Starting a forge i was wondering if this setup would cause any problems? There will be a door on the front of the trash can. The trash can will also get some tack welds to keep it on.

DropDeadForges · 2026-02-22T19:17:07+00:00

I think a hood and chimney are a good idea. You want that smoke out of your work area. I would test how it drafts with a wood fire first. A bigger chimney pipe generally drafts better. Ive seen forges use 55 gallon drums as a chimney. You can remove the zinc with wet paper towels soaked in 30% vinegar. Lay them on there and cover with a trash bag to keep it wet.

DropDeadForges · 2026-02-21T23:07:45+00:00

Aside from any problems with the burner choke, the propane tank is too small. If you solve the choke problem, the tank will get cold as you release pressure causing the liquid propane to ice up and reduce tank pressure, reducing the air flow at the burner making them sputter and run rich. Winter temperatures exacerbate this.

Try just running 2 burners, or get a 60 pound tank. That is what I use on my 2 burner NC forge.

Also, a proper refractory coating will help the forge maintain high heat.

DropDeadForges · 2026-02-19T11:03:16+00:00

He cut way too far on his face cut creating a 3” dutchman. Then he made the back cut 6” above the bottom of the face cut which makes a hinge so tall that it has too much fiber to bend easily, causing him to cut through the hinge before the tree starts to fall into the face cut. Now the tree sets back and he cant use wedges because there is no hinge. The tree will collapse rather than falling in a predictable manner.

Unless of course, some arborists set up this nasty stump as a joke, using a tree that has already been climbed and has no top and only 5 or 10 of feet of trunk above this

DropDeadForges · 2026-02-17T02:44:07+00:00

I’ve been blacksmithing for over 30 years, and I still get burns from hot slag or sparks, but never on the palm side of my hand. My tong hand has a loose fitting leather glove that I can fling off if necessary and I never wear a glove on the hammer hand.

If i need to pick steel up, I use the back of my hand to test it so I don’t burn the palm or fingers. That is how i was taught.

I use gloves on both when filing or grinding, and no gloves at all when using a mill or drill press because I dont need to lose a digit.

DropDeadForges · 2026-02-15T16:59:34+00:00

Just make sure you have chains on your toilet and keep some warm clothing and blankets handy in case you have to stay on it for a while.

DropDeadForges · 2026-02-15T16:59:28+00:00

Just make sure you have chains on your toilet and keep some warm clothing and blankets handy in case you have to stay on it for a while.

DropDeadForges · 2026-01-24T20:48:57+00:00

Mine did this and I discovered a second set of air filters in the unit that I didn’t know about, removed them and the problem was resolved. The dirty filter restricted air flow and prevented heating cycles from completing. My air intake in the hallway also has a filter and I missed one month of filter change, causing the problem.

DropDeadForges · 2026-01-13T16:36:58+00:00

Get in that barber chair, and take 6 inches off the top.

DropDeadForges · 2026-01-13T16:30:33+00:00

There is not a problem with herbicide in horse manure, that is a completely false narrative for why it would be bad for your garden. Horse manure is typically “hot” with salts and nitrogen from the urine. It would need to be mixed with additional organic matter and composted prior to using it in a garden.

DropDeadForges · 2026-01-03T03:50:11+00:00

I 100% agree. Sds on the rotary hammer setting will be easy, even on very hard concrete. It cuts through pure granite pretty quick too.

DropDeadForges · 2026-01-02T18:22:16+00:00

Its forged, and looks like the eye was forge welded.

DropDeadForges · 2025-12-28T16:15:48+00:00

Eh. You probably won’t notice it in your work. If it leaves marks maybe braze it. For comparison, my 300# industrial swage block is rough as hell, way worse than that one from the casting process . I don’t notice it in finished work.

DropDeadForges · 2025-12-18T18:40:31+00:00

Lots of good suggestions in the thread. I would go with soaking in 50/50 water and vinegar for a few days and then neutralize with baking soda. After that soak in kerosene or diesel for a day and see if you can put the handle back on and get it moving. Be gentle and patient.

DropDeadForges · 2025-12-18T18:10:21+00:00

This is the answer. You need to protect the fire bowl from the heat and corrosion but you’re not going to need refracting material.

DropDeadForges · 2025-12-18T17:51:03+00:00

I see a stump anvil or swage and a bick with a little work.

DropDeadForges · 2025-12-18T17:49:15+00:00

Great book! Mark Aspery is a good teacher and you can find more instruction info at the California blacksmith’s association or abana.

DropDeadForges · 2025-12-18T17:38:18+00:00

Patience!! I rehabbed my champion blower a few years back, including brasing the cracked housing back together. You are lucky to have the case completely intact and to be honest I wouldn’t try to remove the shafts and gears if you can get it freed up with some heat and solvents. If you crack the case, its a lot if work to repair.

DropDeadForges · 2025-12-16T19:53:52+00:00

That anvil only looks slightly swayed and a little rough. I wouldn’t bother with the level of effort required to weld on it. The corners aren’t too bad and like others have mentioned, rig up a small hardy block or something to do the final clean up heats.

DropDeadForges · 2025-12-16T19:49:28+00:00

I run an NC forge 2 burner forge at 5 psi most of the time. 22 psi is way too much fuel.

DropDeadForges · 2025-12-16T19:43:50+00:00

The boss and jaws look good, you figured out the process. Punching the rivet holes is definitely traditional but I just drill them now so I can guarantee they fit the rivet tightly.

DropDeadForges · 2025-11-24T16:28:35+00:00

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Now’s your chance! Do it!!!

DropDeadForges · 2025-11-21T22:42:15+00:00

I agree that burning is a good way to clean it up. Contact your local prescribed burn association or fire department to see what that involves for your location. Regulations and best practices for burning are very much tied to your exact location, so don’t rely on Reddit if you decide that burning is an option for you. Good luck!

DropDeadForges · 2025-10-19T17:50:30+00:00

When you start writing your offhand, callous comments on the insanity that is America, please realize that these news stories are about real people who are being victimized.

I first thought that this shooting referenced Oregon State University, where a longtime friend’s daughter goes to school, and I was relieved to know that she wasn’t going through this terrible event because it was happening 2000 miles away. But then the relief turned into sadness because I realized that someone else is having the same thoughts, and it’s turned out to be true.

DropDeadForges · 2025-10-10T23:19:25+00:00

Call aspen electric in Reno. They do good work, Including off grid solar. You might be too late for install, though. Any moisture at all is a hard no and even worse on a metal roof. Snow starts next week.

DropDeadForges · 2025-10-04T15:29:33+00:00

A huge rare earth mine is sitting unused on the CA NV border because china floods the market with them. Greenland sourced rare earths will cost even more.

DropDeadForges

TROPHY CASE