How to Make a Mini Forge Out of an Altoids Tin

In this instructable I have built a forge that really isn't to practical but if for some reason you need to forge yourself some paper clips this is the project for you.

Step 1: Materials

For this project you need the following:
-Altoids tin
-2" piece of brass tubing
-A tube of fireplace cement
-Perlite
-Rubber tubing

Tools
-Caulking gun
-Popsicle sticks (or something to spread the cement with)
-pencil torch (recommended)

Step 2: Drilling and Cutting

First, drill a hole in the side of the tin. Or you can do what I did and use an ice pick and a pair of needle nose pliers to work the hole to the size you want. The hole should be just bigger than the brass tube. If your tube isn't cut already, cut it now.

Step 3: Adding the Insulator

Grab your caulking gun and load in the fireplace cement. Then squirt it into a paper cup. Next, add in some perlite. keep doing this until you have the right consistency. You want it to be quite chunky for the first layer. If you want to make the final surface smoother, you can add fireplace cement to the gaps. Add this to your tin with the brass tube already inserted. Form the mixture with your popsicle stick. Try to completely cover the tube because otherwise it will melt. Remember to leave a hole so that the air can pass through. Use the location of the tube as your guide and slope the caulk/perlite mixture up to the edge of the tin as shown in the pictures. After that just let it dry and you are ready to start forging. When It dries you can duct tape the tubing on to the brass pipe.

Step 4: Starting Your Forge

To start your forge you first need a source of air. You can blow into the tube but it works much better if you have a small fan. If, when you put in the charcoal the fan blow it out of the forge you know it is to powerful. As long as the charcoal stays in the forge it will work. Next, acquire charcoal. barbecue charcoal works but is not recommended. The charcoal you get in your fireplace is just fine. now If you have a torch just turn on the air and light the charcoal. But if you don't, you are going to need some lighter fluid, cooking oil or tiki torch oil. pour oil over a few pieces of charcoal nestle them in with the other pieces, turn on the fan and and light with a lighter or match.

NOTE: Even though you insulated the forge, it is still hot when you are done don't pick it up directly after you are done forging. Leave it there for 3-5 min. then test it by flipping it over and briefly touching the underside.