Thread: Should I buy this antique forge?

The below photo is only the closest one I could fine on the Internet, I would say the one I have been seeing at the flea market for the last couple of months with the $150.00 price tag was intriguing. It's cast iron and very heavy, the hand blower works. Keep in mind I am only thinking about forging blades(and knives) I have always wanted to, and am kinda thinking this might get me started. Or would I do just as good with the converted BBQ grill and blow dryer.

Also, the one I am looking for has a big cool metal bucket full of coal along with 3 tools, 1 nice set f long tongs , a hammer, and old soldering iron. A

Any thoughts.? I would get major wife aggravation if I brought it home. But it could be a cool planter until it was ready...

As far as I'm concerned you can go for it. Your wife isnt going to kick me out of my house.

For 150.00 I'd say snap it up. I still use my converted gas grill and blow dryer and it works just fine for 19.00 and some change but this would be cool to have.

Heck maybe I should send you the money and have you ship it out to me?

Make sure the blower works, the bottom is not rusted out, the clinker tube can be opened and cleaned out. Then check Abana.org for a blacksmithing group in your area.

Have fun!

If it is in good working condition, go for it

Haha! You're all such a bunch of enablers!

But yeah, go for it, it looks to be a good deal assuming it's in working order!

For the same money, you could build a gas forge, which I prefer for blades. Just my opinion.

Once you use it for a planter you will never get it back. It will be hers.

Originally Posted by skipnord

For the same money, you could build a gas forge, which I prefer for blades. Just my opinion.

Yes he could but then there really isn't anything like the "old school" feel of getting it done is there....

Apart from the gas forge idea, you should check out electric furnaces, both on eBay and from suppliers such as www.knifemaking.com . Also it is unlikely that this forge would use coal to maximum effect, and this would produce sulphurous and other impurities that might attack steel or neighbours. Check up (since I'm no expert) on my belief that charcoal could be used with no snags. It's good enough for the Japanese. Coke may be hard to obtain locally. I don't believe any of these are likely to be as good as gas for forging, or electricity for heat-treatment.

If you do want to go the solid fuel route, though, this forge seems like a good deal. Even firebricks and an electric blower aren't cheap. If the bowl seems thin or deeply pitted, you could line it with fireclay, available from some pottery suppliers, although ordinary potters'clays probably aren't up to it. Line it, cut the lining into bricks whils still soft, and let them air-harden thoroughly before firing them with a slowly-growing heat, then cement them together with fire cement.