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How to Create a Forge

Forging steel is one of the oldest techniques in the metalworking industry. You can do this at home with your own homemade forge which can be built with some relatively common materials and a trip to your local building store. By being able to heat steel to the point of it becoming malleable, you will be able to form and shape it using an anvil and hammer, allowing you to create interesting and unique forged steel pieces.

Things You'll Need

Kaowool sheets
Large empty coffee can
Spray nozzle
Propane tank, regulator and hose
Electric drill (with 1 inch bit)
Scissors

Instructions

- 1
  Remove one of the two flat sides from the coffee can.
- 2
  Coat the bottom and sides with 2 inches of kaowool fabric. Kaowool is an insulating ceramic fiber used commonly in kilns and is a perfectly safe replacement for asbestos. Cut the kaowool fabric with scissors to ensure an even layer is applied.
- 3
  Drill a 1-inch diameter hole in the side of the coffee can that you will use to provide access to the torch nozzle.
- 4
  Connect an all-metal constructed garden spray nozzle to the hose leading from the regulator and propane tank. This nozzle will allow for a large flow of gas, leading to a very hot flame you will use to heat the kiln. Test the torch for functionality by opening the valve on the propane tank and adjusting the gas flow with the regulator while lighting the tip of the nozzle with a flame.
- 5
  Place the piece of metal or steel you wish to heat into the coffee can, and place a round sheet of kaowool over the open side to seal the heat inside the can.
- 6
  Hold the lit tip of the nozzle up to the hole of the can, but do not insert it into the can as the temperature may increase to the point where the nozzle may melt.
- 7
  Check on the piece of metal inside the forge regularly and remove when red hot to shape and form as you like. Replace the metal back into the forge whenever the redness dissipates.

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