Jon smart Posted January 23, 2019 Share Posted January 23, 2019 First let me say thanks to anyone who replies to this thread and I apologize for the wrong names used as I am just learning what each part is called. (Gotta start somewhere right?) I am wanting toward how to manipulate metal and create my own designs. I have an idea of what to do to get started but want to ask the professionals and old timers who have tried and true methods before putting something together and it being severely wrong. I am looking at doing a propane furnace to melt metal for some things as well as a forge to learn how to make knives. I’m not a millionaire but I also won’t buy the cheapest grade materials. My question is mainly where do I begin and what materials do I need to start creating things? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Irondragon Forge ClayWorks Posted January 23, 2019 Share Posted January 23, 2019 2 minutes ago, Jon smart said: where do I begin Welcome to IFI... begin here to get the best out of the forum. READ THIS FIRST Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mikey98118 Posted January 23, 2019 Share Posted January 23, 2019 2 hours ago, Jon smart said: I am looking at doing a propane furnace to melt metal for some things as well as a forge to learn how to make knives. Here's your first lesson: If you want to both forge and cast, then you should know that the biggest difference between a small casting furnace and a tunnel forge is how they sit. Usually, a tunnel forge sits horizontally, while the furnace sits vertically, although a very few guys prefer that their forge sits vertically. If you spend some time reading up in the Forges 101 thread, you will find that most of the ends and outs of forge design is common sense, and that the more you learn the less your forge will cost. Second lesson: Your forge should not set directly on a table, so most guys extend four legs down from its steel shell. By using small angles, you can build a box shape to mount it in instead of legs; then all you need to do is rotate the box to place the horizonal forge in a vertical position, and it's a casting furnace. You have already cut the cost of your equipment in half. Third lesson: A casting furnace needs to be large enough to accommodate its crucible, plus the tongs you will use to take the hot crucible out for pouring; that extra distance also allows the flame room enough. So, you have two reasons to keep your forge/furnace small, because only a fool starts learning to cast from a large crucible. See how much money you've saved already? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VainEnd84 Posted January 24, 2019 Share Posted January 24, 2019 If you are looking for info specific to casting I would suggest one of the casting forums as it is very different from blacksmithing. I think one of the bigger ones is alloy alley or something like that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasPowers Posted January 24, 2019 Share Posted January 24, 2019 close: http://alloyavenue.com/ where backyardmetalcasting.com moved to. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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