February 25, 201412 yr Ok so I've been trying to figure out how to do this for about a week or so now and I think I've got it. But before I do anything drastic I want your advice. I have a cinderblock chiminey in me shop that a previous owner had a wood stove hooked up to. I want to build a side draft forge on to it, and my theory is to put my forge tabel right next to the chiminey and bust a hole in the chiminey wall and then add a stainless side draft hood between my fire pot and the chiminey. Does anyone see any major flaws in this idea? The chiminey is 12in in diameter.
February 25, 201412 yr How big is the flue in the chimney? If it's only 8" it really isn't large enough.
February 25, 201412 yr Author Block the chimney off from room air below the forge entrance. do you mean block off the chiminey below where the side draft is? How big is the flue in the chimney? If it's only 8" it really isn't large enough. 12in internal diameter.
February 25, 201412 yr Greetings Redbeard, It will work with 12 in but I wood consider how you will heat your shop.. Its easier to stack out a forge than a wood stove.. Also consider your work pattern . Anvil position , forge , slack tub , tools ect. Forge on and make beautiful things Jim
February 25, 201412 yr Author i have a small propane heater for heat. There was no wood stove when i moved in but seeing the chiminey im pretty sure it was for a stove. the way i have my shop se up is actually pretty good so this set up will be ideal. ill post pics when im finished.
February 26, 201412 yr Make the forge the only air source to the chimney. Block off the original fireplace opening.
February 26, 201412 yr I have saw a forge and chimney just like that. It took quite a bit of news paper to get it to draw but did well after it heated up.
February 26, 201412 yr Author There is no fireplace just a chiminey. I finished it last night and it works beautifly! Good strong draw once it heats up. NO SMOKE IN THE SHOP!!! haha
February 26, 201412 yr No smoke is good enough. Almost enough said, but... Two considerations: A side draft hood should have an opening no bigger than the chimney cross section. That way you get higher velocity (the chimney pulls the same volume, but when you widen the cross section that drops velocity). It "sucks" better. Looking at how your flame is operating, you're basically getting all your draft from the opening anyway. You could pull that hood off entirely and it would be about the same. Shrink that hood to just the dimensions of the chimney opening and you will get better performance (especially early on, when the cold chimney makes for a weak draft). The corner location is awkward for long stock. I have a fairly small "smithy", but my forge is in the middle of the wall and I can heat the middle of a 10'+ piece of stock.
February 27, 201412 yr Greetings Redbeard, IMO too much wood in the area and the charcoal bag too close... Ya need a big fire with charcoal .. Please proceed with caution.. Not my cup of tea.. Forge on with caution Jim
February 27, 201412 yr Author Greetings Redbeard, IMO too much wood in the area and the charcoal bag too close... Ya need a big fire with charcoal .. Please proceed with caution.. Not my cup of tea.. Forge on with caution Jim haha I will! i wont be forging until i have fire protection surrounding the forge. I just got a little excited and wanted to fire it up... :D
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