Iceman_713 Posted March 23, 2016 Share Posted March 23, 2016 so Im looking at building a gas forge and was looking for a housing, well as luck would have it I have recently replaced My mailbox and I am wondering, is it possible with the right insulation(either kaolwool or refractory cement) to use the mailbox as the forge body? has anyone attempted it before? I see the paint can and soup can forges so to me it seems that it is feasible ...any information is appreciated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frosty Posted March 23, 2016 Share Posted March 23, 2016 Sure it'll work provided it isn't an aluminum mailbox. It'll probably be galvanized needing a soak in vinegar to remove the galvanizing (zinc plating). There are other alternatives though so don't get yourself stuck on the one thing. I haven't made a pipe or vault forge in a long time but I just went a different direction. Oh, a mail box shape is a "vault" as taken from architectural terminology, from the Roman. Frosty The Lucky. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WayneCoeArtistBlacksmith Posted March 23, 2016 Share Posted March 23, 2016 Well, Frosty said "as long as it isn't aluminum". I guess he forgot plastic. Maybe they don't have them up yonder. The mail box is a good shape, however is thin if you are going to have to weld in a burner tube, etc. Check out the attachments on the Forge Supplies page at www.WayneCoeArtistBlacksmth.com for how I like to build a gas forge. Let me know if I can help you. waynecoe@highland.net. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frosty Posted March 24, 2016 Share Posted March 24, 2016 Yes good idea Wayne don't use a plastic mailbox. Not that it'd be a problem for long. Still. Frosty The Lucky. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Iceman_713 Posted March 24, 2016 Author Share Posted March 24, 2016 thanks guys, im pretty sure this one is galvi so ill have to use the vinegar method. it snot a terribly huge mailbox compared to the one I just put up lol but I think it will do alright after I figure out how to attach the burner.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frosty Posted March 25, 2016 Share Posted March 25, 2016 Use steel or stainless steel pop rivets to attach a spread foot for the mounts. It won't take a lot the burner shouldn't be heavy nor get bumped much. A short length of small angle iron pop riveted to forge shell works a treat. Frosty The Lucky. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasPowers Posted March 25, 2016 Share Posted March 25, 2016 Me I took a section of blackiron pipe my burner tube would fit through and then used a hacksaw to saw down a diameter an inch or two and then heated and bent out the flaps and then fastened them to my forge body Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Iceman_713 Posted March 25, 2016 Author Share Posted March 25, 2016 ill give those methods a look, which would be better for insulating it, kaowoll or a nice refractory cement wall? I will be using fire brick for the floor so it will be durable. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WayneCoeArtistBlacksmith Posted March 25, 2016 Share Posted March 25, 2016 Use both and cast the floor too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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