Building our Blacksmith forge from a stone chimney built 150 years ago

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We decided to build our blacksmith forge from a neighbors gift, 150 year old chimney stones from an old house site. These sandstones were hand split and hewn from the cliffs by some long ago mason and now are given new life in our forge.
The forge is a simple dry stack construction side blast type, very similar to Japanese forges of the past.
Special thanks to Dave at / @islandblacksmith
whose great work documenting all these techniques is a true service to the world!
Patreon page:
/ mrchickadee
Follow me on Instagram:
/ mr_chickadee1
My website :
mrchickadee.com/
Contact: [e-mail]

[@devajonesdiy]

its amazing to see all the stuff this guy creates fairly simply but which a very high level of skill.

[@sailinglucyday6921]

Outstanding work mr. C

[@glennwilck5790]

Just keeps getting better can't wait to see the locust floor!

[@tylerkrug7719]

You are awesome!

[@kenmarapese9085]

Chickadee finally gave in a went ultra modern on the forge! Beautiful build!

[@Medjurazzdiguetto]

So cool!!!

[@tylerkrug7719]

Everything you do is interesting

[@user-qw7xy3pj3p]

Those stones are only 150 yrs old, would have guessed hundreds of thousands of years.:) You are truly inspiring. Thank you

[@wyore4344]

in homesteading...age of rocks is based upon when put to Use. not when they were "in situ" or laying dormant. and, of course "age of rocks" is up for debate anyway!?! rgrds. w.

[@tylerkrug7719]

I love all your videos! There not super long videos, wich I like, but they have lots of great content! Your videos are the perfect length.

[@davegraham9932]

curious as to whether or not there will be any sort of heatshielding at the back of the forge? is the intent to leave it open as shown or will there be further additions down the road?

[@CryptolockerMD]

Was wondering that myself, with the top being open. Seems like floating embers could catch on the back wall?

[@Chr.U.Cas1622]

Dear Dave Graham. That's exactly what came up in my mind. Best regards luck and health.

[@RayFromTheHayclan]

I would definitely add some form of heat shield.

[@PescatoreFocoso]

i think he left oper for use melting pot

[@MrChickadee]

We will play it by ear for now, mostly just ash gets out and on the wall, rarely tiny sparks. I might add some bricks over the top rear to help hold heat in as well as sparks too.

[@AZURAWIRACOCHA]

Es toda una inspiracion ver tu programa, y la base de piedra quedo increible...

[@pukinpaja1974]

Thats it Art of Work! Peacefull working and beautiful results! 🎅🏻👍🏻🇫🇮

[@lenblacksmith8559]

Great job nice forge watch that back wall doesn't get too hot..

[@scottriddle5468]

Man that was awesome

[@3000gtwelder]

All I can focus on is that thing being so close to the wall...

[@liortalmor]

cool shoes

[@gilbertosilvadasilveira296]

gooooooooood

[@cruisinthru3916]

Seriously, this channel is like therapy. Even the chickadee whistle calms the soul. Dont change a thing!

[@RonRay]

I would not have thought that you would build it so close to the wall...

[@PandolafX]

ASMR

[@cjwoodturning4832]

Nice video could the pipe not heat up and course a fire ? Or dus it not get that hot with what you use it for?.

[@CryptolockerMD]

He mentions something about the 30 degree angle of the pipe in subtitles should prevent it.

[@onebackzach]

My guess is that the fire brick and mortar mixture insulate the pipe fairly well, so only the very end gets hot, and the cool air rushing through it keeps the heat from creeping up the pipe towards the bellows

[@Chr.U.Cas1622]

Dear Cj woodturning I instantly thought the same. Maybe it cannot become very hot because of the relatively constant blow of cool air? In my personal opinion it should be insulated at least against/between the wood. A pipe made out of fire clay would be an alternative to the metal one. I'm pretty sure that Mr. Chickadee knows what to do. Best regards luck and health.

[@HiltsyAdventure]

Since it is the source of air it should not heat up enough to burn the bellows, but the tip closest to the fire might melt some overtime.

[@azz2]

Notice how he pulled a red hot piece of metal out of fire with his bare hands? Steel is a surprisingly poor conductor of heat. Plus the pipe has cool air moving through it.

[@2Axiom]

Anvil next?

[@MrChickadee]

floor first...

[@Chr.U.Cas1622]

Dear@@MrChickadee Made with flat stones respectively old bricks?

