Hello,I am a new subscriber; however, I have been an
on-and-off lurker of the online archives since 1998. 
Before I go through my bio I wanted to respond to this
thread.

First,  concrete will not work by itself.  It breaks
down at high temperatures (I used it to make a small
furnace).  If you find someplace that sells fireclay
that will work.  If you live in a cold climate than
look for masonary supply houses.  A bag should cost
less than $20.  If you live in a warmer climate you
can by fire clay from any ceramics supply house.  The
local art supply store should be able to point you to
the right place.  Fireclay is nothing more than a
kaolin based clay.  Any low firing ceramic should
do.For a forge you probably should consider a
refractory cement.  There are several recipes for
home-made refractory.  A typical homemade refractory
is made with fireclay, grog (broken pieces of
firebrick) and sand.  In addition there are commercial
refractories that can be purchased.  

One commercial source is: www.budgetcastingsupply.comI
have more information on my web site
www.geocities.com/wandrson/index.html

Now for my bio:
I am a project manager in information technology for a
large consulting firm.  I am 37 years old and have
been woodworking since I can remember.  I discovered
my passion for the Neanderway when I first discovered
this mailing list in 98 and made a simple table based
upon the group project of the time.  I have made
another table since then.  I particularly like to make
small boxes and have even tried my hand at carving.  I
am currently making a rip-saw bench and hope my next
project to be a traditional cabinet-makers tool chest.

Walter Anderson

From: "Walter Anderson:  If you live in a cold climate than look for
masonary supply houses. (clip)If you live in a warmer climate you can by
fire clay from any ceramics supply house (clip)
^^^^^^^^^^^^^
I give up.  Why does it depend on the local climate?

From: "Walter Anderson:  If you live in a cold climate than look for
masonary supply houses. (clip)If you live in a warmer climate you can by
fire clay from any ceramics supply house (clip)
^^^^^^^^^^^^^
>>>I give up.  Why does it depend on the local climate?

If you live in a warmer climate (e.g., South Eastern United
States), electric heat tends to be far more prevalent as
opposed to gas, oil or wood.  In short, Southerners don't/can't
make fire like Northerners do.

James Gemmill

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