Welcome to Gaia! ::

I have drawn up designs for my forge.
I need some help, however, on the technicalities of the scheme.
I was wondering if somebody could tell me what type of cement has the best thermal insulation properties.
Also, I need help on space saving in the Heating part of the forge, so I don't have to heat as much empty space: Can I just replace empty space with more bricks/breeze blocks?
I'm doing A level Physics and I still don't know this!

Have you tryed going to your local liberay and seeing if they have any books that might help you?

I found out from a friend to use "Engineering blue bricks", they apparently have higher thermal insulation than regular bricks. But I still need a good cement type for the job.

I am collecting materials for the build! I am awesomely excited.

Like I said, if I'm ever over in that part of England I'll pay you a visit. I wish you good luck in your endevors. Btw, could you post a blue print or floor plan of your forge?

The dimensions are mostly the same for all of them (dimensions are estimates derived from average brick length) Forge dimensions: 1500mm x 520mm x 630mm (L x W x H).

Design 1:



Design 3 (design 2 is very much similar to design 1 but the 'lip' a the top is removed):



Design 4

(incase you hadn't guessed, they are mainly based around the same theme)

Design 5 (this is just a really quick design based around a steel chimney I found):

^key: red = steel chimney
white = brick
Grey = graphite


Sorry for page stretching, but you can see all of the image without scrolling.

um... are those top views or what?

I think design 3 is probably the best, I do have a reason I just don't know how to explain it....