I got started on my forge today. I didnt have the stuff to build the air piping and ash dump. So I worked on my table. I had this old mitre saw stand, I about sent it to scrap a few weeks ago. I decided to use it to build my forge stand out of.
   

Wow. That's going to be a heck of a thing...

My first brake drum forge was set up that way. It didn't work all that well, the biggest problem was I couldn't work anything longer than a few inches as the back of the forge got in the way. My current forge is just a drum from an old f100 pick up. I cut a hole in a metal table and set it in flush with the table. Now I can work much longer pieces.

I would also suggest cutting a hole and dropping it in flush. It lets you pass long pieces through the fire.instead of being limited to a few inches.

bhardy, I think it will work out just fine if you get it plumbed up to air properly. Seems like folks didn't see you've got a hole on the back side for stock to pass thru if need be. :)

Yes there is a big ugly hole burned into the back side. The cover is propped up on the inside so I dont lose it. I can lose anything in my shop and it be in plain site. It will be hinged onto the back side so it can be closed off when not needed.

I got to do a little more work on my forge this morning. Had just enough time to get the bottome welded on before the monsoons set in. Didnt have enough time to get the slag chipped and brushed. Got the turye (not sure of spelling) put together. Got the bottom grate built the other day just needs a little fine fittng adjustments with the grinder. I plan to build a flap cover for the bottom of the pipe but for now a pipe cap works. Its gettng closer.

     

Hey guys, how many CFM of air flow is needed to run a forge. I had the idea to try and see how the shop vac set up as a blower would work. I dont think it would work at all. I think it would launch hot coals out of the forge at a relatively high rate of speed :). I thought about using a hair dryer, I have seen several on youtube using this method. Any sugggestions for the air flow part of my forge. My existing pipe is 2"  but I could easily step it up or down as needed.

I use a shop vac with a dimmer switch.  Works great.

I use a shop vac with a dimmer switch.  Works great.

I bought my dimmer switch yesterday! Thanks for the idea Bryan.

Yep I use the same thing. 15 yr old shop vac on a dimmer

Really, how is the dimmer switch put in  line? Also what kind of dimmer switch do I need? Could you post a link to one?

Mine is just a slider switch for a table lamp I bought at a big box store.  Plug into the switch and plug the switch into the wall.

Cool, and it wont burn up the vac motor from being at less power?