[@chrisstegink4402]

I heard you breathing and you had a pulse. Now lets see you charming the crap out of those chickadees not just hearing them. Now..WHPISSHH….!!!AGAIN!!! Still like yr work. From experience if you got around power tools you would turn into a wild wood eating animal. Happy holidays

[@charlesmay8251]

How does the smoke draw away from the forge?

[@tnmonty501]

Is it just me or do stones seem to get heavier the colder it is

[@MrChickadee]

they sure do!

[@musagetes23]

I might have missed something, but do the stones below the bellows box, pipe, and charcoal pit serve any purpose beyond just bringing the whole thing up to waist height? like, could you have made the same foundation/table out of another material?

[@ohske]

👍👍👍👌☺️

[@shartne]

I think it would be even better with a sheet of 1/8 steel behind it so sparks couldnt catch the wall on fire. Or some cheap cement board. Durock.

[@tim_bbq1008]

The stones on the bottom aren't really bedded or anchored to anything. What keeps them in place over time? What keeps the entire furnace stable and secure?

[@mytrashaccount3630]

gravity

[@FlutyLickHomestead]

Love the cut sand stone! That is going to be an awesome shop! just acquired an really old big set of bellows I hope to get fixed for my forge

[@thomasarussellsr]

Looks more like limestone, or at least it is more common in Kentucky. We do have some sedimentary rock in a few places, but it usually has a more red-ish/brown-ish tone. 100 year old chimney stones are more likely limestone as well.

[@MrChickadee]

I cant wait to see it! The sandstone is the best to work by hand.

[@kinyaev29]

Штаны, как у Ведьмака

[@markstanden202]

Mr. Chickadee, I gots to ask, as it's been bugging me... I've watched most of your videos (and this one at least twice)... What was the reason for NOT putting limestone chimney blocks nearest the (very flammable) wooden wall at back?

[@MrChickadee]

Not needed, lots of hot sparks go on the wall and the floor, can be alarming to those new to that, but after watching, nothing happens.

[@golefevre]

To be fair, that stone is probably at least 151-years old. Possibly 152.

[@MrPlumberguy23]

Is it wrong to just hit👍before you watch it because you know it going to be good

[@genegoodman5233]

No cause that's what I do

[@rawovunlapin8201]

@@genegoodman5233 that's not a proper argument

[@maxdecphoenix]

in the 'Victorian Farm' series from England (all can be found on here) they revamped a period blacksmith's shop also. For the flooring they just used clay. Literally brought in river clay then danced on it to pack it in 2-3" deep. It was said the clay surface helped absorb sound from pounding mauls, was soft to walk on and cushioned any impacts for fragile pieces which may fall. It's also DIRT CHEAP, easy to fix divots, (just moisten and spread it smooth again, or just bring in a bit more). But it's also inert so it won't combust in a fire. Any particular reason you chose stones or is that just a base layer?

[@toonybrain]

maxdecphoenix Just a base layer for his awesome pine wood-brick floor (which I’m going to copy).

[@PerkBuilders]

I really appreciate the time you spend on your videos. I’ve been watching for three years at this point. Glad to see you back after a (maybe?) hiatus last year for a while. Keep making dust

[@charlesloveday9208]

Awesome...Can't wait to see you do some forging! 😎✌️👋👋👋👍👍👍

[@javanbybee4822]

Thats awesome that your going to do blacksmithing as well!

[@olddawgdreaming5715]

Hey Josh, you have it working just fine! You really did a great job. Thanks for sharing with us. MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.

[@tomcobey4015]

Does the forge need outside venting, like a chimney? Great work. Love your videos.

[@thomasarussellsr]

Both ends of the building have open gables.

[@renardgrise]

Well, the front of the shed is open currently... I would imagine he would need some venting if he closed it off...

[@MrChickadee]

Not with a well vented structure and charcoal. I would not recommend this with coal...;)

[@ftb427]

@@MrChickadee you say charcoal but you can use hard woods as well.

[@renardgrise]

@@ftb427 You can, but it's not ideal... the charcoal is going to burn purer than the hard-wood.

[@superdansilverman]

I'm concerned by the proximity of the forge to the wall. Around here the fire code mandates 18" of clear space around wood burning stoves. Maybe a timber frame water tower / fire suppression system is in your future?

[@AdeAhmat]

Great build and functional. love it

[@RosaStringWorks]

Nice work.

[@klagr0128]

I like that videos

[@shartne]

nice.

[@chadatha5560]

This has been a wonderful series to follow, I would hate to see what's in your head that your not starting yet I n fear of being over ambitious!

