As a newbi I would like to build my own forge. I've been reading many of the previous topics and this has created several questions. I plan to make the forge about 3' x2' in size. but am confused as to the thickness of the material to use. What thickness would be best. I expect to weld it to a square tube frame. Also is a pot required? I've seen several that appeared flat with a vent hole cut out about 2-3" and others with a rotter or break drum as a pot.What is the advantage of a pot. I have a Champion blower that will be bolted to the pan for air and connected with non galvinized pipe. I was planning two inch lip around pan with cut outs for longer work. Any advice appreciated

The answers depend on what you have available and your preferences in how to build a forge. My advice is to visit area blacksmiths, and try out as many forges as possible to see what fits your needs and style of working.

That said, fire pots are designed to maximize your experience by creating a coal fire with a neutral zone to heat your metal, heating up your metal quickly and minimizing destruction of your steel's surface. 3' by 2' is a decent surface area but 2-3" sides will have coal falling off the sides , I recommend 5-6" sides with cut-outs. The thickness of the material is not crucial, I have an old Buffalo forge with sheet metal sides and bottom supporting a firepot. A coating of cement or refractory will protect a thin bottom.

Do you need a fire pot? No. All the fire pot does is concentrate the fuel and heat, but you can do that by mounding up your coal on a flat table forge and watering the perimeter. Either way works and has been used for generations.

Personally, I like the fire pot forge more than the table style, though I've never used a side blast forge and can't comment on them.

What type thickness? Really, it doesn't need to be more than an old cookie sheet! The problem you might run into is it rusting out quickly, but modern steel sheet is a whole heap better than cast iron in terms of durability at that thickness. One fella here posted pics of his cookie sheet forge not too long ago. He used a brake drum as a fire pot and the rest of the sheet served as a table for tools and fuel. The whole thing stood on an old aquarium stand.

You don't need to weld the table to the legs. As long as it is screwed in one or two places, it will be perfectly fine and be able to expand and contract without warping everything.

Someone is using some sheet metal studs as the structure for their forge. Others have used a literal hole in the dirt. A wooden box that is filled with adequate insulating material such as sand or clay has also been employed.

Part of your difficulty, I think, is the large number of successful designs, which to choose!

Phil