Glenn Posted January 29, 2017 Share Posted January 29, 2017 I realize some what I am calling brake drums are actually rotors or brake drum rotor combinations. For the sake of the discussion let us call them drums. Here are 5 brake drums that can be used as a forge. Which would you suggest for a bottom blast forge and which would you suggest for a side blast forge. Inside diameter and depth dimensions are on each drum. Brake Drum #1 is 4-1/2 inches ID by 1-1/4 inches deep Brake Drum #2 is 5 inches ID by 1-1/2 inches deep Brake drum #3 is 8-1/4 inches ID by 3-1/4 inches deep (sloped sides) Brake Drum #4 is 8 inches ID by 5 inches deep. Brake drum #5 is 9-1/2 inches ID by 4-1/2 inches deep (and a heavy beast) I am sure there are other choices of drums out there but this was available in the resource center (read scrap pile). Which would you suggest for a bottom blast forge and why. Which would you suggest for a side blast forge and why? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marc1 Posted January 29, 2017 Share Posted January 29, 2017 I am tempted to say neither, but for the sake of the discussion ... it depends what size forge and therefore for what sort of work you are building the forge. To me, if that is all I can choose from, I would take rotor number 3. The others are either too shallow or too deep. Having say that, I am sure that all of them can be used more or less successfully with some modifications for a bottom blast forge. Side blast forge? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Coke Posted January 29, 2017 Share Posted January 29, 2017 I would suggest 5 for the bottom blast with some trimming on the bulk of the OD. As for the side blast none of the above. It would take more modification than it would require to build one from scratch. Just an ol boys 2c GREAT TOPIC Forge on and make beautiful things Jim Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
arkie Posted January 29, 2017 Share Posted January 29, 2017 I would use #3 for coal/coke bottom blast. Similar to what I'm using now and very happy with the way it works. Been in the forge for 4 yrs. now and no signs of deterioration. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daswulf Posted January 29, 2017 Share Posted January 29, 2017 I have one similar if not exact to #3 for a little deeper pot to swap in if I'll be working larger stock. I really find my 8" dia. x 2" deep rotor to be very efficient for Most everything I do. I have used mine about 3 years and it has many to go. I havnt attempted a side blast forge with a rotor. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thats Hot... Posted January 30, 2017 Share Posted January 30, 2017 So far this set up is working for me.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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