Newbie questions on where to buy a gas forge and when to repair an anvil?

Hi everyone;
As a newbie I have a couple of questions for you old pro's.
I have a 101 pound 1879? Mousehole anvil, the top is solid and in probably an 8 out of 10 condition but the edges are not as clean as I would like. Should I have a welder fill in the damage or leave it as is? If I should have it repaired who or where would you take it?
Secondly I want a small gas forge, what is the best value for a small gas forge, where should I buy it, which one is the most for the money?
Last but not least where can I find or buy a soft refractory brick like the one used in the worlds smallest forge ($50.00 knife shop)and does it really work well enough to bother to make it?
Thanks for your response.
Rick Nix

previous forum topic | next forum topic | printer friendly version
By Rick Nix at 02/19/2007 - 9:26pm | Blacksmithing HowTo/Troubleshooting: | Tools

Refractory brick

Rick, I'll bring some bricks to the next meeting. I missed this one; I was out of town. I did a one-brick forge for making a couple hundred nails. I liked it, but the utility of it is really limited beyond that.

By Tom K at Tue, 02/20/2007 - 9:23am | login or register to post comments

Gas Forges

Check out this link for a gas forge:
An NC forge is probably your best bet for the money.

http://www.nctoolco.com/index.php

You will find in most cases a home made forge will not perform as well as a professionally built one and in the end the cost is not much different.

I have a Swan Forge. It probably is one of the most efficient forges on the market but can be a bit pricey.
http://www.swan-portaforge.co.uk/

You can buy either forge from Tom Clark at the Ozark School of Blacksmithing.
http://www.ozarkschool.com/

If you have any more questions feel free to contact me.Or simply respond on the forum.

Ben Bradshaw
thebradshaws@mindspring.com
770-335-3745 cell

By BEN BRADSHAW at Tue, 03/06/2007 - 9:11pm | login or register to post comments

Alex Bealer Blacksmith Association

Tip: