Newbie Coal Forge

[Tulkas227]

Guys and Gals,

 

    Take it easy on me this is my first time (I don't know the protocol for a new post so I am just winging it.). My name is Ben and I am working on something for the first time. I have a big ole charcoal grill that I am transforming into a coal forge for fun. I've always wanted to do this and I have never done anything like it before. I created a nice stand for it already. I have a bunch of ground up clay kitty litter (saw it on another site.) and "organic" sand from the awesome beaches of Augusta Georgia (that crap is everywhere.). I planned on using some brick on the inside as well as outside to help keep my little critters (Kids) from touching the hot stuff. The brick on the inside will make it easier to form a nice pot as well as having a steel pipe coming through the bottom to use as the tuyere as well as an ash escape. I am pretty much doing a very inexpensive project. The only thing I paid for was two decent hammers and an angle grinder. This is just going to be a hobbie but I want to do it right and not burn down my back yard.

 

Thanks in advanced!

[ThomasPowers]

May I commend to your attention the various variations of Tim Lively's "washtub forge"  particularly if you plan to forge with charcoal and perhaps make blades as it's designed for a linear forge pot rather than a round one.

[JHCC]

Three things:

1.  Welcome!

2. Check out this thread. 

3. Post pictures!

[Tubalcain2]

welcome aboard. for someone in your situation who is just a hobbyist, i strongly  suggest Wayne Goddard's '50 dollar knife shop'. its a great book, and covers building several forges, and has great pics.