[Video] How to make a mini-forge

Jewelry Discussion
1

Here’s a video on building a cool little mini forge, via boing
boing:

Elaine

2 
Here's a video on building a cool little mini forge, via boing
boing:
http://www.boingboing.net/2010/04/30/how-to-make-a-miniat.html

Wayne Goddard, was the first to publish a “one brick forge”, I
modified his design to make a micro furnace for micro melts (micro
meaning 250g of metal). Nice to see it as a video though.

What the video fails to tell you is, “what” fire brick to ask for…
a K26 is good to use (thanks NASA). Any good pottery supply should
have stock or be able to order you a brick or two. They also have
other refractory items available (Kaowool is my favorite).

These bricks are so soft that you can carve them with a teaspoon
(maybe even with a plastic spoon, although I haven’t done that :wink: ).

The total setup will “not” be $30, you have to factor in the propane
torch, and the propane cylinder, which is about another $25-$30.

The best approach, I’ve found, is to buy a Bernzomatic JTH-7 hose
torch and a couple of adapters to allow a POL fitting, then you can
use a standard 9 kg BBQ cylinder. These torches and adapters will set
you back about $100, and a bbq cylinder will be about $30, but it
lasts longer than a fat boy propane cylinder, and the setup is
refillable.

The torch is worth the investment by itself, imo, and it can be used
to power a micro furnace, so double duty.

Personally I wouldn’t bother with the nail grate, it would just act
as a heat sink.

Regards Charles

3

Something tells me this would be brilliant for enameling and firing
silver clay.

I have a kiln so I don’t need it but… I’m going to waste a whole
day doing this!

So clever. Thank you -

Tony Konrath

4

If you want something with more power but not that much more cost,
google “coffee-can” or “Paint-can” forge.

5 
If you want something with more power but not that much more cost,
google "coffee-can" or "Paint-can" forge.

A micro furnace, left deliberately manky, to show it can be done
cheap.

http://members.optushome.com.au/~charlesanderson/img/MicroFurnace.jpg

This is an image of a Forge, Furnace and Raising Tool (FFART). This
will melt 2 kg of bronze easily. It’s also a very good forge. The
components were either really cheap or recycled.

http://members.optushome.com.au/~charlesanderson/img/FFART.jpg

A lot can be achieved with litttle.
Regards Charles

6

Very interesting. That could be useful in making small cabinet/drawer
pulls too.

Mike DeBurgh, GJG
Alliance, OH