r/blacksmithing • u/masepoes7 • 12d ago
Help Requested Small Blacksmithing Workshop
Howdy everyone,
I have a space behind my garage where I plan on building a blacksmithing shop. I have a concrete pad where I could build a shop that’s 18’ x 7’6” (5.5x2.3m). The roof will be at least 80” (2m) high. Suggesting that I construct this with proper ventilation, would it be enough room to safely house a 2 burner vevor forge? My main thoughts are that wood + forge = danger. Does anybody have any insight on how to properly insulate/fire protect the walls? I plan on putting the forge in the back of the room centered, where the anvil is then immediately to my right (standing in front of the forge). How far should it be from walls?
From my research, I should use rockwool insulation and cement board to protect the walls. I’ve never built anything fireproof. Any feedback is appreciated, even if it’s saying that the space is too small. TIA
EDIT: Thanks for all the help in these responses. Follow up question since I’m designing the shop top to bottom, what would be everyone’s ideal ventilation system. The shop is going to have a 20 degree sloped roof for rainwater runoff, with passive roof vents. What type of active ventilation system could I put in there? What would be the best option?
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u/pushdose 12d ago
That’s a decent amount of space actually. If you put cement board on the adjacent wall I’d still give it a couple feet clearance from any wall or wood. You need excellent ventilation, like an overhead exhaust fan or hood would be excellent if you can swing it. A hood would be ideal so it can pull excess heat directly up and out. It will get pretty toasty in there with 100k BTU of space heater essentially.
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u/warchild-1776 12d ago
i think you can go with less. maybe have the forge on a cart, out the front door in the summer to keep the heat and fumes down... but for the love of god have that forge vented if working inside.
from there, go with normal batt insulation, use plywood ( so you can hang anything anywhere) then paint AND caulk all seams.... most sparks fall to the floor... dont leave a seam where they can smolder
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u/Meisterthemaster 11d ago
If you have any concerns, measure the temperature of the wood in that spot, wood ignites from 300 degrees celcius, but i would take precautions if any part of the wood gets over 100 degrees celcius.
If you feel with you hands: the average pain-border is around 50 degrees celcius, so if you can touch it without pain the wood is fine
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u/BF_2 11d ago
If a smithy couldn't be built of wood, there's be far fewer smithies in the world.
Concrete floor is an excellent start. Now research how woodstoves are installed in wooden houses without burning them down. Remember that a gas forge may emit "dragon's breath" flames, requiring at least a foot and more likely 3' from anything flammable. Basically, you want a steel barrier between the heat of the forge and the wooden wall, spaced inches away from the wall. If you mount the forge central to the room, this may not even be necessary.
I urge you to use powered ventilation while the forge is burning. CO is no laughing matter. A roof-mount fan was my choice, but a windbox fan in a window would work too.