GenericTitle Posted October 24, 2011 Share Posted October 24, 2011 Hey guys first time poster and very new to this hobby...I had a question about my forge. I'm using a stainless steel sink as my forge as I'm sure you have all seen before but my question was, should I put a layer of clay or some other substance in the base of the forge to prevent it from getting too hot? I know once stainless is heated too much the carbon separates if I'm correct and makes it non-stainless again...correct me if I'm wrong.... anyways back to the subject... if I do use clay, is there a special type I should use? Thanks for the help...sorry if this question has been asked a billion times...but i haven't posted here yet and I thought I'd take the opportunity Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasPowers Posted October 24, 2011 Share Posted October 24, 2011 More likely you will want to clay the sink to raise the fire up in it. Sinks are usually too deep to start with unless you have cut slots in the sides to be able to get your stock into the hot spot *horizontally*! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GenericTitle Posted October 24, 2011 Author Share Posted October 24, 2011 yeah I was planning on cutting slots in the sides...but using clay to raise it up is a good idea...should I just buy clay from some hobby shop? I don't really feel like making/digging it up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Randy Posted October 24, 2011 Share Posted October 24, 2011 I hate clay! Doesn't take vey long and it crumbles in your fire and is just a mess. The sink sides may be a bit thin for this work, too. I you thought about using a brake drum or building a forge from steel plate? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pkrankow Posted October 24, 2011 Share Posted October 24, 2011 3 parts sand, 1 part Portland (the active ingredient in cement), optional 1/2 part clay (cheap non-clumping kitty litter, kaolin, yard clay) Add just enough water that it will hold together when squeezed and packed, and will break instead of squishing when pinched. Mold the desired shape in, such as a cavity about 8-10 inches in diameter, 4-5 inches deep over the tue, and flat to the sides. You can fire it the next day, start small. If you look for broken bags at the big box you might get this done for $2 or so. Phil Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GenericTitle Posted October 24, 2011 Author Share Posted October 24, 2011 thanks for the advice guys..I'll probably try Phil's suggestion first and if the sink doesn't work out I'll try to find a break drum...the sink is just laying there do I might as well put it to some use! Thanks again Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve Sells Posted October 26, 2011 Share Posted October 26, 2011 ....I know once stainless is heated too much the carbon separates if I'm correct and makes it non-stainless again...correct me if I'm wrong.... ok, Yer wrong Welcome to the site, but it dont separate... read up Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nakedanvil - Grant Sarver Posted October 27, 2011 Share Posted October 27, 2011 1 part Portland (the active ingredient in cement), Hey Phil! You know I never give you a break. I could just as easily let this slide, but why spoil my perfect record? Portland cement is actually the active ingredient in concrete. :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pkrankow Posted October 27, 2011 Share Posted October 27, 2011 Hey Phil! You know I never give you a break. I could just as easily let this slide, but why spoil my perfect record? Portland cement is actually the active ingredient in concrete. Got me laughing this morning! Phil Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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