Arkans Posted December 12, 2022 Share Posted December 12, 2022 Okay, so I am buying a used forge form a member on here, but that doesn't shut my brain off. So here is my question for all the world to see, So searching the internet Found Centaur Forge, and they have several Firepots for sale there for your forges. some are Cast Iron and some are Welded, Also I have seen several folks build Welded Firepots for forges else where on line. Soo, here is the question, If I design and build a large table forge say 32" x 36". is it better to design it around a pre-built cast iron firepot, or design a welded firepot to use with that table. Ii know welded firepots work, but as I only have access to a small flux core welder, would the high Heat form the forge burn out my welds, or would it work just fine after claying? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Irondragon Forge ClayWorks Posted December 12, 2022 Share Posted December 12, 2022 Firepot's usually are not clayed. The firepot does not reach a temperature to burn out welds. If you want to build one here is one that works very well, I've used one in the ESSA forges for years. Bob Patrick Firepot Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arkans Posted December 12, 2022 Author Share Posted December 12, 2022 Hey thanks for the information,and that is almost the same thing i was looking at doing, except I was adding a clinker breaker to mine, mainly cause i am lazy and don't want to have to pick out the clinker each time. Which knowing my luck i will have to do anyways. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jobtiel1 Posted December 12, 2022 Share Posted December 12, 2022 I have this same firepot in my forge, works a treat and I have had no problems with the welds burning away. Do make sure the bottom plate is of a good thick steel. I used 1.5 cm plate and the sides are 8 mm plate steel. ~Jobtiel Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
anvil Posted December 12, 2022 Share Posted December 12, 2022 I'm a fan of cast firepots and have used the rectangular firepot, twyre, and clinkerball setup from Centaur forge for over 30 years. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JHCC Posted December 12, 2022 Share Posted December 12, 2022 A premade firepot will get you going faster and probably work just fine. Making your own can save you some money up front, but as a newbie, you should definitely follow an existing, already-proven design rather than trying to design something that you don't have the experience to estimate how well -- even whether or not -- it will work. If you do weld up your own, heavier plate is definitely recommended: at least 1/2", more if you've got it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Latticino Posted December 13, 2022 Share Posted December 13, 2022 Only downside I know of for CI firepots (aside from cost) is that you need to be careful not to heat shock them and crack them. As long as you don't pour a bunch of water directly on it while it has been heated up it should last a lifetime. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arkans Posted December 13, 2022 Author Share Posted December 13, 2022 Well I am starting off with a forge I am going to buy from Twisted... he has a round cast iron forge, it needs some work but I think I can get it going with little effort and a trip to a good scrap yard. He also has a blower that will work great with it... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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