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Burn stuff!
- Thread starter Jason Fry
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- Jan 6, 2005
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When I started making forges, I used the modified side arm burner from Larry Zoeller. I would tune the heck out of the burner to get it working right but once inside the forge it would behave differently... then change again once the forge was at heat. I soon realized that the forge, itself, effects the burner characteristics. It acts as a secondary expansion chamber and once the interior was at forging temp, the flare tuning meant nothing. At that point, the fine tuning had everything to do with controlling the air intake, via a choke plate. In short, you have to eventually tune the "whole" forge... but the burner is a good start.
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Your burner looks real good. Happy forging to you!
- Joined
- Jan 6, 2005
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To add...
I stated that once the forge is at heat, everything is dependant on the air intake. It is my opinion that while a venturi type forge is convenient and simple to build, that in the long term, a blown forge allows for more adjustment where you need it the most(especially when you need more power... your only option with a venturi is to increase the gas flow) That said, I don't want to deter you from making a venturi forge. I have used them for almost a decade and only recently started considering a blown forge.
I stated that once the forge is at heat, everything is dependant on the air intake. It is my opinion that while a venturi type forge is convenient and simple to build, that in the long term, a blown forge allows for more adjustment where you need it the most(especially when you need more power... your only option with a venturi is to increase the gas flow) That said, I don't want to deter you from making a venturi forge. I have used them for almost a decade and only recently started considering a blown forge.
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Rick,
Understand what you're saying. I did a pretty good bit of reading before building. I live in town, and serious damascus production is beyond the capabilities of my shop (and neighbors' patience). I figure this forge ought to weld, but will largely be used for simple forging. At some point in the future, I'll build a dedicated welding forge, and it will be blown for sure.
Understand what you're saying. I did a pretty good bit of reading before building. I live in town, and serious damascus production is beyond the capabilities of my shop (and neighbors' patience). I figure this forge ought to weld, but will largely be used for simple forging. At some point in the future, I'll build a dedicated welding forge, and it will be blown for sure.
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- Jan 6, 2005
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That's why I didn't want my second post to discourage you. Aside from the odd San Mai billet, I rarely forge weld and the venturi burner does everything I need at this point. However, I can sense the pattern welding bug incubating in my subconscious and some of my steel is in the form of 2"dia round bar. Having the added power of a blown vertical forge would make things easier... but I still don't think I would retire my venturi.
I have a venturi from diamond back iron works (economy 2 burner) and a blown forge from Uncle Al. Both with easily weld, the venturi will melt steel. The venturi gets hotter and with way less fuel, as it has a much smaller chamber. If I was going to build a forge, due to the simplicity, blown hands down. That being said a well tuned venturi made by someone who has worked out the kinks is hard to compete with.