Small forge

[Brass_Machine]

So the missus attended a blacksmith course over the weekend and really enjoyed herself. Now she is asking to be setup with a small forge so she can start doing stuff at home. I have been looking into small forges and the 2 that keep popping are the brake drum type and small propane burner type.

Does anyone have a link(s) for some DIY stuff so I can build her one?

Eric

[Pete49]

Eric I used to have a brake drum forge and it was a nice unit to use. It came from a truck but was a good size for most things I wanted to do. No pics as it was many years before digital cameras so there wasn't a big desire to take photos of most things workshop wise.
Personally I prefer coke for forging rather than propane but I guess its a personal thing.
Pete

[SwarfnStuff]

Hi Brass,
     I just did a search and came up with this from Instructables if it helps. http://www.instructables.com/id/Brake-drum-blacksmithing-forge/
 A bit more detailed info here.
http://www.instructables.com/id/Basic-Brake-drum-Forge-for-under-40/
Found Plans here. http://www.artistblacksmith.com/articles/coal_forge_plans.html
There is also some on Youtube.
At least this will give you sumatt to ponder.
John B

[Arbalist]

http://www.iforgeiron.com/forum/63-forges/

May be of use.

[vtsteam]

Wonderful that she's taken that course!  Maybe post some work here, down the road?

[Arbalist]

I went on a 2 1/2 day Blacksmiths course and it was great fun, thoroughly reccomended!

[Brass_Machine]

Wonderful that she's taken that course!  Maybe post some work here, down the road?

She made some neat things in the class. I am trying to convince her to come here and post up. If she doesn't... I have pictures!

[Brass_Dragonfly]

Still learning, but here's a few. I'm looking forward to getting better once the forge is built.

 

[RobWilson]

  Nicely done  I particularly like the look of the wall hook . 




Rob

[vtsteam]

They do look great!     

[Arbalist]

We made three things on the course I did, Rat tail Poker, a Wall bracket for a hanging basket and a Rams head toasting fork.

[Brass_Machine]

Her class wasn't bad. They were firing up the forge within the 1st hour. Unfortunately it was only one day... but she will be going back to take more classes.

It is hard to see in the pictures, but those pieces are really well done. Hard to believe she never picked up a hammer before...

[Will_D]

As she's so good with the hammer I would give her great respect!

In Ireland I am still looking for a course! Even thought about "apprenticing" myself to a local smith (who mainly does gates and the like) for free!.

My grandad was a farrier before the great war in rural Hereford. Then came WWI so he joined the Royal Engineers. Then came the post war recession but he eventaully got a job as a smith with the LMS maintenance depot in Abergavenny in S. Wales (NOT GWR !!).

He worked for the LMS for 40 years! Ended up as a foreman building bridges over the roads (Hot rivetting).

He taugt me all the basics of metal working in his shed! I remember him taking me in to work one day in the very early 60's - the wheel sets were about twice the height of me and the big forge was awesome!

Its amazing how one thread can take you on a voyage back in time!

[Divided he ad]

First word.... Sweet! 

Second  word.... Jealous