BurnsideStudio Posted February 1, 2021 Share Posted February 1, 2021 Hi all, I've been looking back through this forum to read other folks advice on UK-based gas forges available to buy, but seen nothing about Mayes Forges. I remember using one at the college I studied at a few years ago (mostly used a coke forge mind, but I think I'll struggle to install a hood in my garage). Now I'm in a position to buy some equipment I was curious whether these are still available to buy? Most I can find is some posts from the Concave Horseshoe Company but these are dated 2014. Hoping the hive mind can help me out here! I understand Swans seem to be the gold standard in the UK, but they're pretty beasty on the budget. A part of me also wonders whether a Swan would be a bit lux since I'm only just establishing myself as a maker? You learn more by doing and making from scratch, but the thought of paying out for materials and time of making something that would function at a sub-standard level, even if the learning opportunities are greater, is making me swivel. I'm curious to hear anyone else's musings on my ramblings. Something to settle my mind here! Thanks all, Beth. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mikey98118 Posted February 1, 2021 Share Posted February 1, 2021 The Swan is a hot forge, and seems well made; you may find it to be too expensive, but there is no such things as too good in a gas forge. I saw it demonstrated over here at the Kentucky meet in 2006, and was impressed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frosty Posted February 1, 2021 Share Posted February 1, 2021 Welcome aboard Beth, glad to have you. We don't have enough ladysmiths posting, I hope you won't be a stranger here. We LOVE pics: equipment, tools, shop, projects, pets, kids, well whatever you'd show young children you didn't want to explain adult things to. I had to do a web search to get an idea what a Swan Forge looks like, I've spent some time looking at the tech drawing of the Cygnet. I can't render an honest opinion never having used one but the drawing looks like a sound piece of equipment. Questions I'd have were I in the market are: 1, What's the expected life of the liner refractories, especially the floor tiles. 2. How involved is replacing the liner and what are the costs. A number of my questions were addressed in the specification sheet I THINK. I speak American so British English uses terms and such I'm not familiar with. Clarifications are no big deal I just need to talk to a human. Being experienced I expect you already know how much room you need in a forge so I won't make my usual suggestion. My only maybe advice is. It's hard to buy too good tools or equipment, especially if you're using them professionally. Please let us know what you decide and your evaluation after using it for a while. We can have a first hand evaluation next time the question comes up. Frosty The Lucky. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Irondragon Forge ClayWorks Posted February 1, 2021 Share Posted February 1, 2021 OK folks, prompt my memory here. Isn't there a forum member in the UK making very good gas forges, just can't remember his avatar/name. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BurnsideStudio Posted February 8, 2021 Author Share Posted February 8, 2021 Hi guys, thank you all for your replies! You've given my thoughts some direction, especially on the quality of equipment. I'm leaning towards making the investment in a Swan though it might be on hold until our Covid restrictions are eased at least. Something to work towards. Frosty - thanks for your pointers and friendly words, made me smile. I'll be sure to feedback my thoughts in the forum when the day comes! Irondragon - I'll have another trawl through the site, see if I can find anything, I'd be very interested in this guy's chat! If the memory pops up please fire it my way. Hope you're all keeping warm and busy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SLAG Posted February 8, 2021 Share Posted February 8, 2021 Mr. Dragon, I think the British gas forge maker smith is "Iron Dwarf". He did mention, in one of his posts, that he was making them for fellows in southern England. I have not seen any recent posts from him in about two years. (I, also, vaguely remember that he may have changed his forum name in the last few years (4)? I miss the chap. Hope that helps, SLAG. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mikey98118 Posted February 8, 2021 Share Posted February 8, 2021 isn't there also a blade smith group in England that has some pretty savvy forge makers? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasPowers Posted February 8, 2021 Share Posted February 8, 2021 Not to forget asking around at BABA. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Irondragon Forge ClayWorks Posted February 9, 2021 Share Posted February 9, 2021 Slag I believe you are right, might not hurt to send him a PM. I miss his posting too. https://www.iforgeiron.com/profile/15516-the-iron-dwarf/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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