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How to Make a Hand Forge Blower

Hand blowers were primarily used by blacksmiths using a forge to create horseshoes, nails, tools or any other metal device that required heat to manufacture. This type of forge is still in use today for specialty projects or to recreate the past. Modern forges use electric-powered blowers to increase heat, but they are frowned on by purists because they are hard to control. Hand blowers are still preferred for more control when operating a forge. Old metal squirrel cage fans work well because they can take the heat and can be placed within a few inches of the forge.

Things You'll Need

Old squirrel cage fan
1/2-inch socket
Ratchet
Tape measure
Drill bit set
Cordless drill
Arc welder
Cinder block (optional)

Instructions

- 1
  Unscrew the bolt on the pulley on the squirrel cage fan. The pulley is the round gear on one side of the fan enclosure. Use a 1/2-inch socket and ratchet to remove the bolt. Grab the pulley with both hands and pull it off.
- 2
  Measure the diameter of the shaft extending from the fan where the pulley came off. Select a drill bit from the set that matches the diameter of the shaft and insert it into a cordless drill.
- 3
  Drill through the hole in the end of the bicycle crank arm where the crank arm attaches to the bicycle. If the drill bit is smaller than the hole, don't do anything.
- 4
  Place the crank arm on the shaft of the squirrel cage. The pedal should be facing out. Use the welder to weld the crank arm to the shaft of the fan.

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