For several months I been using two propane torches to try my hand and forging small steel stock into flint strikers and other things. One is a bernzomatic BZ8250HT and the other is a modified Old bernzomatic all brass torch. Both are regular propane/mapp torches. I been reading for months about what forgeto buy. Then decided since I don’t know if I really want one I’ll just make an easy mini can forge. Used Koawool, Kast-O-Lite 3000 and Metrikote. Heat source will be my modded torch head. I do have a few atlas burners and regulator hoses from atlas. The 30kband dual 150k setup but think I’ll save those for a nicer build. This was a fun build and works. I tried to angle the heat into a swirl and it does it well! It’s my first try so lots of mistakes and lots of things I’ll do different on my next bigger build. I’ll make the next one with a 5” diameter chamber that’s 12-15” long. 

Heres some pictures. 

Looks good. Hang on to that one, should be quite handy for small projects.

How did you mod your torch?

You are correct that you have some construction errors. Nevertheless, you have done quite well, and I recommend that you transfer it to the permanent Forges 101 thread. Lots of people are interested in making coffee-can forges that run from cylinder-mount propane burners, such as yours.

14 hours ago, Mikey98118 said:

You are correct that you have some construction errors. Nevertheless, you have done quite well, and I recommend that you transfer it to the permanent Forges 101 thread. Lots of people are interested in making coffee-can forges that run from cylinder-mount propane burners, such as yours.

I’ll see if I can figure out how to transfer this. Yes lots of errors like kast-o-lite over the koawool. Any advice is appreciated!! 

How can I transfer this to permanent firges 101?

14 hours ago, Latticino said:

Looks good. Hang on to that one, should be quite handy for small projects.

How did you mod your torch?

I think it just might be handy enough for now. 

Well, its here now, so lets go on where you are.

It looks like the torch head isn't modified, and is just used close outside the portal. This is the first time I've seen an air/fuel torch used this way, and yet still sufficiently heating the forge. So, let's discuss the forge construction first.

In the images, I see one with a set of lighter duty tongs.  Did you make them?  If so, did you make them using this forge?  Did you use the same 1/2" round stock you show in Forges 101 or something else?  The rivet looks to be smaller stock, what stock was that?  Any shape in the bits to help secure the work? (half round or grooves)  How do they work for you?  Do they hold the work securely?  

On 1/15/2019 at 8:01 AM, Another FrankenBurner said:

In the images, I see one with a set of lighter duty tongs.  Did you make them?  If so, did you make them using this forge?  Did you use the same 1/2" round stock you show in Forges 101 or something else?  The rivet looks to be smaller stock, what stock was that?  Any shape in the bits to help secure the work? (half round or grooves)  How do they work for you?  Do they hold the work securely?  

I made them yes and finished them in this forge. It’s amini tongs made of 3/8” mild steel and the pin holding the tongs together us just a 3/16” steel pin hammered in both sides. I used a square bar to shake V groves pointing outwards for the jaw. That’s it! Oh it has a loop on the end of so I can loop it and I don’t need to keep squeezing. 

On 1/14/2019 at 11:58 AM, Mikey98118 said:

Well, its here now, so lets go on where you are.

It looks like the torch head isn't modified, and is just used close outside the portal. This is the first time I've seen an air/fuel torch used this way, and yet still sufficiently heating the forge. So, let's discuss the forge construction first.

Sure I’ll explain what you want. Outer housing is a can, it’s lined with Koawool 1” thick. Kast-o-lite over the Koawool but only about 1/8”-3/16” thick and after it dried I coated with Metrikote. Basically that’s it. On the back open end I played with bricks covering it and opening it to see what was better. 

The torch I play with a bit. Different angles and different depth into the forge out out the forge makes a huge difference in heat output!

the jet is bored out on my torch and head modified a bit. Here’s pictures of it. 

It is a good looking set of tongs.  A lot of people struggle with tongs in the beginning and this is a simple way to get something functional quickly.  Do they hold your pieces securely?  Could we get a picture of the loop on the end?

I’ll try to upload pictures of my tongs. I only have tongs I made. Never tried a real set yet. 

If you have made tongs they are real tongs.