Logan L. Posted January 1, 2009 Posted January 1, 2009 Hey, I've always wanted to blacksmith, but I dont know how to make a forge. I don't want to use gas. I want to use charcoal or coal. Any ideas? Quote
Flaming S Forge Posted January 1, 2009 Posted January 1, 2009 Check out blueprint #133. There are many different ways to build a working coal fired forge. Also do a search for forges in the forum. Loads of information there. Quote
element Posted January 1, 2009 Posted January 1, 2009 go to search on top of the webpage, thats were i get most my answers. I am also in the process of building my first ( real) coal forge. eric Quote
Frosty Posted January 1, 2009 Posted January 1, 2009 Welcome aboard Logan, good to have you. Once you get the idea a forge is no big thing to make. Search IFI, check out the blue prints and read through getting started. Bring a lunch though, lots to read. Frosty Quote
Finnr Posted January 1, 2009 Posted January 1, 2009 Where in Northern Wisconsin are you? I am just South east of Eau Claire and more than willing to lend a hand. If you are anywhere near Hudson Or the surrounding area there is a member of Badger Blacksmiths near you. Give me a holler and I'll see what I can do to help. Finnr Quote
Will. K. Posted January 1, 2009 Posted January 1, 2009 (edited) I forge out of an old Webber grill filled with hardwood wood ash, and burn charcoal or wood. Been meaning to try the wood pellets they sell for stoves/heaters. Got the idea from bladesmith Tai Goo when I came across some pics and a description of his "forgebeque" I got the grill out of the trash, the legs were rusted off so I set it on an old car rim. I drilled a ~3.5" hole in the side and inserted a length of 3" iron pipe. then i packed the inside with with wood ash. It takes quite a bit of ash. I use an electric squirrel cage blower to provide air to the pipe. Its pretty basic and easy to move. Works well when you get used to setting it up right. Everything except the car rim was free. I just have to remember to dampen the wood ash before start up and every once in a while as I work so I don't make a dusty mess. If your ever in the appleton/fox valley area your welcome to come check it out Edited January 1, 2009 by Will. K. poor spellling :) Quote
Archie Zietman Posted January 1, 2009 Posted January 1, 2009 This is the easiest to build and one of the most versatile and efficient charcoal forge designs I know. I made one like it in literally 5 minutes, and still use it after months. You can adjust the bricks to the size fire you want, and the firebricks reflect heat back onto the piece, making it very efficient. Simple Sideblast Charcoal Forge Quote
Will. K. Posted January 1, 2009 Posted January 1, 2009 Here is a pic of my grill wood/charcoal forge. The pic is poor since I snapped it out of the window in my living room but you can just make out the hole I cut in the side for the pipe. I usually set the blower on the soda keg in the pic and just place the mouth of the pipe in the output of the blower. The blower provides more than enough air so I don't worry about sealing the connection tight. Quote
unkle spike Posted January 2, 2009 Posted January 2, 2009 (edited) Will and Logan, Reiss Coal in Green Bay had Blacksmith coal the last time I called... There are many ways to build your own forges. Welcome to the group. I was born and raised in Menasha, and Grandpa had a blacksmith shop in Medina for a while, I will let you know next time I get up that way, may stop for a visit. Logan where in Northern WI are you, I got some "kin" up there too.... Also I would take Finnr's advice and find a forge group or another smith there, they are great for getting information on supplies etc... also there is a place in Briarton to get steel pretty cheap. Name: Schoessow Steel Inc Street: W3676 State Highway 156 City:Bonduel, wi 54107- Best of Luck, and welcome to the "family" Edited January 2, 2009 by unkle spike Quote
Logan L. Posted January 18, 2009 Author Posted January 18, 2009 Well i tried making one by putting fire bricks on top of a piece of shelfing, the steel kind you see in grocery stores with a bunch of holes in it, inside a cast iron stove. I tried it like that with a fan blowing air under the door of the stove and under the shelf but I don't think it got hot enough. So now I ran a piece of drilled pipe under the shelf and i will blow air out of that. Think it will work? Quote
Rob Browne Posted January 18, 2009 Posted January 18, 2009 Have a look at the washtub forge. Very simple and effective. Good luck. Quote
Rob Browne Posted January 18, 2009 Posted January 18, 2009 Have a look at the washtub forge. Very simple and effective. Good luck. Quote
MetalMuncher Posted January 18, 2009 Posted January 18, 2009 Welcome to IFI, good place to learn stuff. Google search for a brake drum forge, its small and simple to make. Now remember, a forge is just a place to hold the fire and accomodate a blow pipe known as tuyere. Nothing complicated. Happy forging! Quote
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