How to Build an Oil Drum Forge
- 1). Cut the top and bottom off a 12 to 15 gallon oil drum.
- 2). Wash the drum thoroughly using a solution of 1/4 cup of household detergent in a gallon of water to remove all oil residue from both inside and outside the drum.
- 3). Weld 4 pieces of pipe cut to six inches long to make legs for the drum.
- 4). Line the drum with at least three inches of Kaowool for insulation of the forge fire. Insulating material is used to sustain the high temperature of the forge needed to work metals.
- 5). Drill a 1 1/2 inch hole in the side of the drum to hold the gas connection.
- 6). Insert the 1 1/4 inch, six inch long pipe into the hole until it protrudes just past the insulation on the interior of the drum. Weld securely in place.
- 7). Connect 1 1/4 inch threaded "Tee" to the end of the pipe. Drill 1/8 inch hole in the plug and connect it to the end. The open top of the "Tee" will allow air to mix with the gas for more efficient burning.
- 8). Drill a 13/64ths hole in the wrench end of the plug and tap with a 1/4-28 tap. Insert the 1/4-28 set screw, 1/2 inch long.
- 9). Peen down one end of the 1/8 inch pipe with hammer and tap the end. Screw in the MIG welding tip.
- 10
Insert the MIG welding tip into the plug and secure with the set screws. - 11
Bend steel strips into a handle shape and weld them to the edge of the drum's rim on both sides, front and back to hold extra firebricks when needed to enclose the forge fire. - 12
Lay firebricks at the bottom of the forge. - 13
Connect the propane gas hose to the gas burner outlet with a clamp.
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