May 20, 200818 yr This past weekend, I bought this small side-blast forge. Have any of you seen one like it before? I have a pre-conceived notion about it's origin, but would like information from anyone that really knows about it. It has a few missing parts I would like to replicate, so if anyone knows what a complete one looks like, it would help me tremendously. This unit is missing the crank, gear cover(s) and something that was apparently mounted on top of the blower (table, coal/water box, vise... ?????) Also, can anyone offer an opinion (or fact) as to whether the base is/may be original. I have seen a number of small forges, but never one with this type of base. The way it is mounted (underside) looks reasonably like it may be original (no jeri-rigging), but there is room for question. Thanks in advance.....http://www.iforgeiron.com/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/5664 Edited May 20, 200818 yr by djhammerd Put picture in IforgeIron Gallery
May 20, 200818 yr Dave, you might be able to do a google search and find the patent on this little darling. I was able to find the patent on my lates forge find and it has drawings and discriptions. really cool.
May 21, 200818 yr Author Glenn.... I moved a copy of the photo into your Gallery and changed the link... Thomas.... How did you do your search? There are no manufacturers markings on this forge, blower or base. I did a search on Google (both images and patent searches) and didn't see anything like it (yet, still looking). I have looked at a lot of forges online, but none like this one.
May 21, 200818 yr Dave, IIRC, I typed in the "man's name patent date blower" and this is what came up CLUTCHING DEVICE FOR FORGES - Google Patents. You may be able to click on this link and start a search from there, dunno, but it might work. BTW, "C. Hammelmann's Pat. April 6, 1886 Buffalo, N.Y." is embossed in the side of the blower, "The Star Machine Co. Buffalo, N.Y." is on the forge pan. There is a 'star' between the word Star and Machine. I haven't come up with anything on the pan, just the blower and lever action/clutch. Yeah, that is the first one like this I have seen also,(your forge) but that ain't saying a whole lot. Wonder if it is a marriage of 2 differnt forges from some time back. The side blast looks to be high to me and I also thought that a side blast needed to be in a firepot. Anyway, let us know what you come up with.
May 21, 200818 yr It looks like a Vaughan rivet forge. The British version of the portable bottom blast. Of course, I am simply speculating...
May 21, 200818 yr Author HWooldridge... Centaur Forge sells a Vaughan portable forge, but they don't post a picture on their website. I have sent an email asking for one.... Thanks for the lead.
May 21, 200818 yr The only part that resembles the Vaughan forge is the tue (tuyere) Iron. Is it a dry tuyere?Vaughans cast iron twyere
May 21, 200818 yr Author nett.... Thanks for the information. It definitely is a dry tuyere. I like that link... Thanks..
August 6, 200817 yr Dave I came across this old ad that may shed some light on what was mounted on top of your forge. Obviously not the same forge, but the mounts on yours certainly look like it could have been for a similar vise. Bernie
August 6, 200817 yr Author BT.... Thanks. I like those old ads. Especially the prices.... Well, maybe not the prices, I hate to think about today's prices increasing at the same rate over the next 30 years.
August 7, 200817 yr I think it looks like a British Vaughans. Certainly looks like a British something. Try Vaughans Even if you don't find what you are seeking it is always worth looking at. Generally, though, these have a water cooled tuyere. Perhaps the water cooling is a more recent addition. The water is useful as it heats up- yes I do use it to make coffee. I am truly disgusting!
August 7, 200817 yr Author philip in china... Thanks for your observation. Others have also thought it might be a Vaughans. The design of the dry tue certainly is similar to one of their tue designs. I have sent them an email (thanks for the link) with the picture I posted here, asking if it is one of their earlier offerings (and if not, could they help identify its source). Thanks again, for everyone who has expressed an interest... Edited August 7, 200817 yr by djhammerd
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