for bladesmithing only- vertical or horizontal?

[Travis Fry]

I am planning to build a forge, eventually. Several of them, actually, because I don't expect there to be one design that will do everything I want. I'll build a forge for welding (or maybe a couple for different applications), and I have a clear idea of what I want it (them) to be like. I heat treat in a kiln, and don't have a need for a heat treating forge. It's the forge for forging blades that I'm having trouble with. I've read about everything I can find out there (my Google-fu is strong!), but here is where I'm at:

There seem to be two options that folks prefer for forging-only applications:

-- A small vertical blown forge (hot spot maybe 4-6 inches across) has the advantages of 1) interchangeable burners with my future welding forge(s), 2) precise heat control, and 3) enough versatility for small welding jobs if I make it right. Disadvantages are mostly 2: 1)you can't leave a blade sitting on the bottom, thus requiring tongs or a welded handle and 2) you can drop stuff into it. I dont have a press or power hammer, so my damascus making is limited to non-existent and is therefore NOT a factor for this forge. On the other hand I know how to forge weld, and it might be nice to have that option when required for bolsters, cable billets, etc.

--A horizontal forge with a venturi burner has the advantages of being electricity free and of compensating for the disadvantages of the vertical, but sacrifices 1) burner interchangeablity, 2) ease of burner tuning and construction, 3) welding versatilty (I know you can weld in a horiztonal, but I don't foresee this one having that ability with a homemade venturi). I like the possibilties of not dropping stuff and not requiring handles. I would consider buying one of the better premade burners out there instead of making my own if I decide to go this route. Precision heating is a possibility here too, if I choose and use the burner correctly.

Can some of the pros weigh in with experience and feedback? Let's not get distracted: this will be my first forge, but definitely not my last, so please keep in mind that this particular forge will be used 98% of the time for blade forging only.

 

[quint]

I wouldnt say your disadventages for a horizontal forge are true necessarily. You can still do a blown horizontal forge if you wish. Welding in a horizontal is very doable. In my forge I got one of these (1" foundary) http://www.hybridburners.com/products.html while being more expensive it is pretty darn good. I keep it at about 3lbs pressure once up to heat and do my forging there. If I want to weld I just crank it up some. The air adjust is pretty easy to play with.

I think in the long run a blown forge with a pid controller is the way to go and the next one will be one of these however I can do alot of work in my forge. Only issue I have ever had thus far is when its windy outside, that will reek havoc on a venturi type if you cant get it out of the wind.

 

[Karl B. Andersen]

Vertical forges are stupid simple and do about everything under the sun -with extreme simplicity of blower design.
I have an 8", 12" and an 18" oval. I use the same blower in the 12 and 18.
Most parts are junk yard parts or plumbing section pipes and nipples.
Only specialty items are the blower and a needle valve for the fuel.
Built my first one in '03 after seeing a "Fogg Forge" at the Ashokan Seminar.
10 years later I've only dropped blades in maybe 6-7 times?
Shut the blower off, reach down in with tongs and pull it out.
No biggy.

 

[JMJones]

Not a pro but I prefer the ease of horizontal for general forging and prefer the vertical for welding Damascus. I find it a pita to have to put a handle on every piece in a vertical forge.