posted May 23, 2009 Could try clamping the torch in a vise? If you have coke to burn, a small forge can easily be made from a brake disc or brake drum. Her's a photo of mine: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigfootnampa Posted May 23, 2009 Share Posted May 23, 2009 There are lots of small forge designs here. Check the blueprints. Check the forges section of this forum. Google has plenty too. If I may suggest, another possible solution might be to work at odd times when there are few other users at the forges and/or to use a container of some sort to keep your iron from falling into the nether regions of the fire. A piece of black pipe with one end forged closed might suffice. Be sure to use black pipe (gasline) NOT galvanized. Thick pipe lasts longer especially at high heats. MIG welding a rod for a handle to a sacrificial end of your iron might also work well and then you can do most work without tongs which is easier (especially if you are new at it). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
matt87 Posted May 23, 2009 Share Posted May 23, 2009 Welcome Silverclaws. Where are you to exactly? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grafvitnir Posted May 23, 2009 Share Posted May 23, 2009 (edited) Hi! Maybe a small japanese, and in this case, charcoal forge:‰zŒ Edited May 23, 2009 by Grafvitnir Found the link Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eyrian Posted May 23, 2009 Share Posted May 23, 2009 (edited) I'm not sure if I'd want to put a torch under external pressure like a vise. However, working with a mounted torch is common in glasswork, and you could probably buy (or forge) a holder to keep the torch in place safely. Edited May 23, 2009 by eyrian Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PICKETTR Posted May 24, 2009 Share Posted May 24, 2009 Try looking for the post about a coffee can forge. It is here somewhere on this site (i saw it, i swear). It is small and compact and uses a handheld propane or mapp gas torch. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
son_of_bluegrass Posted May 24, 2009 Share Posted May 24, 2009 A solid fuel forge is easy to make and you can make it any size you want or need. Remember the smaller the fire pot the more difficult fire management is (at least I find it so). Perhaps the simplest way to go small is to put a hole in the side of a suitably sized metal can (or other container) for a sacrifical air pipe, line with wood ashes to the desired size and you're set. I use a forge made from an old bbq grill built like this. ron Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob Browne Posted May 24, 2009 Share Posted May 24, 2009 Well Silverclaws welcome to IFI. I think ApprenticeMan has given you some really good advice. A brake drum forge is easily set up from scrap and that combined with your free supply of coke will work very well. Have fun with your project and keep safe. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grafvitnir Posted May 24, 2009 Share Posted May 24, 2009 I knew I had seen it here somewhere. http://www.iforgeiron.com/forum/f85/heating-small-parts-coal-forge-2223/ Rub Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rich Hale Posted May 24, 2009 Share Posted May 24, 2009 WEld a long handle to the small pieces and cut it off after you forge. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
silverclaws Posted May 25, 2009 Author Share Posted May 25, 2009 Welcome Silverclaws. Where are you to exactly? Hi Matt, I am just outside Plymouth, attending Plymouth College of Art, formerly PCAD. Do I recognise you from the British Blades website ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
matt87 Posted May 25, 2009 Share Posted May 25, 2009 Hi Matt, I am just outside Plymouth, attending Plymouth College of Art, formerly PCAD. Do I recognise you from the British Blades website ? I only lurk on BB once in a while, haven't even registered. It would be good to meet up with you some point. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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