FILENAMES:

ftmf.txt
ftmf1.jpg
ftmf2.jpg
ftmf3.jpg
ftmf4.jpg
ftmf5.jpg
ftmf6.jpg
ftmf7.jpg
ftmf8.jpg
ftmf9.jpg


DESCRIPTION:

Description and pics of forge made from a freon tank. Thanks 
to Jason North <jasonrnorth@bigfoot.com>. Jason provided the 
following description:

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

These are construction notes and pics for the FREON TANK MINI-FORGE,
as detailed by Ron Reil on his website at:
http://www.webpak.net/~rreil/minifor.htm
Materials were obtained from Jay Hayes at:
http://home.earthlink.net/~xmas4lites/
These notes and pics detail design departures from Rons plans that I
made to suit my own tastes. Otherwise, Construction of the forge
and burner are as per Rons plans. This is a satisfying project to
undertake, and results in an attractive creation that will not only
come in handy, but opens up new avenues to explore.
ftmf1.jpg
ftmf2.jpg  shows: Layout of the stand legs on a layout board. The cut
angle on the legs is 15 1/2°. Note the offset towards the burner side
for additional support. The legs were positioned on coordinates and
propped in place with the transverse cradle straps, and tacked in place.
The stand was then stick welded together and finished on the grinder
and belt sander.
  
ftmf3.jpg shows the burner holder and flanges. The inboard flange
is welded to the 4" pipe, and inserted thru the inside of the shell.
The outer flange is dropped onto the pipe and thru-bolted to the inner
flange. The flanges are 3" washers, hot worked to the radius of the shell.
This, and all thru-shell fittings are sealed in place with
refractory paste.

ftmf4.jpg shows: The burner and holder as an assembly. The burner tube
is a sliding fit into the holder, and located by a snap ring which fits
into a groove machined into the burner tube. The burner is flush with
the lower end of the holder. Note that the rough pipe and bell have 
been machined for a more esthetic appearance.

ftmf5.jpg shows: The frame and shell sandblasted, and ready for painting
and assembly.

ftmf6.jpg shows: The Kaowool and kiln shelf. I used 1 layer of 3" wool,
and 1 layer of 1". The 1" layer is cut 3/4" short, leaving a 'jam' for
the door to seat into and against. It is flush with the back side. The
insides, door and jam are coated with ITC-100 compound.

ftmf7.jpg shows: The FTMF finished and ready to fire. Note the door 
hinge arrangement. I welded a 3/8" dia. pipe section to the frame, and
bent up a piece of rod to attach to the door. This is a simple and
effective alternative to the original design, and pivots the door out
of the way, while leaving it attached to the forge.

ftmf8.jpg shows: The door setup, and initial firing. It's fascinating
to see that intense yellow heat contained within that small space.

ftmf9.jpg shows: Another view of the finished unit.

JR North