Champion Forge Set-Up

threepiece · #1 06-17-2020, 07:42 AM

This is, I believe my first constructive post on this forum as I have a small riveting job I want to try soon. My original plan was to heat with a combination of wood stove and OA torch but I decided to try one of the blowers/forges my father has collection over the years. He and I attended numerous farm auctions in the 1980’s and early 90’s. By way of these auctions he amassed a significant amount of blacksmithing paraphernalia including this Champion blower/forge. None of the items were ever used by him, they were on display in his mini museum. This forge blower is the best operating of the six that he has.

Normally I would disassemble/repair a piece of equipment before using it but my intention here is to quickly and simply (two words that I am not usually associated with) create a working forge. The job requires heating and setting thirteen 3/4” solid rivets, I promise not to use it again until I investigate the inside.

Here I have fitted a brake drum. Short of securing the drum I’m not sure what else I need to do. I suppose I need a trap of sorts to keep the fuel from falling through. I thought a “hat” shaped deflector over the hole might be a good idea. Although I am quite familiar with wood stoves for heating I have never used anything like this. What do you fellows think? Let’s get this old forge hot again!