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How to Make a Mini Forge

Building a mini forge for projects that do not need lighting and running standard-sized forges is economical and a great way to perform small metalworking projects. Large forges use a huge amount of fuel to maintain appropriate temperatures, but this simple design uses little more than your standard barbecue. Constructed almost completely of materials found around the home or a local hardware store, making a portable forge such as this can be done in just a few minutes.

Things You'll Need

Old large coffee can
Kaowool fabric
Drill
Propane tank with regulator and hose
Garden sprinkler head, all-steel construction
Tongs

Instructions

- 1
  Cut off and discard one flat side of the coffee can.
- 2
  Cover the inside surface of the can with 2 inches of kaowool fabric. Kaowool is a ceramic-based wool fabric with extreme insulating capabilities, created to replace asbestos. It is a nontoxic, safe insulating fabric. It can be bought at pottery supply or hardware stores.
- 3
  Cut out a circular piece of kaowool fabric the same diameter as the hole in the open side of the can; it will be used to cover the open side of the can.
- 4
  Drill a 1-inch hole into the side of the can. This hole will be used to attach the burner to the forge, so ensure there is a hole also made through the kaowool fabric on the inside of the can to allow for the torch flame to access the interior of the can.
- 5
  Screw the all-steel garden sprinkler head onto the hose leading to the regulator and propane tank. The sprinkler head will allow more gas to flow than a regular torch head, allowing more heat to build up in your forge. Test for proper function by holding a flame to the tip of the sprinkler head while gently opening the valves on the tank and regulator.
- 6
  Hold the lit sprinkler head to the hole in the can, but not inside the can, as the built-up heat can melt the torch head. With your piece of metal inside the can, place the circular kaowool cover over the open side of the can to seal the heat in. Check on your piece of metal regularly and remove it with tongs once it reaches a red-hot temperature.

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