ddwilson Posted September 18, 2012 Share Posted September 18, 2012 Where do you find clay to line a forge? I am a newbie so just trying to figure out the detail on this. Just had a decent forge given to me and do not want to mess the cast iron up. There is no red clay that I can dig up that I know of in the area. Thanks, Doug Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EGreen Posted September 18, 2012 Share Posted September 18, 2012 some of these fellers are sayin use low grade,i.e. cheap kitty litter.that did not work for me.it has lots of black somethings in it .now I will dig it all out and try to screen it then re-line it and see what happens.drive the dirt roads in your area and look at creekbanks and bar ditches to spot the clay.not all clay is red.yellow and tan can be found also.good luck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thomas Dean Posted September 18, 2012 Share Posted September 18, 2012 Oil-sorb is the same as cheap kitty litter and will work. Look under forges-solid fuel under in the forums and there is a recipe for this type of liner. IIRC you need to use portland cement with the oil-sorb/kitty-litter. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SReynolds Posted September 18, 2012 Share Posted September 18, 2012 I read much about the use of clay and how it fails/falls apart and is generally a pain. I devised a fire pot from 1/4 steel that can be removed from the forge, unlike clay which is in there or isn't. I like to move the forge around, so this is sorta a convertible unit. The clay only serves to form a fire pot and/or protect the thin steel or cast iron bottom. If you can get ahold of some steel, weld one up that sets inside the forge pan. It would be the last one you'd have to build. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GregDP Posted September 18, 2012 Share Posted September 18, 2012 I second Sreynolds. My current fire pot is steel with a thick plate and the bottom. But if you don't have that option (I didn't always).. If using a bentonite clay designed to absorb urine or oil, giving it the time to hydrate properly is important. I like a little red clay mixed with my litter. Giving it time to dry properly before firing is even more important. It can be done nice and neatly. If you just want to get the job done it can quick task. But expect cracking and crumbling. You can patch it, but wouldn't you rather do it the right way? Air and low heat to begin the cure. Keep the outside moist. Then slowly fire the forge. Expect this to take several days depending on the size and how thick you build up the clay to for a firepot. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ddwilson Posted September 19, 2012 Author Share Posted September 19, 2012 Thanks, will try and get it lined this week so I can try to get it heated up this weekend. Doug Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JimsShip Posted September 19, 2012 Share Posted September 19, 2012 Old N Rusty suggested this formula to me, and it's worked fine. Mix 3 parts sand to 1 part portland cement (not concrete mix ) mix it to just moist, and mold it to the shape you want. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BIGGUNDOCTOR Posted September 19, 2012 Share Posted September 19, 2012 Look for a local pottery supply company, and ask for a woodfire clay body. I have one rated at cone 14+. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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