n5vei Posted December 23, 2009 Share Posted December 23, 2009 I am new to blacksmithing, but do welding and other metal work. I am trying to build my own coal forge from scrap materials. The firepot is the problem. How thick does the metal need to be? I will have to weld a few pieces together for some thickness. Suggestions, comments ? Thanks Bill R. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Timothy Miller Posted December 23, 2009 Share Posted December 23, 2009 The Thicker the better it will last longer. The steel will oxidize away as you use it. I have heard of people using 1/4 inch plate. I made one years ago out of some I-beam flanges that were 5/8". If you are going to take the time to make your own use the best material you can get your hands on. Cast iron would be better as it stands up to fire better. I suppose if you could get your hands on some stainless steel that would work very well for the job. A lot of people use old brake drums. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
welder19 Posted December 23, 2009 Share Posted December 23, 2009 Anything will work but the thicker it is the longer it will last, 1/2" is good, it will last a long time depending on how much you use it. welder19 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasPowers Posted December 23, 2009 Share Posted December 23, 2009 I used one of the axle covers off a appx 1937 Banjo rear end for a fire pot; got two of them that had been made into jackstands at a fleamarket for $3 20+ years ago---still using the first one. Don't worry about it too much as you may want to change out the form your firepot has a couple of times before you are happy and then make *that* one out of heavy stock! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Francis Trez Cole Posted December 23, 2009 Share Posted December 23, 2009 I build mine out of 1/4" have a fire pot 10 years old and still going strong. http://www.iforgeiron.com/forum/f85/brake-drum-forges-14710/index4.html I have posted a design that works well will run very hot. if you need more info e-mail me. there pictures on the same page Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
reefera4m Posted January 4, 2010 Share Posted January 4, 2010 Actually the metal for the firepot doesn't need to be very thick as long as you protect it. I use firebrick and have seen others that line their forges with refractory cement. Firebrick is much less expensive that 1/4" steel plate That said, if cost and fabrication are not issues then go with heavier guage steel, 3/16" or 1/4". Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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