Salem IronWorks Posted February 10, 2021 Share Posted February 10, 2021 after using the box of dirt for a while I have decided that I want to upgrade my forge and decided to seek some guidance from the community. I have a few questions How big does my fire pot need to be, length, width, and depth. What size table do I need to build for the fire pot. how thick of material do I need to make my fire pot out of. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Irondragon Forge ClayWorks Posted February 10, 2021 Share Posted February 10, 2021 The best fire pot I have used. Answers all your questions. Bob Patrick Firepot Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Salem IronWorks Posted February 10, 2021 Author Share Posted February 10, 2021 (edited) thanks for the reply. that looks good, what size table should I make for it. and what thickness of metal did you use for the fire pot I don't think I seen that in the dimensions Edited February 10, 2021 by Salem IronWorks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
anvil Posted February 10, 2021 Share Posted February 10, 2021 2'x3' or so with the fire pot centered is a pretty good size. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasPowers Posted February 10, 2021 Share Posted February 10, 2021 It all depends on what you will be working with and making: I have used firepots 4" long and 30" long; both for special projects. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Will-I-am Posted February 10, 2021 Share Posted February 10, 2021 I have been eyeballing several deceased barbacue grills. People are always getting the latest and greatest $1000 grill and then giving away a stainless $500 grill. A buddy gave me an all metal one many years ago. The Bob Patrick Firepot idea could be followed and applied to an all metal grill. Slabs of firebrick could be angled. The slit could be cut to the exact dimensions advised in firebrick. Sch. 40 pipe with elbow to eliminate welding with ash dump. The 3inch tuyere pipe routed to 4" hvac 100cfm booster fan with variable settings. The short sides of the grill carved out so long material can be inserted from both sides. The grill lid could be carved out on right and left edges with half circles to enclose heat better but still be able to eyeball material. A sand mix with fireclay used under the firebrick. This would require no welding. Just brainstorming. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasPowers Posted February 11, 2021 Share Posted February 11, 2021 Vermiculate would be lighter as a fill for "unused space". You could probably work up a fireclay/vermiculite mix that would be fairly rigid and fairly light. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Salem IronWorks Posted February 12, 2021 Author Share Posted February 12, 2021 so what about the thickness of material for the fire pot what should I make it out of Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasPowers Posted February 12, 2021 Share Posted February 12, 2021 How much use and how hot will you be running it? 6 hours a day forge welding would need a thicker firepot than 2 hours every other weekend working sheet metal in it. 1/4" to 3/8" to 1/2" will do for most folks---remember in smithy *everything* is a consumable---even the Smith! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
arkie Posted February 13, 2021 Share Posted February 13, 2021 Most folks making the Bob Patrick firepot use 1/2" plate, welded. If you can't find 1/2" plate, 3/8" might work, but is a bit lightweight. (Bob's a founder of our BOA organization here in the Ozarks). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Salem IronWorks Posted February 14, 2021 Author Share Posted February 14, 2021 I have a steel supplier and I can order what I need but thanks for the replies. I'm gonna make it out of 1/2 inch and work form there with the blueprints an post what I come up with Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daswulf Posted February 14, 2021 Share Posted February 14, 2021 The 2'x3' table advise is sound for general forging. Been using a table just under that size for years. I like my fire pot around 2-3"deep and 8-9" diameter. (I use a brake rotor, rear type with the drum style e-brakes) has worked great for me for years. Can always build up the fire but for small stuff and too deep a fire pot you'll burn up a lot of fuel. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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