[JoshEarl]

Guys,

I haven't dealt with this guy yet, but he seems to be offering some decent stuff of interest to aspiring bladesmiths: eBay Store - Poor Boy Blacksmith Tools: Category 1

His freon tank forges seem like a good buy at $200. Getting all the supplies to make something like that would probably run you $50 to $100, and then would come the hours of tinkering and wondering if you were going to blow yourself up... For bladesmithing work that looks like an excellent choice.

Josh

[jwoods]

really nice find josh, the blowing yourself up stuff is a reality when trying to rig up something with flammable gas, not that i know 1st hand or anything lol

[nun2sharp]

I found this guy on ebay and know nothing about forges, but I am interested, I asked Josh Earl to check this out for me(not tech savvy, couldnt even post the link for him). He did and told me more than I had asked for. I publicly wish to thank him for taking the time to chase my wild goose! Sir, my hat is off to you! Thank you.

[Russel Baldridge]

I bought some Kaowool from him last year, transaction went smoothly.

I almost bought a whole bunch more from him but decided to go with Darren Ellis because he had other items I needed as well.

[randydance062449]

Building one of those forges looks like it is simple. But after I made 3 of them I can assure you it is not! A bunch of different tools are required and a whole lot of running around getting the various supplies.
$200 is a bargain. The gas regulator, pressure gauge, shut off valve, needle valve, connectors and hoses are not cheap.

[nun2sharp]

The one thing I have noticed missing(unless I missed it)is a temperature gauge, did I miss that? Wouldnt it be of some importance, and how would I install one and what kind?

[JoshEarl]

You can get computer-controlled regulators to control the amount of gas the forge gets (and as a result, the temperature). However, a good forge should be able to hold a steady temperature within a range. You can control the gas with the valve.

To measure temperature, you need a pyrometer and a thermocouple, which is a probe that can withstand the 2,000 degree-F temps you'll get in a forge like this.

You don't technically "need" a thermocouple and pyrometer, but if you plan to do heat-treatments in your forge, they are extremely helpful. Just ask Russel.

For forging, you can judge the temperature by the color of the steel. During the heat treatment, a difference of 50 or 100 degrees one way or another can sometimes have a big impact on the result, so being able to measure the temperature is a major asset.

Most guys just wing it, using a magnet to judge when the steel is hot enough to quench. This works pretty well most of the time, but if you want consistent results, a thermocouple really helps. With practice, you can get great results using the "human computer," as Mike likes to say. I see a thermocouple and pyrometer as analagous to getting a pre-honed straight for your first razor. You can figure things out on your own, or you can greatly shorten the process with the right equipment.

Josh

[Russel Baldridge]

Originally Posted by JoshEarl

... if you plan to do heat-treatments in your forge, they are extremely helpful. Just ask Russel.

Josh

Yeah, the pyrometer helped sort out some issues I ran into, but now that that's done, I tend to use it sparingly.

I can't say that you absolutely need one, but yeah, it helps.