Atlas mini forge for general forging use?

T

Travis Fry

Joined
Jun 11, 2010
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I am considering one of these as a general forging forge with the thought that it would be more efficient for every day use. If I did this I'd still want to build a larger welding forge eventually (I have used and very much like Ed Caffrey's design), but I see this as having the potential to be both a low cost entry to forging that would meet 90% of my needs AND be a more efficient money saver even after I build something larger.

According to the maker, the new burner gets hot enough to weld, thought the 2"x10" chamber limits this to only small stuff (cable damascus and very small billets, welding on bolsters for integrals, maybe some san mai,etc.). They've also made a lot of improvements at the suggestions of users (e.g., an angled torch entry for a better vortex and minimal hotspots), and it's portable. I heat treat with a kiln, so that's not an issue.

So, for a general use forge, does anyone see any drawbacks? Any thoughts on this plan?
 
What little forging I have done has been in a forge I built from black stove pipe and is not much longer than a coffee can. It is powered by a Bernzomatic torch, though that takes a while to heat to forging temps. With the new burner it sounds like this would be a good option as long as you are not trying to heat long pieces at a heat. I am thinking of picking up his new burner for my own forge.
 
Travis

I have one and use it often. I have a different burner so I cant tell you how the new one does but I am sure its fine. Its very solid. If you find that it's to small you can do what I did and gut it and redo the inside with wool and refractory and gain a bit of top to bottom room. I think you will be happy with it.
 
Travis I've been using one for almost two years. I make small knives so size was never an issue for me. Its a solid unit and does everything I need it to do. A guy was trying to trade me a larger different forge the other day and I just wasn't that interested.
 
I got mine last week, its a fantastic little forge, definitely hot enough! It is only limited by its size, and the fact that its not open on both ends. So think about what you would like to use it for.. larger / longer pieces would require a larger forge obviously.
 
Z, where in Alberta are you? If you're anywhere near Calgary and I could come over and see the thing go, it'd probably make the decision for me.
 
Hey Travis, I'm in Edmonton. There are a couple of us here using the Atlas, if you want to come up and grab a beer and play with fire send me a PM!
 
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