All I want to do is soften some 3/16" -3/8" square, round and flat stock and make several hundred hooks. And hammer some leaves out of thin plate after I had cut them out with a plasma cutter. Purely decorative stuff involving small pieces of stock. I really don't want to melt anything. Just soften it a bit for shaping, twisting, and flattening. Simple, simple stuff.
I got lots of links and designs and tips. Enough to keep me busy far longer than the time I have to spare. I am sure that I will be able to build a forge econimically that will do all I ask of it.
That is, if I EVER get done with all this wrought iron. Just built and painted another 16' of fence today with backing, and another four foot gate. Only 20' of fence, another two double gates, and three security doors to go! This is fun, but I am getting very tired of it all. But, after it being too hot this summer to do it, I must sieze the moment while the weather is cool. It was about 65 today, and a great day for welding.
It will be a treat to do some forging and hammering after all this sawing, welding and painting. Oh, I forgot ...... installing, too.
Steve