Bayviewforge Posted May 22, 2022 Share Posted May 22, 2022 be Could I use iron scrap in a bloom furnace to make a usable bloom? Would forge scale work as iron “ore”? Would more tuyeres create a higher iron content of the bloom? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasPowers Posted May 22, 2022 Share Posted May 22, 2022 Could I use iron scrap in a bloom furnace to make a usable bloom? Adding already processed iron is sort of avoiding the way a bloomery works. Would forge scale work as iron “ore”? Scale is magnetite and a very good iron ore; pretty much what the "iron sand" is that is used by the Japanese in their bloomeries for bladesmithing steel. Would more tuyeres create a higher iron content of the bloom? Yes, NO, or maybe depending on a LOT of factors you haven't mentioned They could add enough oxygen that you don't have reducing fire and so not get any iron. They could cause the fuel to burn so fast that the ore doesn't spend enough time in the reducing zone. They could result in more slag that removes iron with it leaving not enough left for a bloom. What kind of bloomery are you planning to build? n.b "The Mastery and uses of Fire in Antiquity" has plans for a small "fool proof" bloomery in the appendix.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bayviewforge Posted May 22, 2022 Author Share Posted May 22, 2022 Ok thanks. Would there be any way to take scrap iron and turn it into a bar for forging? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frosty Posted May 22, 2022 Share Posted May 22, 2022 Of course, the blacksmith way. Forge weld it into whatever size piece you wish. There are a few excellent videos of 3rd. world blacksmiths welding bits of auto body and bumper together to make tools. Traveling blacksmiths with their complete kits in a shoulder type bag, satchel. Frosty The Lucky. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bayviewforge Posted May 22, 2022 Author Share Posted May 22, 2022 Yo lets go I got frosty to comment on this thread Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frosty Posted May 22, 2022 Share Posted May 22, 2022 You asked an obvious enough question. All I know about a bloomery is they're a LOT of work. Frosty The Lucky. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasPowers Posted May 23, 2022 Share Posted May 23, 2022 Usually it's cheaper to just get steel closer to what you want to make from the scrapyard or buy it new (shudder). When It makes sense is when you are trying to conserve real wrought iron, bushelling it has been done for thousands of years; or you are making "scrapmascus" and so the bits and pieces forge welded together is a feature. I have a bucket for scrap to go *to* the scrapyard and a bucket for scrapmascus in my shop and a bucket for scale to go towards the next bloomery run! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
anvil Posted May 23, 2022 Share Posted May 23, 2022 The best reason to do it is because you want to do it. Do a search for Lee Sauder for some excellent articles and vids on smelting. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frosty Posted May 24, 2022 Share Posted May 24, 2022 Best reason?! Heck it's the ONLY reason! Frosty The Lucky. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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