Thread: Forge lining thickness? Kaowool and Satanite

I am finally getting my forge pieced together. While doing more research on burners I ran across several information stating a forge needs to be lined with 2" of insulation (in my case I've chosen kaowool). However I have not ran across any information regarding the addition of satanite clay on top.

The forge I am building which the body is done, started as a piece of 6" diameter pipe. If I add 2" of Kaowool my opening will become too small to use. Will I do nine with 1" layer of Kaowool with some saranute or do I need the full 2" regardless?

Being that you have the 6" pipe part already built, I would try it with 1" of Kaowool and the clay on top. That should leave you about a 3" Dia. working area.

I'm more or less stuck with what I have now, I'm just trying to figure out if it will be ok long term or if I am going to have to work toward building a bigger forge.

Sent from my VS880 using Tapatalk

Well, adding 'more' insulation will never be a problem whereas too little might be.
If you currently have 6", you'll have to work with what you got. I'd say finish it like that, and give it a try. Only then will you know if it suffices for your needs.

http://straightrazorpalace.com/forge...shiny-wip.html
This is my 6" pipe forge based on the great Charlie Lewis's set up and works fine for him

I used 1" 360 wool and applied 2 layers one was a split layer to half inch
Then applied a thin coat of Satinite now , my original high temp mortar did not last long

This gives me a 3" chamber sufficient for razors and I have made knives up to 2" wide with no problems either
So go for it I say
Hope this helps you mate

Funny you say that because mine is based off Charlie's forge as well. But I think his is slightly bigger around than mine.

Sent from my VS880 using Tapatalk

It is a 6" pipe with a 3" chamber

Ya I just looked at Charlie's, if it's bigger than 6" it's not much, but that's from looking at a video. Tc

As Bruno said, more insulation is better than less insulation. And for both health and refractory reasons, you're better off with satanite or some other refractory coating than leaving the wool bare. It will help reflect heat back into the forge and will also cut down on the # of loose fibres floating around.

Don't forget to take into consideration what your intended use it. If it's just razors and knives, then small is good. Why heat space you're not going to use?

But if you want to work on larger pieces, a new forge may be called for. But worry about that if/when the time comes.

And congrats on building the thing! You'll have a great time with it.

Just watched Charlie's video again and for some reason I had though he said his tube was 7" so I thought his was bigger diameter but apparently it's going to be the same size.

Sent from my VS880 using Tapatalk