HammerDance Posted February 24, 2022 Share Posted February 24, 2022 I’ve got free access to a seemingly-limitless supply of (used) cast iron boiler blocks/sections from old boilers that have been replaced. Is a block section (I can grab one that’s 2” thick, or some big thick heavy monsters) something worth bringing home to build a stationary forge around? There’s at least 1 YouTube video where a guy built a forge from a boiler section, so I know that it will work well for at least the length of a YouTube video. But would it have any long-lasting pros/cons? I would assume that anything too thick would act like a heat sink and suck up too much of the heat that I’m trying to generate. But on the thinner side, is it worth pursuing? I don’t want to waste my time on something free if it’s going to be a drag. Additionally, I’d like to use solid fuels in this scenario. I’ve read through a few threads where guys were attempting to forge on cast iron pans, so I guess I just saw this as a heavier alternative that wouldn’t limit my future bacon intake. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasPowers Posted February 24, 2022 Share Posted February 24, 2022 Anything that won't melt, burn or excessively transfer heat and can be made into the right shape can be used for a forge; even Just A Box Of Dirt! A problem can occur when it's too large/heavy as it makes using/moving it a pain. I had a student who built a forge from a semi brake drum. First go the fire was too deep, couldn't heat the middle of a bar and burnt the tips off everything he put in at a steep angle. So he filled it with dirt till it was close to the rim and could use it that way but it was such a pain to move he abandoned it when he changed rentals. Can you show us a picture? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HammerDance Posted February 24, 2022 Author Share Posted February 24, 2022 No pictures yet, but I’ll be sure to follow up. Thanks for the input, I appreciate it! I know for sure that I’ve thrown ‘portable’ out of the window with this one, so I’m just going to embrace it and see what happens. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasPowers Posted February 24, 2022 Share Posted February 24, 2022 I have a large cast iron "RR forge" that I bought around 1982 and have never used, moved it more times that I'd like to admit thinking that some day I'd work heavy steel in it---previous owner accidentally burnt a piece of RR rail in two in it. I've finally moved it out of my shop, (made a good table in the shop with a plate of 3/8" steel on it), because even with the 25# LG I don't expect I'll be working that heavy of stock anymore. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HammerDance Posted February 24, 2022 Author Share Posted February 24, 2022 I’ve certainly never been accused of UNDER-engineering anything, so I guess I wouldn’t be too upset with an over-engineered coffee table. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasPowers Posted February 24, 2022 Share Posted February 24, 2022 "Industrial chic" a known design style hampered only by the "What do you mean I need a forklift to move it so I can mop the floor?" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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