Build or buy? Forge

Build or buy?

  • Build

    Votes: 5 62.5%

  • Buy

    Votes: 3 37.5%
  • Total voters
    8
EurAzn12

EurAzn12

Joined
Oct 9, 2016
Messages
405
Have a few hundred I can spend. It'll be my first forge and I want to buy once. I've looked at Atlas and Majestic for propane forges. Also looked at multiple DIY plans. I can get access to a welder but it'll be kind of a pain. From an experienced perspective, which route would you take? I'd like to be able to forge knives as well as larger tools (hammers, axes etc). Compactness is also a must have, I live in a residential neighborhood but have my own backyard/ garage workspace
 
I did not have the materials to build a forge when I decided to switch from coal to propane. If you have the time to build one I would imagine you have the advantage to build it specifically how you want it.

I ended up buying a two burner oval forge from Devil Forge. It's was what I could afford and I'm pretty happy with mine. It's wasn't very expensive and arrived in the mail rather fast (considering they are based out of Lithuania).

Mine does what I need it too do. I ended having to go to a plumbing store to get a adjustable valve pressure valve, the one the forge comes with is set for European propane tanks. So in the end it's was a little over $300 after buying everything.

If you are able to build a forge I say build it, but if not order one.
 
Do you want to spend your time building a forge or forging knives. Some guys enjoy making their forges, for some it's a means to an end. If the later ask if the savings is worth your time. For me it wasn't. I bought an Atlas Graham that I am happy with. NC Tool I've heard good things about if you want more general smithing capabilities.
 
I always suggest building your own. But that comes from bias to more skilled than just a knifemaker.

Aside from drying time & assume have all the bits n bobs in our scrap heap. We can build a forge in a 1.5hr.
 
I also have a NC Low Boy. It's a very good forge.
To answer the question of should I buy or build, what's your time worth to you? If you can make more money making knives, than building a forge, then for me it would make sense to buy.
 
I have run a Low Boy for well over 1000 hours. It is a very good forge. I have built better ones, but use the Low Boy 90% of the time. It sits in an open smithy and gets exposed to everything from rain to snow. I used to drop a small BBQ grill cover over it, but stopped because it doesn't seem to need any special care.
 
Well I wanted to get the ball rollin so I ordered the Atlas mini! I figured I could start there, see what I like then build my own. Thanks for the suggestions!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top