DIY Natural Gas Forges

Remove the flat metal lid from your coffee can, then line the inside surfaces of the can with 1 to 2 inches of kaowool fabric. Don't forget to line the flat bottom of the can, then also cut out a circular section to be used to cover the open side of the can.

Drill a 1-inch diameter hole into the side of the can and create an opening through the kaowool fabric into the center of the can.

Connect the steel garden sprayer nozzle to your natural gas supply tube. This should be done inline with a shut off control valve to control the flow of gas. Test for functionality by slightly opening the valve and holding a flame to the tip of the sprayer. The garden sprayer is used as it permits a larger amount of gas to flow than a traditional torch nozzle, allowing heat to build up in the forge quickly.

Place your piece of metal you wish to heat into the kaowool-lined can and cover the open side with the circular section of kaowool. Place the lit tip of the garden sprayer up to the hole drilled into the side of the can, but do not insert it as built-up heat can cause the nozzle to melt.

Remove the circular kaowool cover routinely to check on the state of your metal. Once it has developed a red or orange hue, it is ready to be removed with a pair of blacksmith tongs, then shaped by striking it with a hammer against an anvil. Place the piece of metal back into the forge for further heating whenever the color of the metal cools to a grey to black color.