I just bought a new forge for working small stuff and heat treating, you know, things where you need more control of the heat and well.... anyway, you'll see. This thing is the cats meow.
Here's another shot of the prototype fired up at our monthly meeting at Jerry Petty's shop. The camera makes it look too hot, but it gets plenty hot. It easily comes apart in 3 pieces and is not very heavy to transport. Lin
So....tell us more about this unit. Who made it?
Steve,
A gentleman by the name of Johnny Jones made it. He is a retired tool and die maker here in Central Arkansas who has been attending our relatively new Central Arkansas Knife Makers Meeeting. We've held 6 meetings, I think. Johnny has been a crafstman on a variety of levels and now is interested in forging and joining some of the knife organizations. He has been taking suggestions from the local makers to work up his prototypes and now has it down to where it is so nice. All quality parts, event he fan motor is a Dayton. He fabricates everything else, but the switch. He puts the wiring that is near the swing of hot steel in flex-conduit and the connections in shrink wrap. Now all wiring is enclosed except for the actual power cord. It's over built, but I dont mind that at all. <img src=' http://www.americanbladesmiths.com/ipboard/public/style_emoticons//biggrin.gi f' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':D' /> The tool rest is nice too.
He will be taking orders and can customize the back with another door (mine has a slot)
to make the unit into a double forge for two workers. It would have works rests on both sides. The price is very reasonable too. It is very efficient on the propane, which is always good. You can turn it down really low and it still runs good but he has made some damascus in his so it will get hot. His number is 501-259-4650 in case you want to ask him something.
Lin,
do you still have the Central Arkansas Knife Makers Meeetings? I live in Hot Springs but have family in Prattsville and am familiar with the area. I would love to attend/join.
Cheyenne Walker
Apprentice Smith
Yes we do still hold meetings. I'd be glad to tell you about them. Holler at me at
Wow, that is slick! <img src=' http://www.americanbladesmith.com/ipboard/public/style_emoticons//cool.gi f' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='B)' />
Looks to be very nicely built and does the job!!! <img src=' http://www.americanbladesmith.com/ipboard/public/style_emoticons//smile.gi f' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':)' />
Looks like Jerry has a real nice shop to top things off. <img src=' http://www.americanbladesmith.com/ipboard/public/style_emoticons//smile.gi f' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':)' />
Johnny's idea of overbuilding it sounds perfect to me <img src=' http://www.americanbladesmith.com/ipboard/public/style_emoticons//smile.gi f' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':)' />
Nick,
Johnny is a tool and die maker by trade and he thinks in very precise terms and wont settle for less. He still is building the forges but has refined the riser from the blower to a smoother loop and has put a hinge in the pedistal stand so it will fold for transportation convenience and to reduce shipping for purchase. That alone cut shipping in half. He customises the front/ back door to suit your need. I have a drop in front door and a verticles slot 1/2 wide in the back end to enable me to heat a blade with the tip sticking out the slot so as to not overheat it.
Lin,
What would be the biggest piece you would be comfortable forging in this forge?
You can forge a 10 inch blade in it. I will say, You'll have to play with the settings. I am used to it and can change the regulator as I need without any problem. I use it all the time. I do have a large gas forge for forge welding, but once I get the welds and the size reduced, I go to the LJ forge. Saves gas.
