Blown Forge, How Low Can You Go?

Bigfattyt said:
How large of a tank alleviates this?
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I'm sure there's a better answer out there, but mine is, if you're freezing up, you need something bigger than what you've got.
I think it all depends on the output needed (either pressure or volume). In my experience, with forges that only need the regulator at the tank to read 1-2psi, they can run for a few hours on a 20# tank before freezing up. With forges that need 6-8+psi, a 20#er will freeze up pretty quick. I run my forge at ~2psi regularly with a 100# tank and it will freeze up only when it gets close to empty.
Also, I see you're in WA (whereabouts?), and it's now winter/colder it will freeze up quicker than in the middle of summer.
If you're newer to forging, I'll suggest checking out and joining the Northwest Blacksmith Association and go to some demos/conferences when we can again. If you're close to Longview, that's where our mentoring center is so that makes it easy. There are quite a number of accomplish bladesmiths that are members, and becoming friends with any of them will be well worth any effort you have to put in.
 
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I have used a fan to keep my 30# from freezing. Seems to be working so far, even running forging temps.
 
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Charles makes a 30K and a 100K burner. Having both is a good plan.

A 20# tank will work for most situations. A 100# tank is very reasonably priced and will last 5 times as long as well as not freeze up easily.
 
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