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How to build a better forge

video How to build a better forge

How to build a better forge.

This forge is better insulated than the firebrick forge and keeps a more even heat on the inside.

for more content, check out

www.makingcustomknives.com

21 comments

Feb 3, 2012. 11:47 AM

Smiddyt says:

I read somewhere that it is very dangerouse to try cutting a propane tank. Even if you think all the gas is out. How can I be sure this wont explode?

Mar 3, 2012. 9:06 PMtrh51 says:

propane is heavier than air. If you want to be ultra safe, drill a hole on both ends and tip it upside down.

Jun 24, 2011. 2:03 AMgreggspen says:

Great instructable. Like the recycling of a propane container and making the forge without special hole saws.

Durablanket is a possible carcinogen if fibres are inhaled.

The statement "Remember, If you touch durablanket, You'll Die!" is a bit of a stretch. But you never can be too carefull.

Jan 14, 2012. 11:49 AMUnsafe At Any Speed says:

Durablanket link with MSDS info: http://www.unifrax.com/web/UnifraxHome2.nsf/AllDocuments/12D7E60FCCF5001485256C3E004D8C1D?OpenDocument

Jun 24, 2011. 12:49 PMmakingcustomknives (author) says:

That propane bottle was pretty tough to get through. I admit to break several dremel bits before trying the tin snips. Ah the magic of video.
Thanks for your comments!

Jun 25, 2011. 1:01 AMgreggspen says:

Do you have an instructable anywhere about building burners, I've never made one I as really happy with.

Jun 25, 2011. 2:20 PMmakingcustomknives (author) says:

Actually I am in the process of making a video and text/pic article on building a burner. I have built a few "ron reil" type burners from various documents I found online, but they all seem to lack some important details that I got hung up on.

Thanks for watching!

Jun 25, 2011. 10:10 PMdrewgrey says:

My forge is similar to that but more adustable than most. Height ,support location and fuel air mixture all adjust.

Jun 26, 2011. 12:46 PMmakingcustomknives (author) says:

Do you use a forced air burner? I've haven't built one before. I found that using a venturi style burner with different ratios between intake/flare size changed the burner atmosphere, aka fuel/air mixture.

Jul 24, 2011. 10:02 AMdidgitalpunk says:

i am going to make a forge an going to use a gaz burner like the ones you have in heaters ( used to heat water for radiators in your house) would it be ok? because when you think about it, those things are made to get the hottest possible !

Jul 24, 2011. 10:41 AMmakingcustomknives (author) says:

Im sorry, but I'm not familiar with water heaters.

Jun 26, 2011. 7:18 PMdrewgrey says:

I just submitted an instructable on adding a spark plug to ny forge. Check it out.

Oct 2, 2011. 1:29 PMszulli-randall says:

I don't like it. I'm sorry, but I get the fun out of Forging things by actually having to Screw around with the coal and other stuff. I am comfortable with it also. Don't flag me because I am just trying to make my... Unless! You could possibly set it up on a REAL forge and then you can use that as a Back/Front fire! Ooh! Yeah! Sorry I am Really Exited!

Aug 28, 2011. 3:51 AMRui33 says:

Great Job!!

Aug 25, 2011. 5:00 AMMPLangan says:

Hello,
Great tutorial btw.
Just one question, how is the burner attached to the forge? Or is it just 'haning there'?

Aug 2, 2011. 4:27 PMjparal says:

Could you replace your special durablanket with fiberglass insulation if you burnt off its resin binding agent before hand, and could you just use normal refractory cement instead of the ceramic stuff?

"i know fiberglass insulation is toxic wen burnt"

Jul 7, 2011. 3:07 PMdoctorbigdaddy says:

great instructable, as all of yours are.You are very clever in your designs.

Jul 7, 2011. 9:37 AMgary.918 says:

very good.

Jun 23, 2011. 8:00 PMdrewgrey says:

Is durablanket asbestos? I used something similar that was not.....at least they said it wasn't. Great video

Jun 25, 2011. 12:59 AMgreggspen says:

I've used Kaowool before with good results. No problem to touch, pretty safe on the breathing front (Just don't snort it). Handles the heat especially with a coating of hite ceramic cement like Laitite.

Jun 24, 2011. 12:52 PMmakingcustomknives (author) says:

It definitely is not good to inhale. If I remember correctly, it becomes much more prone to releasing airborne fibers once it has been heated, as many other forges Ive seen online use just a bare layer of insulation without any coating.
thanks for watching!