Cavpilot2k Posted October 16, 2017 Share Posted October 16, 2017 So I just acquired a good sized railroad-style forge (pictured below). The first thing I notice is that the grate is elevated on a "cone" and therefore there is a "trough" of dead space around it where cinders, clinkers, and other junk will build up (not to mention fuel that will probably not burn correctly due to not being in the line of airflow). I drew a cross-section diagram to illustrate perhaps better than the photo. Is this space meant to be filled with refractory or clay or some other substance? Recommendations welcome. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frosty Posted October 16, 2017 Share Posted October 16, 2017 It's supposed to be like that to keep the clinker out of the way. Frosty The Lucky. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Irondragon Forge ClayWorks Posted October 16, 2017 Share Posted October 16, 2017 Yep, the area around the fire grate fills with clinker & ash, which is occasionally cleaned out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cavpilot2k Posted October 16, 2017 Author Share Posted October 16, 2017 Okay, so don't put anything in it? Just coal until it fills with ash and clinkers? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cavpilot2k Posted October 16, 2017 Author Share Posted October 16, 2017 Anybody have any idea what the rough value of one of these is? Hand crank blower, no hood or anything. 36" across. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daswulf Posted October 17, 2017 Share Posted October 17, 2017 Well I say you could fill most of the space with clay or dirt just up to about an inch or so of the inlet top. That way clinker will still "doughnut" around the inlet but you won't waste coal down there. Just my opinion if I had it. Whats it worth? Well, what someone would pay for it really. And how much could you make using it and how much effort does it save you making your own? How good is the hand crank blower? Theres lots of variables in value of a tool. Location, rarity, antique value ( as in name and condition) usefulness, ability to make your own ( if you are a crafty person) not to be rude but it's how I look at things and other opinions vary. To me, if the blower is in Good condition, probably $100.- 150. On a good day. But that's just my opinion. Use it and make awesome stuff. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cavpilot2k Posted October 17, 2017 Author Share Posted October 17, 2017 Good point. Maybe some dirt or something temporary just to fill a little of that space. My question about value was more to have some kind of idea just how ridiculous was the deal I got for the forge, anvil, leg vise, and hand-crank smiths drill (no need to go into the details, but I got it all from a guy who was retired and moving and didn't want to haul it all, and he hooked me up big time). I have no intention of selling it any time soon. I could build one, but a bird in hand... I intend to use it and hone my craft and make awesome stuff. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Irondragon Forge ClayWorks Posted October 17, 2017 Share Posted October 17, 2017 I don't know about your area, but here in the Ozarks a setup like that in good condition would probably bring around 2 thousand dollars, for a Mouse Hole anvil, Champion forge that size, leg vise and Post drill . The forge alone would be 4-5 hundred. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daswulf Posted October 17, 2017 Share Posted October 17, 2017 dirt would be fine and is right there under your feet for free. Im glad you are using it. And got a deal. . Use it in good health and please share what you make using it with us. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charles R. Stevens Posted October 17, 2017 Share Posted October 17, 2017 Das is not wrong, but your first instincts are right, fly ash will collect around the bulet grate and fill in the divet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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