One propane tank, more if you want a longer forge.
Refractory cement or refractory bricks.
A fuel source, I recommend a portable propane tank, so you can move the forge around your shop.
A gas line to run from your tank to your forge.
A gas burner to run the propane into your forge.
A pressure gauge to adjust how much propane goes into your forge.
Empty however many propane tanks you have fully, making sure that EVERYTHING is out of there, because once you start cutting the ends off, it could combust and injure you.
Cut the propane tanks so that the circular space that is left is the size that you want. It should be big enough so that you can maneuver the piece in the forge, but the smaller it is, the less gas you need to use to get it hot. Both ends should be open, but one should have a door that can be close so less heat is lost when working with smaller pieces. Cut another hole halfway through the tank which the burner will go through
When both ends are cut to your specifications, fill the tank with at least an inch and a half thick layer of the refractory cement, with a inner layer that is big enough to accommodate the biggest piece that you will be working with and still have an inch or two to spare. you can use a cardboard tube with the same outer diameter as you want your forges inner diameter to be. TO aid the removal of the tube, line the outside with paper, or waxed paper, it will be easy to remove and the paper will burn away soon after lighting the forge for the first time.
put the burner in the hole in the forge, and secure it with a welder or some bolts. Bolts are better because if something goes wrong with the burner or you need to replace it, you can easily remove it by taking out the bolts.
When yo first light the forge, it will burn fairly cool until all the water has evaporated, then it will heat up to forging temperatures. when the water has evaporated, turn off the heat and inspect for cracks in the cement, filling in those that appear.
Make the base for your forge, then pour some cement or place a firebrick in the bottom to for a flat base that the metal will rest on.
Viola! you now have a functioning forge which will send you on your way to becoming a blacksmith!
put the burner in the hole in the forge, and secure it with a welder or some bolts. Bolts are better because if something goes wrong with the burner or you need to replace it, you can easily remove it by taking out the bolts.
When yo first light the forge, it will burn fairly cool until all the water has evaporated, then it will heat up to forging temperatures. when the water has evaporated, turn off the heat and inspect for cracks in the cement, filling in those that appear.
Make the base for your forge, then pour some cement or place a firebrick in the bottom to for a flat base that the metal will rest on.
Viola! you now have a functioning forge which will send you on your way to becoming a blacksmith!
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