Wardj946 Posted May 18, 2016 Share Posted May 18, 2016 Hello everyone. My name is Jeremy and im from upstate New York. I am very new to forging and metal work, but im trying to round up supplies and tools as i can. As with all hobbies money is the issue. I was trying to find a good firepot for a forge and, as i am apt to do, i impulse purchased. I have purchased a cast iron Lodge Hibachi Grill from Walmart. It is a pretty solid piece of iron, it has a sliding door under the charcoal grate which provides a decent ambient airflow and i can rig a blower to it in the near future. I am hoping to start with small projects, hence the reason i thought such a small pot would be best. The dimensions are LxWxH: 19.25x11x8.25 (inches) per some website So now to the problems. I worry the cast iron will not stand up to the heat of metal work without refractory material. I worry if i add refractory, ill lose space for coal, when im already worried its too small. I have no big projects planned at all, but i am concerned the grill is just not big/strong enough. Also my wife is hoping to use this grill for cooking, which i feel is somehow a sin... I guess the big question is: did i buy something i can make into a forge, or an expensive grill and i will need to get a forge. I am hoping to get others thoughts, tips, or suggestions on where to go from here. PS: this is not my picture, but the grill is the same and stand is similar (im at work and cant get picture of it) Thank you, Jeremy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CMS3900 Posted May 18, 2016 Share Posted May 18, 2016 The hundred bucks +/- spent to buy the sportsmans grill would of went a long way toward the parts to make a proven forge design. I would get some charcoal, fire it up, make some food, grab a cold adult beverage, and sit in front of the computer for a few hours researching the plethora of basic "on the cheap" forge designs out there. Could you use it, sure you could probably find a way; but I think there are better options out there. Edit your profile to add your location so people know where you are, and could possibly give you a hand, or make you aware of local clubs that could provide you with information and experience. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasPowers Posted May 18, 2016 Share Posted May 18, 2016 Make your wife happy and make a cheap and easy forge from other stuff. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daswulf Posted May 18, 2016 Share Posted May 18, 2016 Use the grill for grilling. You could make a simple forge from easy to obtain salvaged materials and a few small purchases. Or even from all salvaged materials. Look up "55 forge" for some ideas Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wardj946 Posted May 18, 2016 Author Share Posted May 18, 2016 This is both what i was expecting and afraid of lol. Thank you guys for all your suggestions and help. I owe you all a steak on a new grill Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Culver Creek Hunt Club Posted May 18, 2016 Share Posted May 18, 2016 So where are you located in Upstate? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wardj946 Posted May 18, 2016 Author Share Posted May 18, 2016 Binghamton ny, about an hour south of syracuse Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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