Having the ability to bring steel to a temperature high enough to change its physical state is essential in knifemaking/bladesmithing. When it comes to constructing a homemade forge, you have 2 major fuel options: coal and gas.
A coal forge is a more traditional design, whereas a gas forge is smaller and is easier to control. In this article, we have compiled a list of 24 homemade forge ideas that you can DIY. The steps are pretty much basic and easy to follow.
Table of Contents
1. How To Build A Simple Forge
If you've developed an interest over time in the blacksmith craft, this video will make you understand better that you don't need to weld or fabricate a simple forge. Allow this video walkthrough to spark your interest and contribute some inspiration.
2. How To Make A Simple Propane Forge
For you to be here means you've been nursing some interest in this craft. So before you start hitting any metal, build this simple forge from firebrick and plumbing fittings. For this simple build use the tools and supplies needed.
3. How To Make A Coffee Can Forge
It may interest you to know that with a coffee can, you can also create a forge out of that. This is nearly the simplest DIY forge made from a coffee can and homemade refractory with materials that can be found in any hardware store.
4. DIY Forge Build
To make this forge, no form of welding is required just in case you're not so good at welding. First, you must understand that every forge is different and so you will need to adapt this concept to fit your burner, fuel systems, bricks, e.t.c. This video provides a big picture so you can build a version of it for yourself.
5. How To Build A Forge (Gas)
I want to show you exactly how I got the materials to go together to result in a forge that works and will work for you too! First on the building list is firebrick which can withstand high heat without breaking down, burner, brass torch, and hose adapter. You can now start building with the simple steps provided.
6. How To Make A Soup Can Forge
In this video walkthrough, you will see how you can make a simple, effective, and inexpensive forge made out of a soup can with a plaster lining. The fuel is provided by a standard propane torch. The base is made by adding two L-brackets to a block of wood. Then drill on the can to secure it to the brackets with a bolt.
7. Brake Drum Blacksmith Forge
This perfect functioning blacksmith forge is built out of a brake drum, 2" pipe, cinder blocks, a light dimmer switch, and a hairdryer. The design of this forge is very basic to enable an easy swift workflow. The process has been broken down into detailed steps and my assurances are you can make this with ease.
8. How To Make A Blacksmiths Forge
Allow this video to walk you through how to make this coal forge. Featured also in the video are materials needed to execute this DIY project. Within a few hours, you're sure to have this all set up.
9. How To Make A Metal Foundry Using Empty Gas Cylinder
Practically I love this design, and anyone will love its build. It has a unique, modernized, and classy look. I'll advise you to look into this and follow the instructions keenly so you can have your metal foundry using an empty gas cylinder.
10. DIY Mini Metal Foundry
In this DIY project, you'll be using equal parts of sand and plaster to make a simple backyard foundry that's powerful enough to melt scrap metal in seconds but still pleasant enough to keep around for decoration. Eventually, it's a dual-purpose foundry, so it's a win-win for you.
11. DIY Iron Furnace Build
You'd be pretty happy with this project by the time you're done with this. This is an iron furnace made from a barrel, just a bit different from the aluminum build. With this guide, I assure you can have this in your yard for use.
12. DIY Cheap And Easy Forge
This is also a basic forge that can be built by even beginners, teenagers, or college folks. It's inexpensive and simple to build. Give it a try and you won't regret your actions.
13. How To Build A Forge
If you want to work with metal, you need heat. With it, you can make the toughest metal submit to your will. Our builder had to settle on a design that can be executed in one afternoon. This forge would burn coal, rather than gas, to make things simpler so let's do it.
14. How To Build A Forge
In this article, you will learn both ways of making a forge, either with coal or gas. Whichever design suits you best, give it your shot and you'll love just the way you made it. For your coal forge, things you'll need include; Kiln bricks, Steel, Power saw, Power drill, Refractory cement, PVC pipe, Y joint, Shop vacuum, Stovepipe, and Pipe connectors.
15. Homemade Forge DIY
Here's how to build your DIY blacksmith forge using an old propane grill. And building this homemade blacksmith forge is fairly easy, and with a few tools and some hard work, you can build your very own pipe tuyere forge very inexpensively. Using a discarded grill, a metal fence post, and a few hand and power tools, and materials available at your local craft or hardware store, you can construct this.
16. Homemade Propane Forge
This propane tank fits the bill. You can decide to buy or get an old one from a store that fills propane tanks. The valve (like all propane parts) is left-hand threaded and put in with pipe dope. They make special tools to remove them, but a big 'ol pipe wrench and some brute force should work.
17. How To Build A Metal Forge
Did you know that you could be doing this same time-tested technique at home? If you have access to a drill press or a drill and a very steady hand, you can build this burner. To build this burner, you will need to acquire the following: 8″ long, ¾″ black pipe nipple, 1 ½″ to ¾″ pipe reducer, 3″ long, ⅛″ pipe nipple, etc.
18. DIY Mini Electric Forge
This is a wonderful design, it is a mini electric forge with the main components consisting of a salvaged heater element, the power cord, and some fire brick. For safety reasons, please do not attempt construction of this project unless you are completely confident in your ability to work with mains voltage safely. Otherwise, proceed to make this happen.
19. Homemade Coal Forge
This article will show you how to build this coal forge Constructed from a length of 3" pipe. The door is ⅛". The handle and pinch clamp are 5/16" round bars. Follow the steps and make yours easily.
20. DIY Junk Forge Build
This build was upcycled from a wheel and some other junk. It is now a backyard forge that can be fueled by wood, charcoal, or coal. This is similar to a brake drum forge but uses a wheel instead.
21. How To Make A Simple Forge
In this video you will be tutored on how to make a basic forge which requires minimum tools and only about half an hour to build. Trust me it's a simple concrete-clay project which is not designed to last forever but will help achieve your purpose over a given period.
22. DIY Well Insulated Gas Forge
This is a ceramic wool insulated gas forge made using high alumina castable refractory, steel water pressure vessel tank, 5cm thick ceramic wool, refractory bricks for inside and doors. Get tutored, get busy, get building.
23. DIY Charcoal Forge
To make this portable, efficient and inexpensive design, start with a 5.5-gallon oval wash tub, a 30" long piece of 1" black iron pipe, good old Carolina clay, an old vacuum cleaner hose, a Tupperware container, and a 14" hand-cranked blower. With these, you're a step closer.
24. DIY Homemade Mini Forge
Making a homemade Mini Forge can be a great way to make jewelry and other objects at home, or to heat and bend small pieces of metal to make something like a knife. You can also use a Mini Forge to make and stamp coins. Ensure to adhere to safety precautions while on this project.
Conclusion
To prevent the fiery flame from burning down, it needs to be enclosed in a forge, which is a super hot oven. So having fine through these steps, you can attest that a forge is not difficult to build. Have fun blacksmithing!
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