Hello all-
As payment for one of the knives I made, I've got the services of a very talented welder to help me make a new forge from the ground up.
While it can be a simple job, I think I want it to be able to forge the length of a sword blade- I don't have any particular plans regarding smithing a sword, but I may want to do it some day, and I like to plan ahead.
So, the question I have been asking myself if whether it would be a better idea to make a coal forge with a standard round firepot, or to design a air channel and manifold that would allow me to blow air along the length of a longer pile of coal/coke all at once.
Per some previous posts on this topic, I think I am going to be making the forge table from 7 ga 1008 hot-rolled steel, rather than going with stainless steel, with the firepot or manifold mounted under the table and a grate for the coal to sit on- but I am not set on that design.
So, if you were able to make a "dream forge," what features and design would be the best to include? Complexity is no barrier in designing it, I am just trying to make sure that I make the best one I can- if that includes a lot of extra parts or design time, I am fine with that. I've got the use of the laser cutter, brake presses, and whatever else might be necessary, so it can be fancy if there is any reason for it to be- even including things like making multiple air channels that direct the air so that it blows in from the side rather than the bottom, or using tuyeres rather than a firepot. The main thing here is useful design, not ease of construction, so go nuts with the suggestions- I am just not experienced enough with a coal forge to believe that I know everything that could be involved.
Any suggestions?