Can't Decide on a Forge

G

G.Scaffe

Joined
Dec 9, 2000
Messages
174
I've tride to build two forges. First one worked ok not great, second one was a disaster too big. My question is i have narrowed it down to
Ellis 8 inch Horizontal Venturi - I have to install the lining and coating?
Chili Forge Habanero - Price?
NC Tools Wisper Mama - Flame is straight down?
I'M leaning hard to the Chili Forge, but don't know if its really that much better for the high price. I don't mind paying for top notch equipment, but is it that much better? I'm looking for one that will last and iI can depend on it. Any suggestions are greatly welcome.
Thanks Gene
 
Get the Habanero... it's nice... My home built forge is a bit more efficient on propane, but I put nearly $400 and HOURS and HOURS of time into it... I welded it up from scratch and lined it and clay coated it with 2 types of refractive materials. It took a long time and in the end was worth the headache, but if you just want to get up and running and don't have the ability to weld on site than just get the chili forge. (IMHO)

The advantage in the end is that I wanted something to use for blade smith AND working on "larger than blade" pieces, so I built from scratch. If I started all over I would've gotten the Chili Habanero if it was only for blade work.
 
Anybody ever hear of majestic forge? Does anyone have one? Are they any good?
Not trying to jack the thread, just curious and thought it might be something else you could look at.
 
Hi Odog,

I currently use the three-burner majestic forge, bought it because the price was pretty low, and the openings are large so I can move and reposition a sword-sized shank around under the jets a lot. It's very basic but works fine. :)
 
I have the majestic 3 burner forge and really like it. The 2 burner size would have been enough for me. If you go with majestic, I would recommend getting the deluxe model with individual controls for each burner - I hardly ever light all three burners and frequently use only one.
 
I have a Whisper Mama that I use for general forging and It's worked very good fpr over 12 years. I also use a large vertical for for damascus and big stuff. I would not want to be without either. I do like the looks of the Chili forges though.
 
A decent vertical forge is stupid simple to build.
Other than the forge body, and some insulation, everything can be picked up at the hardware store.
Build it yourself and you'll always know what you have and how to fix it.
 
I had an NC Knifemaker and currently have a first generation Chile Habanero. Chile is much better IMO and today you get the better burners. I also have one small 1/2 burner which I was able to use with a black iron pipe muffle for heat treating before I got my Paragon. the new ones also have a wider door and the end cap may come off so that it is easier to repair the interior shell when needed. They EASILY get plenty hot for forge welding at like 4 psi. Downside, of course, is that like all venturi forgets, hey probably use more fuel than say a blown vertical forge.
 
Karl B. Andersen said:
A decent vertical forge is stupid simple to build.
Other than the forge body, and some insulation, everything can be picked up at the hardware store.
Build it yourself and you'll always know what you have and how to fix it.
Click to expand...

Right Karl, I'd have a hard time buying a forge now after building a blown vertical.
I much prefer vertical over horizontal anyway!
 
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