Thread: I did it boys, made a forge

Thanks for all the great comments and advice guys. I'll definately be trying out some different approaches and making improvements each time I fire it up.
Now my brain is working overtime on grinding set-ups ...when will it all end
Grant

Nice one Grant!

Got a few suggestions to think about:

Blower speed control
-could try securing a cardboard disc to the back of your dryer, just a single screw.
To change air intake, just move the disc to block off more or less air. (I did this with an air hockey fan, which worked fine...though I still preferred the hand crank blower).

Clay lining alternative - could try coal ash mixed with water... I was told that this works.

Heavy steel fire pot -instead of clay lining, make fire pot from some heavier steel. Mine is made from a car brake disc, & I welded a bit of steel to the bottom to block off the bolt holes.

Anyway, just a few thoughts...

Enjoy playing with fire!
Michael

Originally Posted by FTG

Nice one Grant!

Got a few suggestions to think about:

Blower speed control
-could try securing a cardboard disc to the back of your dryer, just a single screw.
To change air intake, just move the disc to block off more or less air. (I did this with an air hockey fan, which worked fine...though I still preferred the hand crank blower).

Not ideal. A hair dryer such as the OP uses is not meant to be used for prolonged periods of time.
Additionally: it heats up inside. If you choke the air intake, it'll overheat.
Even if it has thermal protection, it'll just switch off, shutting your fire down.

Yeah Grant, don't be such a fishes bum! Buy a decent hair-dryer with a variable setting button on it fer chrissake!


Mick

Actually, If you get a professional hair dryer (meant for prolonged use) it should have variable speeds. If you cut the heating coil, you'll have no overheating either. Or you could use an old kitchen exhaust (these are also vari-speed).

Originally Posted by baldy

Now my brain is working overtime on grinding set-ups ...when will it all end
Grant

Uh-Never