HammerMonkey Posted October 16, 2017 Share Posted October 16, 2017 I decided to knock together a brake drum forge, and I started the project without taking the time to research properly... One problem that I think I will have is with my fire grate. I am pretty sure I made the air holes too large and too spaced out. Fortunately, I have an extra piece of 1/2” steel that is cut into the same 12 3/4” diameter shape. Can anyone help me with the hole pattern/size for this? FWIW, I ditched the drum top hearth I was playing with in some of the pics and I am welding up a proper hearth that will be added shortly... (If you are wondering what the heck I did, the brake drum is welded to a brake rotor. The drum was from my Dodge Ram truck and the center hole was way too large. ) if you see any other glaring issues with my design or execution, feel free to let fly with the comments. Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daswulf Posted October 16, 2017 Share Posted October 16, 2017 Holes are not too large, they are too spread out. You want a concentrated area around that ~2" inlet. You want a more central concentration of the air. The grate is mainly to keep coal/ charcoal from falling into the inlet tube. It could be as simple as crossed pieces of round stock welded in over that opening. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HammerMonkey Posted October 16, 2017 Author Share Posted October 16, 2017 Thanks, The holes in the pics are 1/2" dia. Would a bunch of smaller holes, concentrated over the inlet, be a bad thing? I was thinking that 1/2" Dia might let too much stuff fall through. Any thoughts on the total number of holes (along with the ideal diameter) that I should put over the inlet? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daswulf Posted October 16, 2017 Share Posted October 16, 2017 I found that larger holes/ less restriction worked better on my brake rotor forge. I can't recall the exact size holes I have but sure close to half inch and I barely lose any usable fuel down the pipe. Does your plate fit flush on the bottom? Otherwise you may wind up with ash and clinker taking up that void. I just tacked on a small plate right to the 2" opening and it's been going strong over 3 years just having to retack it once. It's a consumable so I like to keep it easily replaceable. Here is a picture of what I use. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HammerMonkey Posted October 17, 2017 Author Share Posted October 17, 2017 Nice! Thank you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
4elements Posted October 17, 2017 Share Posted October 17, 2017 Hi Shady, look at the post "questions about my first forge" by cavpilot2k, that's what I was talking to you about earlier today, what frosty said. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HammerMonkey Posted October 17, 2017 Author Share Posted October 17, 2017 I looked for that post today after we spoke. I found it and started thinking of how I could use that design element in my forge. I’ve got a couple of ideas... Thanks again for calling. It was great chatting with you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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