I've finally got the space

[Greg Heim]

Hi,

So, I'm currently in the process of moving into a bigger place that will allow me to set up a forge of sorts. I've already got the anvil. Lifting it, I'd guess it at 140 lbs, which seems to be a good starting weight. Hell, it was free as long as I eventually make the contributor a spear with it.

I live in western North Carolina, Hendersonville area to be specific. I got into repro sword collecting a couple of years back, and have made some passable attempts with stock removal, but I feel like I could do so much more with heat. I make no illusions to myself tho. I'm not someone who thinks he can set up a forge and start rocking out greatswords left and right. I plan to start on a much smaller scale... like wall mounted coat hooks, and maybe a fancy woodstove poker.

I've been finding myself being able to put a forge to work very frequently. For instance, a friend has one of tho's old timey hand crank ice crushers that mounts to a brace on a table. Well, she lost the brace ages ago, but doesn't want to throw it away. The first thing through my head is "xxxx, if only I had a forge I could probably knock that out in 5 mins."

And I have a very McGyver disposition, which is to say creative, outside the box, problem solving thinker. And I suppose the majority of other members here share similar traits.

Well, if you've made it this far, good on ya.

I plan to spend the next few days searching through old forums. I'm not sure if I should buy a prefab starter forge or dive right in and try to make my own right away. Chile forges are a bit to pricey for what I'm looking for, and Diamondback fits my budget a little better. Hopefully I'll be heating and beating by the beginning of December. I really don't want to start new threads asking the same question that every beginner has asked before me, but it might happen.

Perhaps I could just start one thread and ask all my questions there... who knows.

Well, that's me. Long winded and tangential.

Thanks for reading,
Greg

[Marksnagel]

Welcome to IFI from the other side of the state!

I am a strong supporter of the 55Forge design by Glenn Conner. It is very adaptable and can be made from items that are easily come by and the best thing is, it's very inexpensive to make. I have made a few of them using brake drums as the fire pot and my cost was zip, none, nada. Here is a link to Glenns plans and also the one that I have made.

http://www.iforgeiron.com/topic/20370-the-55-forge-blueprints/

http://www.iforgeiron.com/topic/23368-brakedrum-55-forge-rebuild/

I burn coal and this forge does all I expect from it. It (I) have burnt up plenty of steel in it so heat is no problem.

Good luck, ask questions and keep your fire hot.

Mark <><

[ThomasPowers]

Hie the to the local smithing association meetings! *Best* way to get start up answers *answered* when they can *show* you what's what!

[Greg Heim]

Thanks for the warm welcome guys!

After reading a bit, I think I'd like to start with a gas forge for now. While I do have some space to work, it's not really enough space to stretch out and work. I'll likely try and find an old gas grill and use that for the shell, line it with some brick and cut some holes in the sides. Still trying to brainstorm that one out. But It'll have a spot for the propane tank, it'll have wheels (hopefully) so I can move it in and out of my garage. Like I said, they'll be some brainstorming.