need a forge

[oldarmy]

Guys,
what can I do for heat? Coal is too messy and labor intensive.
Any Ideas for a small forge that can be used to heat old files and used to learn how to forge knife blades without costing a fortune?
I have an nice anvil, that a friend will lend me.
Just need a source of heat.
thanks

 

[Nifeman]

Line an old coffee can with Inswool( refractory blanket) and put a propane torch in the side of it. No muss, No fuss...Bud

 

[BillinOregon]

Old Army:
I have had wonderful service out of my charcoal-fueled washtub forge based on Tim Lively's designs.[url] http://www.livelyknives.com/knifemakingvideo.htm[/url]
My fuel is charcoal -- not briquets -- and I scrounge it out of burn piles, the fireplace, slash piles. It's nearly free, and the smoke is mild and it will get steel to non-magnetic in just a few minutes.
The one thing you'll need with Tim's forge design is a blower. I swapped some stuff for an old Champion hand-cranked and I just love the old beast. You can find them for under $50 and often much cheaper at yard sales and flea markets. Best o' luck to ye!

 

[50cal.cliff]

Your question will generate plenty of advice I am sure. I am in the process of building a forge myself so have done considerable searchs online on this subject. A forge can be as simple as a flower pot or old grill,or you can build one that will basically last a lifetime.
Alot will depend on your needs for a forge. Also how handy your are and what time and resources you are willing to invest to the forge.
Here are a few sites on line you may want to look at, some have didrect links to other sights. [url] www.fredlyfx.com[/url][url] www.zoellerforge.com[/url][url] www.hybridburners.com[/url]
Hope these sites help and Good Luck!

 

[oldarmy]

as always you guys are GREAT... Now I have a ton of information and options to digest
Thanks