Any reason this wouldn't make a decent forge body?

[Travis Fry]

It's a bit lightweight, but with a 2inch layer of kaowool and some slight mods for tool rests and whatnot, can anyone think of a reason this wouldn't work for a vertical forced air forge?



It's a Christmas popcorn tin, maybe 14-16 inches tall and about 12 wide.

 

[Doug Lester]

I've done a horizontal forge out of the same size can. That worked.

Doug

 

[Jim Moenck]

The downside to using a light weight shell is that you can't weld anything to it. I've used helium tanks which are somewhat heavier gauge material with good success. I see no reason not to use your can and adapt your accessories to it.

 

[C Craft]

I have heard of folks using stovepipe so no reason why it wouldn't work. Personally though I prefer something heavier!This one is welded up out 1/8+ thick pipe!

Like you said its the Kwool that creates the heat barrier but be sure to top coat the kwool with something, so the fibers don't become airborne. It is like asbestos in that respect! Products good for that are Satanite Refractory Mortar, or if you are thinking of welding a top coat of plistix. Here is a link to a supplier for all of it!

http://www.hightemptools.com/refractorycoatings.html

 

[Bruce Bump]

I wish they made stainless popcorn cans.

 

[KCorn]

I recently completed a freon tank forge and I couldn't be happier with it. The shell would be a little thicker than a popcorn can I'm sure. You can learn how to make one here: http://ronreil.abana.org/minifor1.shtml

 

[Travis Fry]

K,
Did you build your own burner, and if so, what plan did you use? If not, which did you buy?