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How to Make a Soup Can Forge

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There is a skill in prepping, survival and self-sufficiency that doesn’t get the attention it deserves. During early settlements, there was one prominent position that most every settlement had to have in order to be successful. They need a person who could forge metal. They needed a blacksmith. 

How to Make a Soup Can Forge — This is a great DIY project for anyone who wants to start blacksmithing on the cheap. Great for SHTF situations to fix knives or even make them. This is an inexpensive tabletop forge out of a soup can (any can really) with a plaster lining.

Using a hot forge the smith would heat metal to glowing and forge it into all things. From a door hinge to a sword, the blacksmith literally built the settlement with things like nails, knives and even tools! Who else could make these things? There were no hardware stores back then.  These skills were essential.

It would make sense that in a fallen world or even a world where the economy has taken a dive, these skills are going to be essential. Most people don’t get into blacksmithing because the barrier of entry can be a little high. The cost of an anvil and a forge can get you close to $1000. 

However, you can make your own soup can forge that can at least be used to get you started in blacksmithing. 

The Essentials

  • 1 soup can
  • Plaster of Paris
  • Sand
  • Two 90 degree brackets
  • 1 1/2 X 2″ threaded black iron pipe

Construction

Starting with your soup can you are going to drill two holes into the sides of the can for affixing the L brackets. These brackets are also going to be anchored to something else. You can use a thick block of wood or even attach it to part of your table. 

You will also want to drill a hole to fit the black iron pipe. You want to thread this on so be sure its the same size as the pipe. The plaster and sand will also help hold it in place. 

Once you have the iron pipe attached and your holes drilled you can then mix up equal parts plaster and sand. Add just enough water to create a wet clay mix. Using a spoon you can fill out the can to get the thickness in the picture. Just make sure you have at least 1 inch thickness at the back of the can. 

Allow it to dry and knock any plaster out of the way of the threaded pipe hole. You are now ready to burn. 

A standard hand torch is going to fit right into your pipe and this is going to be your heat source. The first heat is also going to cure your plaster. 

How to Make a Soup Can Forge — This is a great DIY project for anyone who wants to start blacksmithing on the cheap. Great for SHTF situations to fix knives or even make them. This is an inexpensive tabletop forge out of a soup can (any can really) with a plaster lining.