How to Build a Forge

Smithing is an increasingly popular hobby, and some people make a good living at it. The primary tool for any smith is the forge. Without a well-constructed forge, the smith's job is much more difficult. Forgeless smithing requires the use of propane torches, which take much longer to heat metal to workable temperatures.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Wooden plug
• Cement
• Electric blower

Build the Base and Walls

1. Decide where you want to build your forge. The best place is outside in the open. Fumes and smoke will be emitted, so you will need good ventilation.

2. Drill several holes in one end of the metal pipe. These will allow air from the blower to exit the pipe and stoke the flames in the forge. You will need about 25 holes, relatively close together.

3. Dig a shallow pit. Make it slightly longer and wider than the size you want to build your forge. This will serve as the foundation of the forge.

4. Lay one layer of brick around the circumference of the forge. Leave a space in the back for the ventilation pipe to exit.

5. Lay the pipe in the space at the back. The drilled side should be in the interior of the forge, holes facing up. Center the holes in the forge.

6. Mix the mortar in a wheelbarrow or 5-gallon bucket. A thick consistency is better, as it will make the mortar set faster.

7. Using the trowel, apply a 1/2-inch layer of mortar on the top and joining sides of the base layer of bricks.

8. Add another layer of brick and mortar as before. Continue until you have reached the desired height for the forge. Let the mortar dry overnight.

Add the Finishing Touches

9. Make a wooden plug for the open end of the pipe that will sit inside the forge. The end can also be threaded, with a screw cap placed on. This is necessary to remove debris from the pipe in the future.

10. Mix the concrete in the same container used for the mortar. With the ventilation pipe in place, pour the cement into the bottom of the forge. Don't let the cement cover the pipe.

11. Remove the ventilation pipe once the cement has begun to set. It is important that the pipe is free of cement so that it can be removed for cleaning.

12. Replace the ventilation pipe once the cement has set. Attach the blower motor to the end of the pipe not in the forge.

Tips & Warnings

• A grate can be added just above the ventilation pipe during the construction of the forge walls. This is used to hold the charcoal and allow more air to circulate, but is not necessary. If you choose to do this, use a steel grate rather than iron.

Resources

• An excellent website about forges and iron working