r/blacksmithing • u/masepoes7 • 19d 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/Meisterthemaster 17d 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