Picked it up today. It's staying at my folks for a while yet until I have room to bring it back.
I can't find a name on it, just the number 100. It is missing the leather drive belt, probably eaten by mice.
Once I cleaned the mouse nest out of the blower, everything seems to work. There is a slight hop in the big pulley, should be small enough that the leather belt can 'eat' it.
I think the cover may be a drain cover.
Anybody have an idea of the rough age of this guy? I've found a few pictures just like it online, but with no info.
I think my wife and father did a pretty good job on this forge.
I found something similar to this, slightly different, but may be a Sears Robuck one from the early 1900's.
+Benton Frisse thanks. A place to start at least. I am thinking it is a "budget" unit or pretty old. The flywheel is pretty plain and there is no clinker breaker.
I found something very close. A 1920 Sears catalog image http://theforgery.ca/?p=199 and http://www.iforgeiron.com/topic/27121-tiger/?p=275777 for the 'Whirlwind Forge'.
The flywheel is different, so maybe I am looking at a different year or a different manufacturer. I even see the 4 bolts on mine where the hood used to go.
Now to find some sheet metal that isn't galvanized do re-create the hood.
I think, it's a Sears brand. I had a friend who has one of these. It's a great little forge. It will serve you well +Mike Creuzer
It definatly will be better than the burnt out gas grills i am using now.
That's what i use the belt is cloth on it not leather tho i think you'll love this forge i love mine … rusty gold lolz