Home made kiln

[razorback]

I have an old charbroil barbeque that I was considering converting. I believe the burner is still good, but can also get a new replacement at wally world no problem. Is this a good candidate for a kiln and what are the options. I was thinking that the gas could be useful but would have to get a lot hotter. Could I use it in conjunction with charcoal or adapt the burner into an air delivery system. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

[ALW]

I'm planning a similar forge myself.  I'm surprised no one has chimed in yet.  I'm new to this stuff so take my advice for what it's worth.  I don't think the gas burner would get hot enough to benefit you much except maybe getting your coal/charcoal burning.  I would think that the high heat of a forge would burn out the burner pretty quick.

I'm planning on putting a pipe along the bottom of my old grill with holes in it for an air supply.  Then line the grill with clay to insulate leaving the holes in the pipe exposed to allow air to flow in.  Then just get an air supply (hair dryer, mattress pump, etc..)and load it up with your fuel source.  You can control the heat some with the air flow.

Do a search here and you can probably find some good info. on converting the grill to a forge.  I know there was one on here not long ago about making one out of an old air tank that might give you some good ideas.

Aaron

[razorback]

Thanks Aaron.
That is pretty much what I was thinking of doing. Am fairly certain the burners wouldn't last as they get burnt out by general barbecue use. I have an old vacuum cleaner motor and was thinking of using it as my air supply. I will build a box for it and have a pipe going to the forge. To control the amount of air i thought I would drill a bunch of holes in the supply pipe and put a pipe sleeve over the holes. I could slid it open to reduce air flow and closed for more air. Either that or fit a dimmer switch to the motor to control the speed of the motor. Not sure if that would damage the motor. I just need to find a source of clay around here, we have lots of sandy soil and gravel around here. I will post pics once I get something put together.

[Steve Nuckels]

Razorback, another option would be a old stainless single or double kitchen sink using the same plan as the grill.  If you have a double sink use the other side as a quench tank!

Post a pic when you finish!

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IN GOD WE TRUST

[razorback]

Steve, I like the idea of the convenient quench tank. Unfortunately, I have the barbecue and not a sink. How thick does the mud layer need to be to hold the heat and protect the vessel.

[prarieboy]

Hey razorback  here is a link that may be helpful Tim Lively has instructions on how to build a forge from a galvanized bucket even tells how to make the mud from kitty litter all in His site somewhere. Been a while back since I read it. but it should give You some insight for Your project.C-Ya Bob
 http://www.livelyknives.com/

[Steve Nuckels]

Tony, I can't anwser the question about the mud layer, you could lay the thin fire bricks in the bottom and mud around them.

Watch a junk sink will turn up when you least expect it.

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IN GOD WE TRUST

[Phoenix 1967]

At least an inch, 2 if you can. There is a tutorial here on an airtank forge that is similar. You can get away with a thinner layer underneath, as the heat will be propogating upwards... but the sides need a good bit. you should be able to put your hand on the side of it with it running full out.

[ALW]

Yep, it was Phoenix that did the air tank forge build tutorial.  Very good tutorial and easy to follow.

Aaron

[razorback]

I saw the airtank build along, very helpful. Should I put some insulation of some sort in the lid and if so what will work. My guess is the mud insulation will fall out with all the opening and closing. Also i have found a hand crank pump that I may be able to get my hands on. Is this better than using a motor driven fan. I have an old motor from a vacuum cleaner that I was going to use but like the idea of a hand pump. Any more ideas would be greatly appreciated.

[Phoenix 1967]

any kind of ceramic wool would work, as would drilling screws through the top