Ericsg Posted July 16, 2018 Share Posted July 16, 2018 I just picked up a coal forge yesterday. Was wondering if I need to replace the refractory cement that's in the bottom? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JHCC Posted July 16, 2018 Share Posted July 16, 2018 Photo? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stash Posted July 16, 2018 Share Posted July 16, 2018 If its crumbling, yes. Steve Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ericsg Posted July 16, 2018 Author Share Posted July 16, 2018 It was all broken up when I got home. But do i need to put new in or no? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stash Posted July 17, 2018 Share Posted July 17, 2018 Looks like cast iron, so I would probably re clay it. And I do mean clay- dug from your garden is fine. Get it damp and pack it in place, you're good to go. There are plenty of discussions on claying a forge in this section- take some time to read thru all the whys and wherefors. Steve Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Irondragon Forge ClayWorks Posted July 18, 2018 Share Posted July 18, 2018 On 7/16/2018 at 5:12 PM, Ericsg said: But do i need to put new Yes, you do need new clay, not refractory cement. Cheap cat litter with a little sand mixed with water will do. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daswulf Posted July 18, 2018 Share Posted July 18, 2018 Um... is anyone else noticing the elephant size hole in the room? Is there a forge pot that goes in the hole in your forge table? Looks like a rotor would fit in there as a forge pot. Or is my perspective way off on the photo? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ericsg Posted July 18, 2018 Author Share Posted July 18, 2018 Theres supposed to be something in there?? Yes I have a fire pot. It is also cast. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Irondragon Forge ClayWorks Posted July 18, 2018 Share Posted July 18, 2018 Normally they had a grate there and the fire pot was made out of clay. A brake rotor would be too large. Does the fire pot you have fit the hole? Every forge of that design I've seen had a grate like this. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Glenn Posted July 18, 2018 Share Posted July 18, 2018 Cover the hole with a piece of plate steel 11 ga to 1/4 inch thick with a hole in the middle for your air inlet. A simple piece of exhaust pipe with a T in it will do. Put a couple of pieces of 1/4 rod across the pipe to both act as a grate and to hold the pipe above the plate. It can stand an inch or so above the plate and the ash will fill in the difference. First fire should be a small one and a cool fire so the forge can heat slowly and dry out. Kindling will be fine. Next day again a small fire to start then add more fuel after the forge has started to warm up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ericsg Posted July 18, 2018 Author Share Posted July 18, 2018 This is the fire box. I know it dont fit the hole. I'm going to make a plate to make it fit. Or I have a farriers forge with about the same size hole. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Irondragon Forge ClayWorks Posted July 18, 2018 Share Posted July 18, 2018 That should work. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ericsg Posted July 18, 2018 Author Share Posted July 18, 2018 Thanks for all the help. I will post pics when I get it all done. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.