Building a Coal forge - input appreciated.

Prometheus · 2008-01-27T07:42:18+00:00

Hello all- As payment for one of the knives I made, I've got the services of avery 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 forgethe length of a sword blade- I don't have any particular plansregarding smithing a sword, but I may want to do it some day, and Ilike to plan ahead.So, the question I have been asking myself if whether it would be abetter idea to make a coal forge with a standard round firepot, or todesign a air channel and manifold that would allow me to blow airalong 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 makingthe forge table from 7 ga 1008 hot-rolled steel, rather than goingwith stainless steel, with the firepot or manifold mounted under thetable and a grate for the coal to sit on- but I am not set on thatdesign.So, if you were able to make a "dream forge," what features and designwould be the best to include? Complexity is no barrier in designingit, I am just trying to make sure that I make the best one I can- ifthat includes a lot of extra parts or design time, I am fine withthat. I've got the use of the laser cutter, brake presses, andwhatever else might be necessary, so it can be fancy if there is anyreason for it to be- even including things like making multiple airchannels that direct the air so that it blows in from the side ratherthan the bottom, or using tuyeres rather than a firepot. The mainthing here is useful design, not ease of construction, so go nuts withthe suggestions- I am just not experienced enough with a coal forge tobelieve that I know everything that could be involved.Any suggestions?