Hi All,
I'm about to make a brake drum forge and could do with a little advice...
I know that a brake drum isnt ideal (I've read the article at
http://www.beautifuliron.com/forge_brakedrum.htm), but all the bits have
been found for free & its only going to take a couple of hours to put
together. If I'm still keen on smithing in a few months (& when the
limitations of the forge exceed the limitations of my (lack of) skill
with a hammer, then I'll build a permanent forge to be proud of. Until
then...
The brake drum I've obtained is from a truck. The diameter is 17" and it is 10" deep. That seems a bit too deep to me. Not a problem to cut the top off with a plasma torch, but what is the ideal depth? your thought please.
Also...
I've read all I can find on the net about forges and I can see how to build a fire in a 'normal' forge, but I'm not sure how to apply that to a brake drum. I dont mean how to light it, I mean how to 'arrange' the coals & what 'shape' the fire should be.
If you can think back to when you first started (especially if you started with a brake drum) any advice would be welcome.
Many Thanks
Jay
I'm about to make a brake drum forge and could do with a little advice...
I know that a brake drum isnt ideal (I've read the article at
The brake drum I've obtained is from a truck. The diameter is 17" and it is 10" deep. That seems a bit too deep to me. Not a problem to cut the top off with a plasma torch, but what is the ideal depth? your thought please.
Also...
I've read all I can find on the net about forges and I can see how to build a fire in a 'normal' forge, but I'm not sure how to apply that to a brake drum. I dont mean how to light it, I mean how to 'arrange' the coals & what 'shape' the fire should be.
If you can think back to when you first started (especially if you started with a brake drum) any advice would be welcome.
Many Thanks
Jay