Hello all....I watched a show on TV a while back called Forged in Fire. I'm sure you've heard of it. It was pathetic, really, to see how easily I got hooked. First, I built a 2 x 72 inch belt grinder. I am not a steel guy. I have been wood working and doing reno's for many years but I am not a steel guy. Took a welding course 30 years ago and thats about the extent of it. I was amazed at how well the grinder ( sander? ) worked. That's when I got real stupid and started playing with a propane burner. Yes, yes, I disregarded all the warnings I came across and did it anyway. But only after doing extensive research first. I have a single burner forge built out of 1/4 inch plate all around. It is open at each end with a 4 x 6 inch hole and I can brick the ends in. It is lined with 2 layers of fire brick on the bottom and a single layer on sides and ceiling. My burner is a 1 inch stainless steel pipe with a 1 1/2 coupling at the burn end and a 1 inch stainless T on the top which I drilled through and stuck a mig welding tip into for my jet. This is not what I started with but it is what works. I have no training and learning from trial and error. I have 2 rules: never start it up without fire prevention in place. Never leave it un-attended. My brother-in-law got me a bunch of files from a steel shop and so far I have made 5 knives or...4 knives and 1 dagger and the best thing is, I haven't burned down my house and my wife is still here.
First: Welcome to the Forum Second: High five for not burning the house down Third: Never heard of that show *Wink* Griff
Wow... you have fire prevention? Sounds like you're good and hooked. It also sounds a lot like how I got into this too. I had a friend who's a knife maker who also really helped sink the hooks. Welcome Tom.
Welcome, Tom, and sorry. That show has ruined more marriages than tequila shooters. It's also responsible for generating more RSIs (Repetitive Stress Injuries) and burned out new knife makers from all the people beating on improperly heated steel and becoming frustrated at the lack of results. So good on you for actually doing some research, and for joining the forum. We've got a lot of knowledgable people here who can help you through most of the problems that come up and answers to any of the questions you might have.
