Robert Hensarling's Forge

This Forge by Robert Hensarling is 12" diameter x 24" long, and the insulated hinged lids open and close on each end. There is a adjustable tong rack on each end in front of the openings, and a stationary tong and hammer rack built into the cart itself. It's easily moved around the shop on the steel wheels, and can hold two propane bottles in the bottom cart shelf. The burners are naturally aspirated venturi burners. Robert built this forge to handle large "canned" mosaics, but it can also be used for bladesmithing as well. He can use either one or both burners, and each burner is fully adjustable. When using only one burner, Robert has a movable "wall" of Inswool "board" that he can place in position in the forge, closing off the section he's not using. This forge is highly efficient, and reaches welding heat in just a few minutes.

This view shows the forge body, open lid with kaowool, tong and hammer rack, cart and cart handle. There are two stationary and two swiviling metal wheels welded to the bottom that Robert purchased at the local tractor supply store. You can also see the extendable tong brackets, they move in and out, up and down. The two end lids can be bolted shut, helping seal the gasses from coming out anywhere except the center openings.

View of the left hand side of the forge and cart. Robert uses a much larger propane bottle when using this forge, but this shows that one or two of the small bottles can be placed on the cart shelf if wanted. Note the handle on the front of the cart, it's really handy. Robert is constantly moving this forge around next to different tools in the shop (BLUE air hammer, 100 pound Little Giant, Hydraulic press, anvil). All of these tools are in one area, but it's nice to "tweak" the position of the forge for the tool he's using at the time.

This view shows the forge from the right hand front quarter side. The back lid opens just like the front. You can see the adjustable tong holders, there's one on each end. The opening in each lid is 3.5" x 4.5". Robert made them large enough for handling mosaic "cans".

This picture shows a detailed view of the burner assembly and gas line piping. You'll notice that Robert has installed an idle by-pass circuit for the gas going to the burners. This is very useful function and will allow you to throttle the burners back when needed, for instance Robert writes "If the phone rings, or if I'm going to be at the power hammer or anvil for a while, I just turn the main valve off, and the bypass lets just enough gas go through to keep it burning."

This shot shows the 3" (3 layers) of 2,700 degree inswool and a topcoat of ITC-100 applied to aid in increasig forge efficiency as well as stabilize the fibers. The shelf bottom is a length of kiln shelving. Robert is a highly gifted craftsman, in both metal and wood, and you should take the time to view his websites at the following url: http://www.mesquiterocker.com/