Buy or build a gas forge?

[Ordenrahl]

Aloha,

I've been reading up on propane forge designs and watched a few you tube videos on putting together burners. I have a 10 inch pipe I was planning on using for the forge body, but after seeing a few different options on ebay for $200 or less I'm wondering if I should just forget about making one for now and just buy one. After picking up ITC-100, kao wool, refractory cement, and burner materials I feel I'd be at/over $200 anyway.

As I've noticed people often ask where you are from, I live in Orlando FL.

Mahalo,

O.

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

It depends on if you want a good forge or an OK forge. A good forge will cost a lot more than $200 to buy, but can be built for that or less.

You will be miles ahead making a proper 16" forge from 10" pipe than buying a $200 POS from ebay.

 

[Tom Lewis]

What is your time worth to you? Can you make more money making knives than the time it would take to make a forge? I recently bought a gas forge from Bruce Bump because I decide I could make more money making knives than I could save by making a gas forge myself. Bruce Bump's forge works great. I think it cost around $700.00 which for me was money well spent.

 

[East Branch Knives]

Daniel Fairly asked the same question not too long ago and a good thread ensued: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...uality-Forge-Build-Or-Buy-How-Would-You-Do-It

Like Tom said, if you want to get right to forging, buying a forge will save time. If time is less of an issue and you enjoy DIY projects, building a forge is relatively easy and kind of fun.

Mike

 

[bill may]

I bought an atlas mini forge (from ebay) and I'm happy with it. It's good for making 10" and under knives.
I was thinking when I bought it that it would give me time to buy the materials slowly and learn what I want from
my forge when I build it.

 

[Karl B. Andersen]

Learn to make everything you can by yourself.
Everything you do yourself makes you more experienced and able to handle other difficulties as they arise.

 

[Atlas Knife Company]

Support the forge making industry and purchase one, (cough). Yes, there are some crappy forges for under $200. There are also some crappy forges for $500, and really nice forges for $250. Price doesn't necessitate quality.

 

[razormaker]

Support the forge making industry and purchase one, (cough). Yes, there are some crappy forges for under $200. There are also some crappy forges for $500, and really nice forges for $250. Price doesn't necessitate quality.

What he says. Support the small businesses associated with this industry. I bought the Atlas Mini Forge and couldn't be happier. I'm sure his larger forges are just as good.

Win,win situation. I support a small business and they support other small businesses. When you get ready to start selling you will value the karma this builds up.

Keep that aloha spirit alive, it's hard to replace. Just a haole talking here.

 

[JG Custom Metal Works]

What are some things to look for when buying a forge(as opposed to building one)?

I have an Atlas Mini Forge and like it a lot. I'm thinking about getting a larger one though for pattern welding. Not sure if I want to go to the trouble of building one or not. I DO see value in building it myself as, like Karl said, it makes it easy to address any problems that may arise.

 

[Col Defender]

I like my Majestic two burner forge quite well. Of course it's the only one I've ever had so maybe others are just as good or better. Don't know.

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

Old threads, new member posting on all of them - Closed.