Bentonite for forge lining?

[ALW]

I have access to some pure bentonite clay.  Is this any good for use as lining for a forge?  I've read about mixing clay with some sand and wood ash, just wanted to see if this would work before I made a mess with it!  LOL....  Thanks.

Aaron

[ALW]

Anyone?  Is there a better type of clay to use.

[Don Stokes]

I'm no expert on clays and firing, but I do remember from my Soils class in college (a long, long, time ago) that Bentonite is one of the clays that has a very high shrink/swell ratio, so I wouldn't think it would be good for a forge lining unless you could get it dry without breaking up or distorting badly from excess shrinkage.

I could be wrong- it happened once before, I think about 1967...

[ALW]

Thanks.  I knew it had a very high shrink/swell potential and that's why I was asking.  Didn't want to waste my time if it was useless.  Thanks again.

Aaron