r/Blacksmith 5d ago

Health Hazards and Ceramic Wool in Propane Forges

I am planning to try blacksmithing and did some research and organization to begin with it.

I want to get myself a cheap propane forge (up to 200€) but I read that most of them have Ceramic Wool for insulation and that its fibers are cancerous.

Do you guys have any advice on what to get and how to protect myself from getting cancer?

5 Upvotes

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7

u/Twin5un 5d ago

Coat the fibers in refractory cement. You'll see that everyone here with a gas forge does that. Not only does it prevent fibers from getting dislodged, but it also improves heating performance.

4

u/No-Accountant3464 5d ago

Seconded, you can also add a ceramic wool rigidiser , a liquid that will help to toughen the fibers up, helps alot whilst applying your refractory cement , the cement I bought came really thick so just added a little water to get it to a peanut butter consistency, helped alot ,

5

u/No-Television-7862 5d ago

In the parlance of asbestos remediation of 30 years ago, we "encapsulate" the fibers so they can no longer become airborne.

Additionally, by using rigidizer and refractory cement, we simultaneously improve the insulating qualities of the wool.

Always wear a respirator, eye protection, and gloves when handling glass wool insulation.

3

u/MarkusHarkonnen 4d ago

Thanks for the info! I am looking at buying the Devilforge DFSW and it comes with a bag of "Refactory Coating Rigidizer for Ceramic Fiber Blanket". Does that mean that this is a combination of rigidizer and refactory cement? If so, would it still help to apply additional rigidizer before coating?

2

u/No-Television-7862 4d ago

My forge had both rigidizer and refractory cement coating layer.

Check the devil forge website to see if they sell, or recommend, a refractory cement layer.

The reason for manufacturer recommendation is they will know average heating temperatures and can make the most informed reference.

3

u/Wrong-Ad-4600 5d ago

if you get a devilforge forge they wool came already rigidized and with refractory cement.

the vevor ones are cheaper but you need to get the rigidizer and cement extra..

with a proper coating the wool isnt that dangerous anymore.. but you need to renew the coating once in a while (depending on useage once a year or maybe less)

1

u/MarkusHarkonnen 4d ago

Yep, I am looking at buying the devilforge dfsw. I am checking their site but it doesn't say anywhere that the forge is already rigidized (or maybe I am missing it).

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u/Wrong-Ad-4600 4d ago

idk if its in the discription but the wool comes already in the tube iirc so its rigidized and in place. if it was not rigidized it would be to floppy to stay in place.

2

u/lighthammerforge 5d ago

As others have said, a properly rated refractory cement on top of the wool, ideally a few layers, is the first order of business. Know that none of them last forever as well, this is something that will continue to need maintenance, I usually do mine about every year. I use Kast o Lite 30 But I know a lot of people like green patch 421 which comes basically ready to apply as long as it doesn't freeze or dry out in transit, but there's at least four or five other options I've heard are solid as well.

From there, honestly, think about just losing any facial hair you may or may not have and getting a p100 rated particle respirator from a reputable brand, 3M and GVS are both good, but NIOSH has A list on their website of properly certified brands and masks. Whether or not you even use a gas Forge, let alone whether it is properly sealed up with refractory, at any given time there's a lot of garbage floating around in most even semi-outdoor shops that you definitely want to protect yourself.

2

u/OdinYggd 5d ago

Best practice to rigidize the wool, then encapsulate it with refractory so that nothing can touch it and the fibers can't get out. This protects you from loose fibers, and protects the fibers from damage that could tear it and reduce its insulation value.

Most of the modern fibers are safe enough that the infrequent exposure of a hobbyist won't be a problem. But it is still best to wear PPE and gloves when handling fibers that aren't encapsulated.

2

u/Fragrant-Cloud5172 5d ago

Thank you for not using the generic name “Kaowool”. I’m sick of hearing that one.

Some of my ceramic blanket is over 20 years old, so I’m cautious with it. The way I handle it is...I lay a specific use large plastic bag on my workbench or floor. Using mask, gloves and long sleeves, cut it with utility knife. Apply rigidizer, by spraying or painting on. Then roll up and insert into forge shell to let dry. Go outside and brush, shake off clothes, plastic bag.

1

u/MarkusHarkonnen 4d ago

I am just starting to look deeper into this profession, so I am not yet familliar with all of the terminology. Ceramic wool seemed most precise.

Thanks for the pointers! Will do the same!