DIY gas forge question

[DonFG]

I have a 5lb air tank to use for a gas forge. I have 1" x 12 sq ft of ceramic cloth to line it. I see that the cloth should be coated with ITC-100. Why not use high temp refractory cement over the cloth?

* Question about hose length and type.

Is 12' braided ok? Will there be any pressure loss that I need to worry about?

[tuskbuster]

i used the satonite in mine and saved the $$$ for more blade stock

[Doug Lester]

That's what I use on mine. Spray the ceramic matting with spray bottle to make it slightly damp to aid with the adhesion. You might have to apply it in sections too. Go as high up the sides as it will hold then let it set up a bit before working the rest of the way around. You might have to rotate the body of the forge as you do it. I don't particularly like Satanite as it's really a mortar and is not nearly as robust as the refractory. I lined mine with Mizzou which is stands up to flux from welding real well.

Doug

[Crex]

The mortar or satanite is basically a rigidizer to hold the insulation in place and make the interior more durable to the rigors of forging. It also helps keep the ceramic fibers from the liner in place so they do not go flying out in the room for you to inhale...seriously not good.
The ITC100 is an additional coating, more of a "ceramic wash", that helps with the reflecting of heat back into the interior of the forge, basically a catalytic effect. It helps with fuel efficiency and allows you to actually reduce fuel feed while still maintaining even temps in the forge chamber.
It may be expensive in front outlay, but will pay for itself down the road. Also, it is reconstitutable if your left overs dry out. Just crush and mix with distilled water.

[sdcb27]

There is a difference between rigidizer, insulators and refractory. Truthfully even though many many use it even ITC 100 isnt a refractory

[Ed Caffrey]

When dealing with propane, use ONLY hose/fittings/etc that are designed for propane....doing otherwise is just putting yourself in a position of danger.

Although ITC-100 isn't exactly a "refractory", it is a ceramic based coating used to protect and reflect heat. Speaking from experience, I can pull an extra 500F or more out of a forge coated with ITC-100 versus one that's not.