[@Whipple1]

Impressive. Merry Christmas! Cheers! Whipple

[@Orthcrmt]

I know marine corps issue boots and beanie when I see it. Semper fi

[@nicolecrystal6765]

I Love Marines !

[@sooszoltan1507]

Nice work Mr. Chickadee! Thanks for the video!

[@tardismole]

Now that's what I call a useful and well-used gift. Merry Christmas.

[@kkarllwt]

Why isn't the bellows placed at an angle so that it can be pumped as parts are held in the fire? Is there a reason to walk over to the bellows , then back to the fire?

[@shortfuse43]

If you look at some videos of Japanese master bladesmiths, their box bellows are adjacent to the forge as is his. They sit in front of both and pump with their left arm, work the steel in the right (if they are right-handed, of course).

[@thevictorianworkshop8660]

Ten out of ten josh for Keeping a straight face when lifting those big mothers .nice stone work

[@Chr.U.Cas1622]

Dear Mr. Chickadee. 👍👌👏 Happy Christmas holidays. Best regards, luck and health to all of you (including the animals of course).

[@james_robnett]

There's a steak with my name on it waiting for me, going to have to watch this later .... well maybe just a few more minutes.

[@simpleforging3339]

Thanks for sharing, nice job. I like your ability to reconfigure the firebox. You get any smoke travelling up the pipe into your bellows?

[@blipzero]

how long did it take to do all the stone work ?

[@MrChickadee]

Not much work as most were already done 150 years ago, I had to fit up a couple since my forge is not the same as the chimney was originally, most was just stacking things up, the work of a morning for all. ;)

[@JDLarge]

Merry Christmas to you and your beautiful wife. ✌🏼🤟🏼🤞🏼🎅🏼🤶🏼🎄🦌🎁⛄️❄️

[@yamahabiker1937]

Recently became familiar w/ your channel. Always glad to support a brother Marine. Semper Fi and Merry Christmas.

[@oliviermalige3279]

Nice work, can't wait to see your first forging ! Thanks for sharing!!

[@HiltsyAdventure]

Forge is looking great! It might be hard to heat longer stock though, do you have a plan for that? Though I do understand it can be avoided with a lot of different forging, for the most part, I only need it when I am hot cutting long stock ATM.

[@MrChickadee]

Sure, I can run a long bar out a gap in the firebrick on the back, and get about 3' of cut off distance from wall to actual tuyer pipe area...I dont know if I will ever need to cut off a longer piece than that? I guess I could actually cut a hole in the wall and run a super long bar out there...but honestly use a hack saw most of the time...

[@charleshettrick2408]

40 years ago I built a massive 600 pound steel forge with a 8x8 adjustable on-the-fly to 8x20 fire pot on a 48 x 36 forge. Drop wings were at each end of the fire pot to allow long rods to pass through. I used the front wing almost every day and the back wing once a week. But I know there was only a handfull of times making a gate where the stock was more than 2.5 feet beyond the end of the fire pot. As stated previously, a hole through the wall is good. Look at the Matthew Edel museum shop in Haverhill, IA. There was a hole with hinged door through the wall until Matthew's son shingled the building.

[@nosaltiesandrooshere7488]

👍 09:00 a.m. CET My dear friends Mr. Cickadee! A happy and peaceful Christmas! All the best and love, happiness and health for the new year 2020! I wish you and your whole family! Greetings from the Waldviertel sends you NoSaltiesAnd RoosHere

[@SGMegaMinecraft]

i love the style of your video, very quiet and beautiful. this is what this passion is all about

[@tinkermouse-scottrussell3738]

Thank you kindly for your awesome job, Josh looking forward to next year's content. From my family to your family, Merry Christmas and the best to you all in the New Year. Play Safe From Elliot Lake Ontario Canada.

[@Btines01]

Crushing! Well executed man!

[@jerButler87]

Beautiful! I'm very interested in that refractory mix. I want to try to use it in the heat riser of a rocket stove.

[@MrChickadee]

Yeah, its pretty sweet, some of the outer charcoal cooks off leaving a honeycomb of hard clay sponge, which means lots of air and insulation. There is another method ive seen where clay was mixed with sheep wool, same thing, the wool burns off leaving the air pockets. Ive even heard of horse manure in some old mixes for bake oven parging.

[@wanderingcalamity360]

@@MrChickadee I was wondering what you were doing there. I was almost certain that it was charcoal and I had no idea how that was supposed to act as insulation. Very neat.

