Claying a forge?

[byers]

Hello all!
I’m new to blacksmithing and have lots of questions. I bought an old portable forge pan and am in the process of setting up my first smithy. The pan seems to be cast iron, approximately 3/8 inch thick, about 18 inches in diameter. The bottom of the pan is stamped Clay Before Use. Is this necessary, and if so, what how is this done?

[pkrankow]

yes, the pan will fail and crack if not protected.

3 parts sand
1 part Portland (the active ingredient in concrete)
1/2 part clay (optional)

Add just enough water that it packs hard, and breaks when you squeeze it, instead of smashing. Let dry overnight and have a fire.

You form a bowl in the center over the tue and lay the rest level. I am not sure of the thickness since I have not done one of these. I used this clay recipe in a brake drum forge.

Phil

[cat_bones]

yes, the pan will fail and crack if not protected.

3 parts sand
1 part Portland (the active ingredient in concrete)
1/2 part clay (optional)

Add just enough water that it packs hard, and breaks when you squeeze it, instead of smashing. Let dry overnight and have a fire.

You form a bowl in the center over the tue and lay the rest level. I am not sure of the thickness since I have not done one of these. I used this clay recipe in a brake drum forge.

Phil

Hi,

I intend to use clay as a component of my forge... I have purchased refractory clay especially for the job. My question is, will this be ok to use "as is" or will it need to be mixed with other ingredients before use?

Thanks,

CB

[pkrankow]

If you purchased a refractory product follow those product directions.

Phil