Gas forge controllable for heat treat?

D

Dr.O

Joined
Nov 13, 2008
Messages
69
I'm pretty good at fabrication, welding and such. Have got a couple knives under my belt.

I've been letting a local maker do heat treat stuff for me, and he has shown me a lot. But, I don't wanna wear out my welcome, and I've got enough interest in this hobby to take it further.

I know some of the elec ovens are around $1200-$1500, and offer good heat control.

What is possible with a gas forge?
Can you control the heat good enough for a soak?
Seems I would have a bit more control electric, but more versatility gas forge. Is my thinking right here?

I'd also like to have enough room for a sword or large knife down the road. I'm a buy once/cry once kinda guy, but I LOVE building stuff myself (reason here in first place). I think a gas forge would be more like a DIY vs. elec.

What say the hive?
 
In the stickys there is a section on making a PID controlled Forge.
My two-stage forge burner shown inn the diagrams and articles there can hold to within a few degrees and do a soak very well. Using a muffle pipe ( a piece of pipe with the knife inside it), will guarantee that the blade evenly heats without overheating the edge or tip.

The PID controlled forge is a very easy build. Make the forge well built with 2" of Hi-Z wool, statanite and ITC-100 ( or equivalent) and it will use very little fuel and hold temps easily. An 8-10" shell diameter by 16-20" long will do most all knives you will normally make.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top