A bit more progress, more around getting my equipment up to scratch. I decided to extend the metal plate on my belt sander to give me more room, I used an old piece of steel from a floor box, just need to countersink the screws.
Also, ive started to make my two brick forge. I used two insulated kiln bricks and a kitchen rolling pin covered in sandpaper to tunnel out (making sure to wear a good face mask!) Then bolted the bricks together using large decking bolts. The gap in between is not perfectly round but is wide enough to accomodate a 2" blade.
Next step is to bore a hole for the gas torch head.