Building a forge from fire bricks
Firebrick is renowned for its heat resistant properties and is widely used in the building of forges. Building a forge from firebrick can be a rewarding, although somewhat time consuming and laborious, task. The following is a step-by-step guide to building a forge from firebrick.
1. First, you will need to purchase the necessary materials for your forge. You will need thermal insulation material, specifically firebrick, along with a steel fire box, which is designed to hold the forge together mesh and a forge hood.
2. Once you have acquired the materials, you will need to measure and prepare the area on which your forge is to be built. Place the fire box in the center of the area, and make sure it is level.
3. Begin building the forge by laying the firebrick in a curved fashion around the fire box. Make sure each brick is level with the last. This is where a large amount of heat will be generated, and to ensure the safe use of the forge it is important to make sure the construction is sturdy and level.
4. Continue to build up the firebrick until it is level with the desired height. You can then begin to cut and fit the firebrick to the shape you require.
5. Fit the fire mesh in the desired shape and fit it around the firebrick. Use pieces of steel and angle iron to fix the mesh in place.
6. Fit and lay the thermal insulation around the forge, making sure it is level, and use pieces of steel to secure it in place.
7. Finally, fit the forge hood in the desired spot and make sure it is properly secured.
Using the above steps, you should be able to construct a sturdy and safe forge from firebrick. This is a very rewarding process and once completed can result in a great looking, functional forge. The safety of the user should always be kept in mind and any doubts about the construction should be double checked and amended. After the forge has been built it will be ready for use, but the user should take additional safety measures before beginning to use the forge.
