forced air vs. venturi

Lots of guys use venturi.
I like forced air. It's very versatile and easier to build and get it right the first time IMO. I switched to household natural gas for my forge and various salt pots some years ago. They're all forced air units and the transition was pretty much seamless (after installing the 1-inch line from the meter). Somehow, I don't think that would have been too easy with venturi apparatus.
 
JCaswell said:
Lots of guys use venturi.
I like forced air. It's very versatile and easier to build and get it right the first time IMO. I switched to household natural gas for my forge and various salt pots some years ago. They're all forced air units and the transition was pretty much seamless (after installing the 1-inch line from the meter). Somehow, I don't think that would have been too easy with venturi apparatus.
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I agree. I have a forge tutorial on my site. I have built over 20 forges all forced air and haven't heard any complaints.:D
 
Here's my Pro/Con list:

Forced air:

Pro: Excellent control of atmosphere/temperature
Pro: Less gas usage (I can weld @2.5-3psi)
Pro: Hotter temps possible without any trouble
Con: Requires electricity
Con: Some say they're too loud. Mine doesn't seem that bad to me though...

Venturi:

Pro: No electricity required. Forge in a field! It's like the 'smith's version of the "November Rain" video!
Pro: Lighter weight
Pro: Less knobs to fiddle with
Con: Less knobs to fiddle with ;)
Con: Uses more gas
Con: Harder to maintain welding temps (without large tanks that don't ice up easily)

Hope that helps!

-d
 
I like the forced air for many of the reasons stated above. I have to disagree with the noise issue. If the forge is tuned properly it should not be much louder than the blower. Mine runs at 2250F easily and you can herdly hear it. I have had many comments on how quiet my forge is. If you need to forge in the field you can use one of those portable battery packs with an invertter in it and run the blower all day long.

Chuck
 
I'm with Chuck. If the blower is not oversize, the noise is not an issue. I have heard venturi forges that sounded like jet engines (pressure too high?).
Go with a blown unit. Better all the way around.
Stacy
 
my blown burner isnt that loud at all. after it warms up i turn it down to where it needs to be and its not that loud. i would go with forced air.
 
I Believe Altitude Plays A Big Role In Which Style Burner One Will Need To Use; If You Are Close To Sea Level, The Venturi Will Work Just Fine. If You Live Up In The Mountian States, You Will Probably Need Forced Air. I Am At 1500ft And I Have To Choke My Venturi Burner To Keep The Temp From Getting Too High.
 
regarding the jet engine forges, we have a heat treating furnace at school that's a forced air and if i'm going to be working with it for awhile i have to put ear plugs in so i can hear stuff afterwards, it really does sound like a jet!
 
I have heard many "Jet Engine" forges. Both venturi and forced air. Usually they are not tuned properly. THey burn way too hot and have a very oxidizing atmosphere. I use one of those 2 burner venturi type ferriers forge. It was the first time I had a porblem burning the steel. It could not be adjusted, either on or off. Try to turn down the gas and t went out. if you get a venturi style make sure it is well designed and adjustable. If you get a forced air type make sure it is not "Over Powered" with too big a blower. If it is too loud the adustments are required.

Chuck
 
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