How to maintain a riveter forge

[Justananvil]

My grandfather gave me his old riveter forge (cast iron from the look of it) a while ago and I'm just now getting around to setting up a spot to forge.

But I noticed there's a couple of spots where the forge bowl has been burned through (the holes about the size of a thumb).  Is there a good way to repair those holes or do I just fill them in with some kind of refractory material when I go to line it?

And on the topic, what would be a good material to line the forge with?

[Stash]

Probably easiest to line it with clay- the cast iron forges were supposed to be lined with clay anyway, to prevent thermal shock causing cracks, and burn thru. Any garden/creek clay you can dig up will work, just barely damp, pound into place with a rubber mallet, chunk of 2x4 or equivalent , and shape a depression in the center for your 'ducks nest'- the fire bowl. You should be good to go.

Steve

[Irondragon Forge ClayWorks]

Welcome from the Ozark mountains. A picture or two will help in giving advice. Also knowing where in the world you are located might help too.

 

I can't control the wind, all I can do is adjust my sails. ~ Semper Paratus

[Justananvil]

I'll see if the creek by my house has some clay I can dig up.  Thanks for the advice!

[Irondragon Forge ClayWorks]

If you use river/creek bank clay, mix about the same amount or a little more of sand, either builders or play sand will do. That will help stop the clay from cracking when it dries out and comes close to "Fire Clay".