forge problems

[scottickes]

I have an NC Whisper 3 burner forge. I can't seem to keep it lit. It flames out in the tubes, and the gas pressure drops to zero. Does anyone know what I'm doing wrong. It's frustrating me to death.

 

[B Finnigan]

What type of regulator are you using?

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

Two thoughts:Either the regulator is bad or there is no gas in the tank.
Two things to check:Make sure the regulator is turned up enough to supply pressure to run the venturi.Try another tank.

A situation similar to the problem you describe can come from a frozen up propane tank after running at a steady flow for several hours.

I have never had any problems with my Lowboy.
Stacy

 

[scottickes]

I have been a mechanic, a welder, and fabricator for years. I now teach maintenance classes for a living. Based on my experience, I've ruled out a defective regulator and low on gas. But, a frozen up propane tank makes a LOT of sense. It runs well for about an hour, and then begins having problems. Once it has been off for a while it will work again. Also, if I run it at low gas pressure, it tends to work well. It isn't enough gas to get me to welding temperature, but it's high enough to do some jobs.

Based on your inputs, I think my solution is a larger propane tank or hooking up to my natural gas line. I'm just wondering now if I can reach welding temperatures with natural gas.

Thanks for all of your help. I'm very grateful!

Scott (Icky) Ickes