Greetings from Bedford, Va.

[JACK]

I don't even remember how I stumbled across this forum a few days ago but I'm sure glad I did. I wasn't even thinking about building an oven now I can't stop thinking about it and looking for info.

[nissanneill]

George,
you stated

I am also a blacksmith so will probably make up a few specialty tools for raking and shoveling coals from the oven.

You guys are few and far apart nowadays.
I scored my father in laws old forge and a few tools off the farm and have a ball playing with torsion bars and steel rods.
I made most of my tools out of aluminium and stainless steel but I am all ears for improvement.
Post some plans or pics of your creations as there may be others interested.

Cheers.

Neill

[tigersmith]

Hey Neill,
Nice score on the old forge and tools. I built a small portable forge out of 1/4 plate steel and found a Champion blower at an antique shop. Nothing fancy, but it works. Built this back in the 80's. Getting a little rusty now.I have also given serious consideration to building a large, permanent forge if I have any cinder blocks left over from my WFO.
I don't have a TIG welder for aluminum or SS but do have wire and stick welders for regular steel. Just can't justify the cost of a TIG welder yet.
Later

George

[nissanneill]

George,
over here, it's not the cost of the TIG welder (as I would get a TIG/plasma cutter combination), but the rental of the bottle(s) is a real killer.
I have Mig and 300 amp stick welder but only use the stick when I want serious penetration.
A large bottle of Argoshield (8 cubic metres) is Aus$180 and bottle rental is $150/year per bottle.
And you ideally need different gasses for Aluminium and for Stainless, $450 rental is just not on.

Neill

[tigersmith]

Yup...Expensive stuff. If I was doing it for a living, I could probably justify the costs.
Later

George