petehdgs Posted October 8, 2014 Share Posted October 8, 2014 I purchased a used Buffalo Forge. It is 28x42 with a fire pot on one side. The firepot is cracked and the forge is not lined. It came with a variable speed blower that i have sent out for repair. It was working before but the person I bought it from broke the wires on the field during disassembly. The firepot is cracked and a new one is available for $500. Should I replace it? I need advice as to set-up and care of this forge. I know the pan should be lined with firebrick. Should the fire pot be lined? Would castable refractory like Mizzou or the lighter version it (forgot name?) be acceptable? Gotta go now, be back later this evening. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big-D Posted October 8, 2014 Share Posted October 8, 2014 The Centaur Vulcan is a direct replacement for the Buffalo firepot and costs $300: http://www.centaurforge.com/Centaur-Vulcan-Firepot-with-Dumping-Ashgate/productinfo/VD/ Neither the pans nor the firepots of those forges are designed to be lined with firebrick or fireclay, they are meant to be used as is. It's the goofy little rivet and farmer's forges without a firepot that are meant to be lined. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DSW Posted October 8, 2014 Share Posted October 8, 2014 How bad is the crack in the pot? It may still be very functional as is with no need to replace the existing pot. Detailed picts would help us determine this. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasPowers Posted October 8, 2014 Share Posted October 8, 2014 Hey Pete; I have a car with a non-working engine; should I repair it or should I buy a new one for a couple of thousand? Can't really tell if this is a "yes spend US$50 and replace the spark plugs" or a "5 thrown rods and a bent crankshaft---replace the engine" type of problem. I have a large forge with a cracked firepot that I haven't replaced in over 30 years; as it doesn't get much use and it's fine for the stuff I use it for. I haven't a clue how you plan to use yours, how much, or the location and extent of the crack so the only answer I can give is *YES*; *NO*; *MAYBE*! As to lining the bed of the forge clay from the local creek would work fine the bed doesn't see much "use" in the forging process. As to lining the firepot---don't they were designed not to be lined and liner stuff can contribute to clinker. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
petehdgs Posted October 9, 2014 Author Share Posted October 9, 2014 Thank you for your replies. I'll fire it as is and see how it does. I take it this forge needs coal or coke. Any idea where I can find some near Fredericksburg VA? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frank Turley Posted October 9, 2014 Share Posted October 9, 2014 It looks good. For years, I've been lining my hearths with concrete, a 3 part sand to 1 part Portland. Take it to the top level of the firepot flange. I learned this from my old-school horseshoeing instructor in 1964. We had a dozen student forges all lined this way. It's more for hearth protection and ease of coning up your fire...doesn't have much to do with heat problems. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Coke Posted October 10, 2014 Share Posted October 10, 2014 Greetings Pete, Nice forge.... You might consider just drilling a small hole at the base of the firepot crack... This procedure many times limits the crack and will last for years.. I have also lined the forge with firebrick close to the firepot and fill in as Frank said ... Works great.. Have fun with your new toy it will serve you well... Forge on and make beautiful things Jim Oh you can buy the firebrick from Tractor Supply Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
petehdgs Posted October 10, 2014 Author Share Posted October 10, 2014 Thanks Frank and Jim. I like the way you think. I'll get my drill bits and portland cement at the ready! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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