Hi guys. please I need to know which material(metal) is best to use for fabricating a blacksmith forge. A blacksmith forge is like a furnace that provides heat for forging metals and other materials. it could be use to provide heat for various heat treatment also; therefore, it gets really hot. The metal must be able to withstand the heat and also must be workable. The design is cylindrical so I have to roll the metal. please, any information, idea, contribution is welcomed. thanks
Hi Timotech, I am not sure if my information would be any value. I did my apprenticeship in a steel mill and the ability of the steel shell of the furnaces to withstand heat depended upon the insulation properties of the firebricks, the thickness of the steel and the air circulation around the outside of the furnace. The bricks may insulate the steel from the direct heat of the burners, however the steel has a tendancy to accumulate heat faster than loosing it. You could circulate water around the outside to disperse the heat more efficiently, but if the power fails you will have an explosion risk. Fresh air from outside is good coolant, if you are not in a very hot country.
