JWCarlson Posted December 2, 2009 Share Posted December 2, 2009 (edited) What type of forge (maker/era) is this and what would be a reasonable price to pay? Working condition, talked to the guy on the phone today he's holding it for me to come get this evening. Edited December 2, 2009 by JWCarlson Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sacred Smith Posted December 2, 2009 Share Posted December 2, 2009 well, it sorta looks like an old champion forge, but youll have to ask the guy to look around on for a symbol or company logo to be sure, it would probably be on the blower or on the fire pan. it looks in good condition, so me myself i would pay around $150-$200. buts thats just my opinion. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thomas Dean Posted December 2, 2009 Share Posted December 2, 2009 They will run anywhere from $200-500. They are varly common on eBay at this price with most going for $350. This one looks in good shape. You are definitely limited on what you can do with one but for demos they are great. People enjoy the looks and mechanics of how it works and most of what you do at a demo can be done with this type of forge. You may not want it for you primary forge at home. Let us know how you come out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FieryFurnace Posted December 2, 2009 Share Posted December 2, 2009 Well I'm not sure as to name brand, but it seems to be in good condition. Can't really tell very well, but it looks to me that it needs a tuyere! Other than that looks great! I've given $150 for ones that needed new legs and firepots. So I'd say if you could get it for $150 then that would be good! Personally I wouldn't give any more than $200. The reason is, I can buy the steel and make one for that or get a fixer upper. However, if you do not have the time or equipment to do that, $300 wouldn't be too awfull bad. If I was placed in that position, (no time or tools to build one) I would probably pay $300. Hope that helps! Dave Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JWCarlson Posted December 2, 2009 Author Share Posted December 2, 2009 Sounds like I may be getting a fair deal then! Thanks guys! More info when I get back tonight. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
divermike Posted December 2, 2009 Share Posted December 2, 2009 as I understand it, those were commonly referred to as "rivet forges", if you line it with refractory clay, you may get away without ever developing a crack, but I've seen many cracked and still quite usable, I have one around here somewhere..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Einhorn Posted December 2, 2009 Share Posted December 2, 2009 If they want more than $150 for it, then I would recommend purchasing a firepot such as the ones made by Lorance and building your own coal forge. Use it for a while, then when you out-grow a "rivet forge", sell it and purchase a good quality firepot and build a really good forge. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bentiron1946 Posted December 2, 2009 Share Posted December 2, 2009 Sometimes when folks have these things all painted up fancy I often wonder what they're trying to hide, cracks, sever pitting, just what. Look it over carefully before committing to buy. I saw one in an antique shop in Pueblo, Co. that was in good shape, not painted, needed a new belt, for $115, so if this is in good condition go ahead and get it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
arftist Posted December 3, 2009 Share Posted December 3, 2009 It is a rivet forge. It was designed and used for heating rivets for iron and steel construction; bridges, high-rise buildings, ships and tanks. As such it is a good forge for small things and the portability is a bonus. It is certainly a good beginer forge. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bpev9 Posted December 3, 2009 Share Posted December 3, 2009 I have one that looks very much like yours. When I was cleaning it up each part had a number on it. All numbers were preceded by the letters BF, which leads me to believe it is a Buffalo Forge product. The only paint I found was a small amount of green that closely approximates the green that blacksmith John Deere used on his products. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JWCarlson Posted December 3, 2009 Author Share Posted December 3, 2009 It looks to be in good condition and not painted over. The wind shielding looks to be something someone added on or at least replaced. Here's a few pictures... should be a good forge to get me started and the fact that I can move it easily is HUGE. Basically exactly what I was looking for. Now all I need is a hammer and some sort of anvil! This is the only marking found at first glance: It appears there is something under No. 100 but I went out and looked again and can't seem to make anything out. The gentleman I bought it from claims it's been sitting in the corner of his garage for over 50 years... he wasn't interested in selling me a good sized anvil he had collected from a John Deere plant years ago, however. Looking on the internet for some leads on what it might be turned up this site:anvils2 If you scroll down you'll see an 18" hand pumped forge. This looks almost identical to what I have minus the fact mine only has three legs. I suspect things of this vintage varied greatly with many different incantations. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sloscheider Posted December 3, 2009 Share Posted December 3, 2009 I always figured the lever type forges were made for folks who were used to bellows and didn't like the idea of a hand crank - they are somewhat rare so I wouldn't be too quick to sell it even after you move on to another forge. I've got a "railroad" type of lever forge - a rectangular shaped pan about 2' x 3' that I got more for fun than practical use. I like the curves in the wheel and simply the way it works. It looks like you've got yourself a nice piece of machinery :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dragons lair Posted December 3, 2009 Share Posted December 3, 2009 Jump on it or send it to me. Don't know why but those lever forges are on my wish list. Ken Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JWCarlson Posted December 3, 2009 Author Share Posted December 3, 2009 I bought it, price was fair and this is what I need to get me rolling. Plus I drove 1 1/2 hours each way. Maybe when I get around to upgrading I'll think about shipping it to NC. Thanks for all the help everyone! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.