Two brick forge using MAPP torch

**jmk89** · 11th July 2009, 05:35 AM

In the latest (July 2009) issue of Drew Langsner's Country Workshops e-newsletter,is the following article of interest. This looks like a good compromise for home use. Drew is, of course best known as a US-based chaimaker, but he makes his own tools for that specialised craft and teaches how to do that - ence the article appearing in that newsletter.

I would have just provided a link to the Country Workshops newsletter webpage, but it hasn't beeen updated to include the latest issue yet.

Two-brick forge uses MAPP gas heat source.
MAKE A 2-BRICK FORGE

This summer’s fully enrolled Toolmaking for Woodworkers workshop was taught by Swedish toolmaker Hans Karlsson and our neighbor John Kraus. During the first few days class members worked with cold, pre-annealed 01 tool steel flat stock to make mortise chisels, knife blades and other small tools. Hardening and tempering was done in class made forges that consist of two light-weight insulating bricks. The heat source is a Bernzomatic type torch and a canister of MAPP gas which burns considerably hotter than propane. These simple forges get hot enough for hardening (near 2,000 degrees) and some rather significant forge work.

Interior view of the forge.Tempering was done visually by color, and as a “soak” with a household electric toaster oven. Students also made their own gouges, pot and coat hooks, and other tools. We used W1 round stock for the forged projects.

The brick forge interior is easily hollowed using an old spoon as a scraping tool. We are still experimenting with the layout, but the chamber should be rounded for a uniform heat pattern. The burning gas inlet on the side is angled towards the back. We also played with putting the torch tip directly in front of the entry hole. The work being heated is supported by short lengths of wire placed between the bricks. (Scrape a recess for the wire so that the bricks fit close together.) Stainless steel wire will withstand repeated use, but mild steel wire can also be used. Some class members used their bench vise to secure the MAPP gas canister. Insulating bricks are available from ceramics supply outlets and sell for about $5 each.

One safety issue. The 2-brick forge can get hot enough to scorch (and eventually ignite) a wooden table. Placing it on an inverted steel drum or other fireproof work support is therefore recommended.

Hans says that he will make his own 2-brick forge back in Sweden and that he would like to emphasize their use next time we hold this course.

**Grahame Collins** · 11th July 2009, 09:25 AM

It would appear from the photos and text description that the light weight insulation bricks are Hebel.

I have a lot of the offcuts of this stuff left over from my house cladding.
I have supplied this stuff to a mate who tempers knives that he makes.
The proper fire bricks are of course are much better, but just not easily available to all of us.

It works well with an a small portable torch. I have a Bernzomatic Mapp gas cylinder though I would have to jury rig the button as it is set up to switch off once finger pressure is removed.For those not familiar with this rig it is set up like a dead mans handle .Press the button to turn on the gas and light using the inbuilt pietzo ignition and turn off by releasing the button.

Grahame

**radish** · 11th July 2009, 12:07 PM

Originally Posted by Grahame Collins

I have a Bernzomatic Mapp gas cylinder though I would have to jury rig the button as it is set up to switch off once finger pressure is removed.For those not familiar with this rig it is set up like a dead mans handle .Press the button to turn on the gas and light using the inbuilt pietzo ignition and turn off by releasing the button.

Grahame

Not too sure what torch your using, but I have 2 for the Mapp gas. The TS 4000 is the flame thrower/heater torch, the TS 7000, is the fine flame for just spot heating.

Now BOTH of these torches DO have a button, that allows you to let go of the deadman button and the flame continues.

Have a look at the picture of this torch.

http://www.durafix.com/bernzomatic-torch/index.html

You will notice a small aluminium button above the deadmans button, when you have the torch alight, just press that alloy button down and the torch stays alight, or press the alloy button and then hit the red one and when alight, just let the red one go, it stays on.

To turn it of, just press the red button again.

Have a look at yours and see if it has the alloy button.

regards radish

**RayG** · 11th July 2009, 12:24 PM

Hi Jeremy,

Good Post.

Nice and simple, would be good for the odd one-off type heat treatment of 01 steel. I have done 01 plane blades and chisels with just map torches and it can take a while to heat bigger stuff, so this type of forge would be quicker.

Of course you also need a handy bucket of oil, ... the only thing I don't like is he has it fired up on a wooden bench (I see a scorched workbench coming up...

Tempering is just as easily done in the kitchen oven, (while SWMBO is not looking

)

Regards
Ray

**BobL** · 11th July 2009, 12:59 PM

Thanks for posting JK - that does look nice and simple. My home forge is similar - made from ~9 fire bricks and a MAPP torch but I only use it when I can't get access to one of the digitally controlled furnaces at work.

**jmk89** · 11th July 2009, 01:17 PM

I just wonder whether the bricks are Hebel or kiln insulating bricks? The original article says "Insulating bricks are available from ceramics supply outlets " which suggests something more than Hebel. In Sydney and Brisbane I suppose we could go to Pottery Supplies. Their catalogue has:
K23 / JM23

Refractory Insulating 1260°C $6.90 $131.10

K26 / JM26 Refractory Insulating 1420°C $9.45 $179.55

**Grahame Collins** · 11th July 2009, 03:29 PM

Thanks Radish
It is a TS 4000 and indeed has a little button which when pressed in, did the job.
I have had it for years and the cylinder has not run out yet.I am amazed how well the stuff lasts as I use it regularly.

Obviously its been a long time since the instructions and I parted company.
Thanks for pointing it out.
Grahame

**Jackaranda** · 1st August 2009, 11:40 AM

"http://www.britishblades.com/forums/showthread.php?p=157696"
Here's a link to a similar forge design with some discussion of critical design features.
cheers
jackaranda
Editors Note: Cross forum link removed

Originally Posted by jmk89

Two-brick forge uses MAPP gas heat source.
MAKE A 2-BRICK FORGE

.

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