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Post by 1776 on Jan 13, 2017 3:26:40 GMT
Hello, I have built a coal forge with my brother, but found that you have to be constantly tending the fire and there is a lot of smoke too. All in all a little to much trouble for me. So I thought, why not build a propane forge? Saw this video: I thought, I can do that! But than I thought, will this work to make knives with though? I don't mean long term, just to get started. Seeing as I don't have a propane forge, and I don't really want to use my coal forge, would this get me by until I can build a really large/nice one? I know I would be limited on the length of knife I could make in it, I just want to know if that type of forge would get the steel hot enough to forge blades. Or should I not waste my time, and just start on a nice and large one. Seeing as I mean to go that direction anyways. Thoughts anyone? Thanks
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Post by L Driggers (fallen) on Jan 13, 2017 7:41:54 GMT
It's what I start off with, as long as you get the right propane torch it works well. Made a lot of knives in it, still have it.
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Post by chrisperoni on Jan 13, 2017 12:44:57 GMT
Bigger isn't necessarily better with a forge. Bigger means more fuel to keep it at temp.
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Post by L Driggers (fallen) on Jan 13, 2017 15:32:32 GMT
Got yours finished yet Chris.
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Post by 1776 on Jan 16, 2017 18:20:57 GMT
It's what I start off with, as long as you get the right propane torch it works well. Made a lot of knives in it, still have it. So... what would be the right propane torch?
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Post by 1776 on Jan 16, 2017 18:24:57 GMT
Oh, and should I not have a hole going out the back? It would keep the heat in more if I didn't have the hole in the back. But a hole allows longer steel to be heated. Heck, you could do a sword in that I guess. A little bit of steel at a time.
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Post by 1776 on Jan 18, 2017 0:45:30 GMT
So, been walking through the web a little, and I got kinda scared about using plaster of paris and sand 50/50 mix. Seems that it won't hold up to use well. So, I got some fire clay... should I use that straight? Or mix it with something? Really excited to build this forge, can't wait to get started!
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Post by 1776 on Jan 18, 2017 0:51:27 GMT
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Alan Schiff
Registered
Manufacturers and Vendors
Posts: 464
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Post by Alan Schiff on Jan 18, 2017 23:45:50 GMT
The lining he used is ceramic fiber blanket. It's a lot like fiberglass insulation but made from ceramic instead of glass. A google search for ceramic blanket comes up with a lot of sources, and it can be had from ebay and amazon as well. They're usually rated to 2300-2600 degrees Fahrenheit. I know L Driggers coats his with refractory cement or something, right now my forge just has the plain blanket.
Hope that helps, Alan
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Post by L Driggers (fallen) on Jan 19, 2017 4:18:48 GMT
I get small amounts of ceramic blanket from High Temp Tools or Wayne Coe. It depends on what I'm going to do with the forge. My forge welding forges have a thin casting of refractory over the ceramic blanket then a reflective coating. The one used for forging only some times have just the bottom cast with refractory, some time just the ceramic blanket with a reflective coating.
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Post by 1776 on Jan 19, 2017 5:11:36 GMT
So. I've done a large amount of research between the last post and now. I'm looking at buying a Diamondback Iron Works single burner forge, a Atlas Mini forge, or building my own from an Atlas large burner, some Kaowool, ITC-100 and putting it all inside a 1/4 of a 55 gallon metal barrel. As far as I see it, the Atlas Mini Forge is the cheapest option, then making my own, then the Diamondback. I would jump at the Atlas, just a little small... I would like to be able to do axe and tomahawk heads and even kukris. The Atlas Mini forge is too small for those. Just a knife forge. Which I'm fine with... just wanted to do axes, tomahawks, and kukris.
Also, the idea of making my own is a little daunting. I'm sure I could do it, just don't have a welder. Which complicates things a little.
Ideas? Ups and downs of each option?
Thanks
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Post by 1776 on Jan 19, 2017 5:28:52 GMT
Ow. Just ran the total on the Atlas large burner, forge regulator, 10 feet of Koawool, and a pint of ITC-100. $380 shipped to my front door. Ouch. Could buy that Diamondback single burner forge for that cost. And if my forge is too big for one burner that is an extra $40. Could buy the two burner Diamondback for that price. Hmmm. Really leaning towards not building my own. Cost is the same as a commercial one, and I don't know much about building gas forges at all. So the commercial ones (atlas and Diamondback) would most likely be better than mine. Oh, and any reason to get a round vs. square chamber forge? Thoughts?
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Post by L Driggers (fallen) on Jan 19, 2017 5:31:17 GMT
Find a old Freon tank, if you do it right there is no welding involved. I've already went through this type of build with Chris. If you don't want to build you own burner I will sale you one of my I have way too many as it is.
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Post by 1776 on Jan 19, 2017 5:35:32 GMT
What are the pros and cons of this though? Building my own vs buying a commercial made one is the same cost. So I would be out a lot of time for the same thing I could have bought for the same price. Or would that be the case? Is building your own just always a better idea? Thank for the help btw.
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Post by 1776 on Jan 19, 2017 5:51:00 GMT
If you don't want to build you own burner I will sale you one of my I have way too many as it is. I might just take you up on this offer. What do you have?
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Post by L Driggers (fallen) on Jan 19, 2017 6:01:23 GMT
you can build your own forge for a lot less money than buying one already make. The atlas burner is cheap it also not tunable. It doesn't take long to build a forge. If you really just what to buy one look into the Devil's forge line.
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Post by freq on Jan 19, 2017 8:54:56 GMT
stand this on its side and youve got a forge
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Post by freq on Jan 19, 2017 9:08:55 GMT
or even simpler
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Post by 1776 on Jan 20, 2017 2:10:21 GMT
Hmmm. After a lot of headache and thought, I have come to the conclusion that I will be purchasing the Diamondback Ironworks 1 Burner Knifemaker/Welders Forge. www.diamondbackironworks.com/catalog/item/2754775/4583812.htm I have heard lots of good things about them, and they really seem to know what they are talking about. The forge I'm after is $350, which is the same cost of making my own. Plus I'm not sure I'm ready to try my luck at building a propane forge. I want to start forging again, not building forges. And if I can get a really good forge, made by some one else who really knows what they are doing , for the same cost of the materials needed to build my own... well you get the picture. @fallen- Thanks for telling me about the Devil Forges. I loved the prices. But, I heard of some problems about them having Euro parts, that don't really match USA parts... and they don't seem to have that good of customer service. But thanks for telling me about them! I really appreciate your help, you have helped me a lot. freq- Thanks for the help, nice to get input and help. @ Alan Schiff- Thank you for your input too. Like I said, it is awesome to get help. Anyone have any experience with the Diamondback forges? If not I guess I'll have to run a review on it when I finally pull the trigger and buy the darn thing.
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Post by 1776 on Jan 21, 2017 5:19:18 GMT
Just bought the DiamondBack 1 Burner Knifemaker/Welders Forge! Will post a review when I get it! Super excited!
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