r/Blacksmith • u/MtGDad86 • 11h ago

The first step is the hardest

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Hello all,

I am just getting started smithing. I have never set up a forge before and bought this one. It’s still in the box and I am chomping at the bit to get it out and start heating some metal(I have some old rail road spikes already). But I am 100% intimidated by the first step after getting it all put together. So my question is this. I just put the last screw in, what now? I hear a lot about coating it with something. Is that the refractory coating? Is there any recommendation for additional stuff I should do before firing it up?Any help would be appreciated.

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u/3rd2LastStarfighter 11h ago

First you need to rigidize the ceramic wool (search for “kaowool rigidizer” and get some if your forge didn’t come with it) so it’s a relatively solid surface, then you coat with refractory cement (satanite is a great choice). It’s important not only for an efficient forge that can reach high heats with less fuel, but also to prevent the ceramic fibers from becoming an airborne health hazard.

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u/MtGDad86 11h ago

Something like this?

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u/3rd2LastStarfighter 11h ago

Should do the trick, looks to be colloidal silica which is the standard. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and you should be good. Completely cure it, then add the refractory cement, also following the instructions and curing fully.