[@MrGeroth]

You are one amazing man. Thanks for sharing. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

[@Vikingwerk]

I’m a little jealous of people who live where the local stone is useful for building. In my area all there is by way of stone is very soft sandstone, which is to porous and crumbly and weak to build with. I might get a few sandstone grinding wheels from it if I search long enough though!

[@kevintulak9987]

Very enjoyable to watch you bring life to the old stone. Did you draw out the project with dimensions ahead of time or do you just have an idea and let develop organically? Thanks for sharing.

[@MrChickadee]

pretty impromptu...

[@wyore4344]

i think J's middle name is organic. rgrds. w.

[@hp11208]

Mr chickerie don't talk much

[@TheGarfes]

Usually, judging by the photographs, Japanese forge are located at least a meter, half a meter from the walls. and it's all parallel to the wall: Wall - bellows - forge

[@LarsKiel]

👌

[@georgebecker1191]

Nice job! The shop is coming along nicely. I'm a stone mason and wanted to tell you about my favorite stone chisels. If you do a fair amount of stone work it would be worth it to you. Check out if you haven't already Trow & Holden in Barre Vermont. They are the world's leader in stone tools. They have been at it since the 1800's. Keep the great content coming. Thank you

[@MrChickadee]

I prefer to forge my own, why do they get all the fun?;)

[@scottjohnson2841]

Oh boy cant wait to see some blacksmith videos by you. I love your woodworking.

[@TermiteUSA]

Mr Chic & Mrs.! I'm so happy for you and grateful for your videos and the progress you've made on your homestead in the past year. Wishing you a very Happy Christmas.

[@shonshon247]

Thank you!

[@demastust.2277]

Make a ramp of dirt and pebble in front of the building

[@Mark-xl8gg]

Nadolig llawen best wishes Mark

[@Kenwood..]

Lots of wood

[@Kobe29261]

You rival the wealthiest men on the planet! I refer of course to the priests and shamans!

[@MethRx]

great job.

[@ftb427]

Interesting as always. A very Merry Christmas to you & your family. Take Care & God Bless

[@meandnature6452]

i think the stones are way older than 150 years ;) But i love the content

[@wyore4344]

might be...but i trust J's judgement. rgrds. w.

[@GoblinKnightLeo]

Having done some chisel work on concrete and compacted gravel in my time, I frankly wouldn't have the patience for that. I'd have to break out the diamond saw.

[@BillB23]

I absolutely love your eye pro, Josh.

[@jamesblevins6078]

love the blower box! well done!!

[@Daniel-ol1fk]

Lo que mezcló con el carbón era arena? Es un tipo de cemento Natural? Gracias

[@robynpeterson6959]

that breaker panel is very out of place

[@MrChickadee]

yeah..I need to fix that...

[@spanky9585]

beautifully made

[@TonyT-lo2sz]

Marry Christmas Sir

[@marcerivest6204]

It turned out beautiful, works great. Well done, and Merry Christmas

[@brianmcguire5005]

Awesome job love the videos! Why did you not put mortar on everything??

[@MrChickadee]

Because it was not needed. ;)

[@brianmcguire5005]

The stones looked pretty sturdy. I thought you made it so it could be moved in the future possibly but either way it’s awesome man!!

[@Dangerousminds13]

Very nice build. But Im curious what are the possibilities of the stones fracturing under the heat and exploding? I've seen stones explode in spectacular fashion around a campfire so Im curious about these stones?

[@apatientspider]

Depends on the porosity of the stone. Keep them dry; it is moisture turning to steam that explodes them.

[@243WW]

Now I understand how the megalithic structures where made.

[@fnkrodigaz1841]

Giants moving large stones?

[@scottslinger1003]

Congratulations!

[@ludvigtande1236]

Beautiful set up. Merry Christmas to you and yours!!

[@JF-fx2qv]

Merry Christmas to you the wife. Be safe and enjoy. What's next the hood, or will you forgo and leave it to the well vented structure? What was the ratio on you mix?

[@MrChickadee]

For now, no hood or pipe. Good pine charcoal makes little smoke. If you mean the refracotry cement its 6 to 1 charcoal to clay.

[@JF-fx2qv]

@@MrChickadee Sounds like a good plan. Many more question on the way. Keep us all posted on the progress and on how it works out for you. Making your own charcoal?

[@TheBearGrylz]

That feeling when you hit your hand w a sledge w gloves on. Versus hitting your hand with out gloves on.

[@alastairmackay4589]

Lovely

[@salvadorelmercabotageiii9148]

Merry Christmas!!

[@scruffy6151]

Merry Christmas to you and your family.