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I Forge Iron

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Posted

Hey All!
I'm building a brake drum forge, and instead of using a steel gal drum (as I've seen done on the web) I'm using a small cast milk can to set the drum on. The drum is wider than the top of the can, so my plan was to cut a 2"hole in the lid of the can, and then bolt the drum, can lid, and pipe flange all together. Now the question: Someone asked me what stops the milk can lid from heating up as well as the drum? I had never thought about it, since the steel drum plan the instructional simply said to cut out a hole to let the drum set inside (Being held only by the outer lip of the drum)and I figured my cast milk can would be stronger than the steel one, but it occured to me that more of the can metal will be it contact with the bottom of the drum.
Do you think it will be a problem? -Jim

Posted

I don't see how it'll really be a big problem as far as heat. You could burn yourself, I suppose, but learning not to touch hot stuff is part of blacksmithing. :)

However, one of the big advantages of setting the brake drum into a large steel drum is that it provides you with a table on which to store coal, place tools, and so on. Your plan eliminates that advantage.

Posted

I know you said it was cast but I have never seen one that wasn't galvanized. A larger table surface to stage coal is really helpful. Take some pictures and keep us posted.

Mark <><

Posted

I know you said it was cast but I have never seen one that wasn't galvanized. A larger table surface to stage coal is really helpful. Take some pictures and keep us posted.

Mark <><

I hadn't either, but I Googled them and, sure enough, it looks like some were made of CI. I've also seen them in stainless.
Posted

I know you said it was cast but I have never seen one that wasn't galvanized. A larger table surface to stage coal is really helpful. Take some pictures and keep us posted.

Mark <><


The inside is rusty, which i've heard is a good sign it's not galvanized. (In fact most, if not all of the old cans around here are rusing out! It's rare you find one without a hole in it.) How would I check that if everythings either painted or rusted? (or at least worn!)
For now my projects willl be small, maybe working a few hours at a time, so reserve coal isn't really an issue, and as far as placing my tools down the workbech/vise area should cover it. I wanted something small and easily moved from garage to driveway, and this looked like the best way to accomplish that while reusing something I already had.
Thanks for the help.

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