Forge advice

J

J. Piontek

Joined
May 10, 2016
Messages
110
I'm looking to buy a forge for making Damascus and heat treating knives possibly swords someday. I have been researching diamond works 2 burner knifemaker/welder and the chile habanero. I'm relatively new to forging knives (I just do stock removal) so I'm just looking for some advice. Thanks ahead if time.
 
Most seasoned bladesmiths recommend a vertical forge for welding and a horizontal for heat treating and general purpose. Verticals don't hold a steady temperature for heat treating and horizontals tend to need re-lined often due to the flux eating the refractory.

This is more the exception than the rule but it is something to consider if you are going to buy a forge. If you build you can usually get enough stuff to build two relatively cheap if you have access to scrap pipes and fittings.

Good luck

-Clint
 
Start with a small to medium size forge and learn to forge. When the time comes for making damascus and swords, you will have the experience to know what you want to buy ... or, more likely, build them yourself.

Just an FYI, but it does not take a big forge to make swords. I use a 16" forge, and that is larger than I actually need.


A very versatile first forge is the NC Forge and Tool Co. Whisper Low Boy, or the Whisper Knifemaker. They will last forever with an occasional relining. I have one of each, both are kept outdoors under the smithy shed roof, and they have been going strong for twenty years.

Atlas makes a good starter forge, too.
 
I have the 2 burner knifemaker forge from Diamondback and it is a wonderful general forge. It is not ideal for forge welding but will forge weld in you run a bigger tank. a 20lb. BBQ tank will freeze up quickly once it gets below half full running over 10 psi. I have forge welded high carbon bits into tomahawks with mine but built a blown forge for welding. I agree with Stacy that you really should learn to forge before you try forge welding. good luck!
 
Thank you guys for the recommendations I will look at starting with a smaller forge to learn. I will then probably build my own once I have a better understanding for it.

Thanks!
 
The atlas mini forge appears to be out of stock. Anyone familiar w/the order process in terms of time?
 
JP and Shamu, Fill out your profile as to where you are located. It may result in a shop invite and help finding/building your forge.
 
Well if your ever in the Salem Oregon area drop me a line. Norther Va is a bit far for a Saturday afternoon forging session.
 
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