Tin Can Forge (Blacksmithing)

The Tin Can Forge is a cool project to make. It is fairly inexpensive to make which is nice. This is used to heat up up metal to a point where you can blacksmith the metal into something. These get pretty hot, it will get the metal glowing red. There are different propane tanks that give off more heat the different colors mean different temperatures. Although it get hots you don't have to worry about the wood starting on fire. Make sure to not leave it unatended when hot. Also alway where safety glasses when using the forge. I would also recomend using gloves when making stuff. There are other ways to make this basically the sand mitchure stuff helps keep the heat so can get it hot enough to be able to work the metal. I have not yet tried glass but plan on in the future to see if can blow glass with it. Also only burn in a well ventalated area out side is the best. Make sure to watch videos on how to use a forge be using. I used this to make a knife.

do you have a torch and propane?

Supplies

wood

screws

5 inch L brackets 2

Large tin can

bolts and nuts

sand

mixing concrete

1 and half inch hole pipe

Tools

saw

drill

drill bit

bucket to mix sand

water

Making the frame is pretty straight forward. The base is made out of a piece of scrap wood about 1 and half inches thick. This can be what ever size as long as you can mount two 5 inch L brackets a tin can length apart. I attached the L brackets with screw two screws for each L bracket. Then I took the metal tin can and cut out a half in hole for the hollow pipe to go in. Then I held the tin can up to the L brackets where the hollow pipe is located where i wanted it. Mark on the tin where the holes need to be drilled. Drill the holes. Use bolts and nuts to attach the the Tin can to the other side of the L brackets. The bolts were about one inch long.

You will need to mix up the plaster to paris with sand and water. I mixed the plaster of paris equally with the same amount of sand. Then you will need to mix in water. The amount of water you add will be so that when you mix the water with the sand and plastic it will be a play doe feeling. You don't want it to runny. You can always add more water. I did not make enough the first time so had to do to mixes but still worked out fine. Using rubber gloves is a good idea for this part. I mixed it up in a big zip lock bag. Once you have the texture you want start putting it in your tin can. Push it up against the sides and at the bottom. Make sure the mix goes all the way to the brim of the tin can. After you have it all pushed in place take a PEN and push out the hollow pipe so it open. Thats where the propane torch will be inserted and need the flame to get threw to the inside of the tin can.

Using it for the first time using the propane torch will help the mixture dry. To use take a propane torch and put the nose in the hollow pipe. Then stick a piece of metal in the top of tin can so that it heats up. Then you will need a hammer and an anvil to pound the metal. I used this to make a knife. Make sure to forge in a well ventilated area.aka outside.