I began this project approximately 4yrs ago *sigh* and recently tripped over it in the shop ;-)
The first photo depicts the front of the 12" diameter forge with the front access door closed. The second photo has the main door open. And, the
third photo is of the rear of the forge, illustrating a sliding pass-through for long bar stock. The burner assembly is a Rex Price unit.
I have some ITC-100 refractory coating and plenty of 2" Kaowool ready to install - that is where I left off.
My question is: do I coat the Kaowool with the ITC and then lay the refractory brick on top of it? Or, do I make a cut-out in the Kaowool and lay the
refractory brick directly on the forge's steel floor? FYI: I tried to follow the basic principals of forge design as outlined by Ron Reil when sizing the burner to the forge volume. Any tips and suggestions from those whom have successfully built their own gas forge would be greatly appreciated! I would like to wrap this thing up and expand my endeavors a bit :-)
Dino

Forge 1:

I am working on a concept for an outdoor garden gate. It would involve layering and alternating sheets of stainless and copper or brass with areas cut out in order to achieve a specific variegated pattern. I am aware that galvanic corrosion can occur between copper and mild steel, but am not certain about the potential chemical interactions arising from stainless being in direct contact with copper or brass... Can someone more well versed in metallurgy please advise?

Hey folks!

Last year I completed a commission for a bird sculpture (http://www.wildgates.com/bird-sculpture-10.html), but the way I went about creating the initial shape was, well, a bit edgy. You can follow my process here: http://www.wildgates.com/bird-sculpture-1.html Although my client was elated with the piece, I know I have room for improvement in my methods.

I thought I would share my latest project - a garden gate with a frog motif. At this point, I have most of the pieces cut, formed and ready for welding.

I have not yet made a final decision in regards to how I will patina the piece, so please feel free to offer your suggestions, keeping in mind, that both I, and my client enjoy natural colors and textures. I am thinking along the lines of a heated peanut oil for the frame, and perhaps letting the copper do its own thing... The more I look at this, I am tempted to re-create the frog out of copper as opposed to the steel piece seen in the photo - making it much easier to texture and patina. Hmm... what was I thinking? :-)

Hello everyone!

I am new to the community and thought I would start by introducing myself.

I have been working with metal for about 10yrs now. My work ranges from sculpture to unique automated gates.