lukerec Posted February 28, 2018 Share Posted February 28, 2018 So I posted on facebook i was looking for blacksmithing stuff and a guy said he had some stuff. He had a bunch of beginners tools I need hammers, tongs, etc. he also has a forge burner like ive never seen before and I was looking for an experts point of view Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JHCC Posted February 28, 2018 Share Posted February 28, 2018 Search the forum for "ribbon burner". (In case you didn't already know, don't use the search box in the upper right. Go to the websearch engine of your choice, type in your search terms, and add "iforgeiron.com". Much more effective. Also, if you haven't already, READ THIS FIRST!!!) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lukerec Posted February 28, 2018 Author Share Posted February 28, 2018 I read that ribbon burners are pretty good for saving on gas but the guy whos selling it wants 50usd for it so do you thing that is a good price? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buzzkill Posted February 28, 2018 Share Posted February 28, 2018 It's a little hard to tell from that picture, but the burner appears to be made of cast iron or steel. If so, it will not last long at forge temperatures. Based on what appears to be a handsaw handle I'd also say it's very large compared to what we normally recommend for a first forge. You can build your own ribbon burner out of materials that will last significantly longer and be a more suitable size for a small forge for about the same money. Personally, I'd pass on it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JHCC Posted February 28, 2018 Share Posted February 28, 2018 If you're looking to get started on a budget, take a good hard look at the threads on the JABOD (Just A Box Of Dirt) solid-fuel forges. For the cost of a box of nails, a dual-action air mattress pump, and a sack of fuel (charcoal or coal), plus whatever lumber and dirt you can scrounge for free, you can be up and running in a few hours. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lukerec Posted February 28, 2018 Author Share Posted February 28, 2018 I think my dad said he had some semi break drums Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JHCC Posted February 28, 2018 Share Posted February 28, 2018 Okay, go find the threads about semi brake drum forges BEFORE you start making anything. They are a classic example of something that looks like a good idea, but really isn't. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buzzkill Posted February 28, 2018 Share Posted February 28, 2018 1 minute ago, lukerec said: I think my dad said he had some semi break drums Been there, done that. Bad idea. You can make it work if you put your mind to it, but there are MUCH better options out there. Grab some snacks and a cold beverage and spend some time in the solid fuel forge section to get some good ideas. What JHCC posted above is probably the simplest, least expensive yet effective way to get up and running. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the iron dwarf Posted February 28, 2018 Share Posted February 28, 2018 2 minutes ago, lukerec said: I think my dad said he had some semi break drums so you are going to be forging big stuff then? most people start on small things Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lukerec Posted February 28, 2018 Author Share Posted February 28, 2018 Yeah small is what i was gonna do But my dad has some old break drums lying around Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JHCC Posted February 28, 2018 Share Posted February 28, 2018 4 minutes ago, lukerec said: But my dad has some old break drums lying around Key concept for the scrounging blacksmith: use what you have, but you don't have to use it just because you have it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the iron dwarf Posted February 28, 2018 Share Posted February 28, 2018 so you use at least 10 times as much fuel as you need to costing you in a week what it would you to buy new ones. a car brake disc / rotor is a much better size for a small forge Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lukerec Posted February 28, 2018 Author Share Posted February 28, 2018 Ill snoop around the farm to see what we have Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JHCC Posted February 28, 2018 Share Posted February 28, 2018 Consider taking those drums to the scrap yard, turning them into cash, and using the cash to buy tools and supplies. Farms are often rich sources of raw material. Good hunting. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Irondragon Forge ClayWorks Posted February 28, 2018 Share Posted February 28, 2018 I believe that burner came out of a furnace, not a forge and like said it's way to big for the average forge. As far as a fire pot, if you have any auto repair shops near you they always have auto brake rotors that they will give to you free of charge. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lukerec Posted February 28, 2018 Author Share Posted February 28, 2018 i think im going to try the box of dirt, it should be easier and possibly cheaper to get charcoal. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JHCC Posted February 28, 2018 Share Posted February 28, 2018 Wise move. You can also make your own, or simply shovel burning coals from a separate wood fire into your forge. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lukerec Posted February 28, 2018 Author Share Posted February 28, 2018 actually my grandpa might have an antique forge outside his house. not sure if the mechanism for the blower works or not, ill post some pictures later Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JHCC Posted February 28, 2018 Share Posted February 28, 2018 Excellent! Just one detail: if you do post pictures, start a new thread in the "Solid Fuel Forges" section. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lukerec Posted February 28, 2018 Author Share Posted February 28, 2018 will do! thanks for the input. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Irondragon Forge ClayWorks Posted February 28, 2018 Share Posted February 28, 2018 If you decide on charcoal use hardwood lump charcoal not charcoal briquets. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lukerec Posted February 28, 2018 Author Share Posted February 28, 2018 I do recall reading multiple sources that briquettes are not the smartest thing a blacksmith can do Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JHCC Posted February 28, 2018 Share Posted February 28, 2018 13 minutes ago, lukerec said: not the smartest thing a blacksmith can do That's a long, long list, my friend. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lukerec Posted February 28, 2018 Author Share Posted February 28, 2018 I can only imagine. I hope to never do anything on the list Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mikey98118 Posted March 1, 2018 Share Posted March 1, 2018 I think before you sand the guy off, all fat dumb and happy, to waste a few years pursuing coal forges, you could at least, mention Ron Reils forge pages, where the average newbie, who has been watching youtube has a chance to get himself turned around enough to ask sane questions here? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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