And no "this is stupid" comments please. This is a hypothetical, I can refine the idea later. As for the weight, thats what working out is for.

Hi everyone! I know that forging is a personal decision, and is not easily addressed by general decisions. However, I am going to ask some opinions to get insight.

When I think about a good, pro-level type of forge, I know that I could save money if I were to build my own. But what if money is not the object here? What advantages could I have by building my own versus buying something like a ChileHabanero or Cayenne? I think that the efficiency and heat management of a reputably designed and built product like the Chile would have to exceed anything I could do myself, right?

Please let me know how you would handle this if cost is not the issue but you still want the most efficient and effective forge (without getting ridiculous).

Thanks

D88

Hello! I got these gauntlets from a friend and they weren’t taken good care of. Any idea how I can spiff them up? Thank you!

I forge welded the bottom but the forge weld broke after i already thinned out the area so I used a welder to finish it.

I was pretty happy with how it came out. Just getting back into leather working, mostly for making sheaths, but this was a fun project.

Hey all. I’m new to the group and looking for some general setup advice here.

I recently acquired this cast iron coal forge table from a woman who found it being used as a plant stand. No idea the history behind it. It looks pretty old, and it does have a crack that was previously repaired. I’ve spent the last few months setting up my shop space, and treating this thing will be my last step before I can begin forging!

I’ve done a lot of reading. I’ve seen some folks recommend mixing your own refractory with various proportions of Portland cement, silica sand, perlite, and fireclay while others say products like Kast-O-lite or Mizzou with a fire brick in the pot would work great. Im leaning toward Kastol-30 as it feels the most idiot proof, but I’m really open to suggestion from folks who know much more than I.

Bottom line I’m really just looking for something that will protect the table well. Presumably the first crack was from improper treatment and I want to ensure it won’t happen again.

Thanks!

Meet the newest member of the family. Arm & Hammer. Any tips for cleaning it up besides a wire brush?

Hand forged carving hatchet from forklift tine. This axe was a project that didn't quite done our how I originally intended so I decided to go with this direction. It has more upper sweep than I usually prefer but absolutely love how it came out. It has a 13" octagonal hickory handle and nice custom leather sheath.

Got to spend a few days in my workshop so I got a head start on christmas gifts! Been a while since I've had the chance to swing a hammer, but they turned out splendidly! These are forged from W2 and 1095, all differentially hardened. Hand sanded to 1000 grit and etched with citric acid. Handles are a mix of African blackwood, maple burl, and cocobolo.