Built up this forge out of an old Weber BBQ, an exhaust manifold and a small leaf flower. Lining is sand mixed with plaster of paris. This is after a triple temper in the oven. Heat treat seemed to go well. This project is still a work in progress. Below are a couple from my first batch. Pretty rough but all fun and learning more with each one Kitchen set has been getting some use and developing a nice natural patina This one I made for a friend for her husband's birthday Thanks for looking
Excellent. What steels are you using for blades? Is that coal or charcoal for fuel? Every one will be a learning process.
I'm using coal for fuel from a local supplier. Also mostly 1095 steel. The small bushcrafty blade is 1084 in 1/8in thickness. The rest are 1095 in 3/32in. I really like that blade thickness, think it's just right. I've already lost a few blades i had to trash after i over-heated them.
You will find that 1084 is much more forgiving than 1095 with your setup. I have found 1095 more likely to crack and twist in the quench. If you are only using the forge to reach hardening temps try doing in at night, or in a low light situation. Daylight seems almost impossible for me to see when the steel is ready. Are you using a magnet to determine hardening temp? That will help to know when the steel is ready. The main thing is to keep trying. Every knife is a learning process.
Thanks Karl, and thanks Semo for the hot tips. I have tried at night and that was better because i could see the colours as you say. Was getting a feel for the sweet spot. Using a magnet too to test for when they become de-magnetised. The blades i lost i had the forge too hot - too much air and the fuel hadn't burned down enough. took a really short time for them to get white hot (over-hot). My supplier of steel is out of most carbon steel at the moment! Don't suppose you know a good supplier in the states who would ship to Australia for a reasonable price?!