Old South Creations Posted December 30, 2011 Share Posted December 30, 2011 I'm going to build a small fire brick propane forge and I'm debating whether to put the burner on top or on the side. I was going to put it on top (because that's how most of the forges I have seen are built) but I heard some arguments that might not be the best idea...any suggestions? I'm either going to use a venturi or a z burner from Zoeller. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pkrankow Posted December 31, 2011 Share Posted December 31, 2011 Top vs side? For your first forge, pick one and run with it. You will be rebuilding the forge at some point anyways. I do recommend staying with a single burner of a smallish volume though, design the floor as a single common firebrick with 2 inches of ceramic wool around the top and sides, 1 inch under the brick opening in the back, maybe up one side for wide items... Once you get one working properly, building another is easy. Phil Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tagg Posted December 31, 2011 Share Posted December 31, 2011 I was wondering this too. I've pretty much decided on putting the burner on the top. Safety, easier to store, easier to hold in place (IMHO). Zachary Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasPowers Posted December 31, 2011 Share Posted December 31, 2011 Top seems to be less safe as convection after you shut the forge down can heat the parts a LOT. Also top burners have the possibility to recycle exhaust fumes as hot gasses travel up after leaving the opening---recycling exhaust increases CO production a lot. Most of the forges I have seen have had the burners on the side. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WayneCoeArtistBlacksmith Posted December 31, 2011 Share Posted December 31, 2011 As Thomas said, you don't need a chimney sucking the heat into your burner. You are better off with a round forge and the burners on a tangent so that the flame swirls inside. I also have dampers on my burners and close them off to stop any heat migration after the forge is shut down. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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