Introduction:
The figures below all relate to: Alternate Configuration Drawing
Figure 1 is a forge that has a layer of high temperature refractory cement in the bottom. To accomplish this a layer of
wax paper is placed over the ceramic material and then the wet refractory cement is placed on top of the wax paper about
one inch thick. Let the refractory cement dry completely before firing up the forge. This configuration works well for
the knife makers since the refractory cement is more impervious to borax flux. Borax tends to dissolve the hard bricks
and the ceramic fiber.
Figure 2 shows a configuration where a 4 1/2 X 9 X 1 1/4 inch high temperature brick is installed directly on the bottom of the pipe with the ceramic fiber running to the edge of the brick. The brick makes an excellent working surface.
Figure 3 shows a forge made out of a piece of 12-inch pipe. A piece of l/8 inch plate 8 3/4" wide is welded to the
bottom of the pipe. A layer of 1/4" ceramic fiberboard is placed on top the plate to reduce the heat loss through
the bricks. Nine inch half bricks are than set on top of the ceramic fiber. A plate can be welded to the back of any
of these forges and lined with ceramic fiber. A small door can be cut in the back so accommodate longer pieces of work.
Any pipe can be used. However in order to make the forges lighter it is suggested that 14 of 10 gauge grain pipe be used.
Figure 4 shows a wider forge for larger work. The 10 inch pipe can be cut in half length wise and different width plates
can be welded to the edges to provide extra width. Making the increase in width multiples of 4 l/2 inches precludes
the necessity of cutting bricks. In the forge shown 13 inch plates were welded to the edges allowing three 4 l/2 half bricks
to be placed in the bottom. A 1/4 inch ceramic fiber board 13 l/4 inches wide is placed under the bricks to cut down on
heat loss. It becomes difficult to place bricks in front and back of the forge. A plate can be welded to the back and
lined with ceramic fiber and a door hinged at the top and lined with ceramic fiber can be installed on the front.
The door on the front should have an opening about 3 x 10 inches on the bottom center.
The same burner will provide sufficient heat with higher gas pressure and greater air flow.
