Wednesday, March 6, 2013

A Handy Cheap Forge


















The marine rail and latch for the stove were fashioned from 1/4th inch mild steel using this simple tin-can forge. I was introduced to this handy tool by Kiko Denzer at Echoes last summer. All that's required is a large tin can, a pair of holes, some kaowool, a turbo torch, and some firebricks. The forge is very useful for making small pieces of hardware, and unlike the rivet forge, is very quick to set up and very cheap to run.

3 comments:

  1. I don't understand "a pair of holes"
    Can you explain please?

    Thanks, love your blog!

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  2. Hello Claw, thanks for the compliment. Sorry to be vague with the forge instructions but I don't feel I have either the knowledge or experience to to post a "how to." It would be advisable to get better information from YouTube or somewhere. These forges can be dangerous to operate if the venting isn't sufficient as I recently discovered. With this in mind, the two holes are: one in the side for the torch nozzle, and one in the back for venting. The vent also allows you to pass a rod through the forge in order to heat the middle. If this rod is too thick it will reduce the vent to to a point where the gas combustion is incomplete. The result is an impressive fireball.

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  3. I can't tell you how much I have enjoyed your blog. For one thing, I love horses. It is good to see there are still people still using horses in everyday life in different parts of the world. I do have one question for you. I have an older boat, built in 1967. The mast winch needs repairing and I am looking for someone with a little ingenuity to rebuild it. I thought to ask you, and I hope that is OK. You seem to be quite clever and creative. The winch consists of two outer pieces of metal, one with a handle attached. In the center between the two pieces of metal is a "barrel". For many years I thought that barrel was a piece of wood. Imagine my surprised when I was advised it is actually made out of canvas and resin! Anyhow, the barrel is starting to fall apart and crumble. I need to find someone to repair it who can figure out the workings of the winch, as well as to repair it. If you would like to look at it, I can send you a picture via email or snail mail. What say you? My email is rosensteinjulia@yahoo.com.

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