How to Build a Metal Working Forge
A forge is where magic happens and hard iron becomes malleable prior to tooling. Ideally, a coal forge consists of five elements. Its three necessary elements are the fire pot, where the fuel is contained and heated; the tuyere, which is the point at which air flow is introduced to the fire; and the blower, which generates the air flow. The unnecessary elements are the hearth, which contains extra coal and provides space for longer pieces of metal to rest, and the hood, which draws in smoke and fumes. Building a simple brake drum is a common project for beginning smiths.
Things You'll Need
- Pipe flange, 2 inches
- Brake drum, 10 to 16 inches diameter
- 2 wrenches
- 4 bolts
- 4 nuts
- Drill (optional)
- Pipe cap, 2 inches
- 3 pipe nipples, 2 inches by 6 inches
- Pipe T, 2 inches by 2 inches by 2 inches
- Blower
- Duct tape (optional)
- Additional piping (optional)
- Cinder blocks (optional)
Instructions
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1
Attach a 2-inch pipe flange to the bottom of a 10- to 16-inch brake drum. Use wrenches to tighten bolts and nuts, with the heads of the bolts inside the brake drum. If the holes of the flange and brake drum do not align, drill new holes into the pipe flange. The brake drum will act as your fire pot.
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2
Screw together in a straight line, with a pipe T in the middle, a 2-inch pipe cap, a 2-inch-by-6-inch pipe nipple, a 2-inch-by-2-inch-by-2-inch pipe T and another 2-inch-by-6-inch pipe nipple. All of these elements forming the pipe assemblage can be tightened sufficiently by hand.
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3
Attach the open end of the pipe assemblage to the flange, tightening it well by hand.
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4
Screw a 2-inch-by-6-inch pipe nipple into the open space of the T section. This pipe section is your tuyere and should be horizontal when the forge stands upright.
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5
Connect a blower to the open end of the horizontal pipe. Depending on the type of blower you use, such as a professional blower, vent fan or hairdryer, this task can be accomplished with duct tape, additional piping or any number of options as long as they provide an airtight seal.
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6
Adjust the height if necessary. After you stand your forge upright, the height of the fire pot should be at a level that is comfortable for you to work at while standing. The height can be adjusted by using stacked cinder blocks underneath the brake drum or by having a machine shop weld legs onto your forge.
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Tips & Warnings
Brake drum forges are passable for beginning smiths, but they are not recommended. In the long run, it is far less expensive to buy quality materials from a reliable source than to rig together a makeshift forge.
Use only black steel pipe fittings. Galvanized steel emits toxic fumes when heated.
Fire is hot. Before your forge is assembled and you begin to use it, have all the necessary safety equipment for blacksmithing. Safety glasses, closed-toe shoes, leather gloves, natural fiber clothing and earplugs are all strongly recommended.
Avoid setting up your forge on any flammable surface, such as a wood floor.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit forge et forgeron image by LAURENT VICENZOTTI from Fotolia.com
