Gas forge losing heat with age?

J W Bensinger

J W Bensinger

Joined
Mar 26, 2009
Messages
2,228
So I've been running an NC Knifemaker for about five years-before that it was all coal.
This winter it doesn't seem to be getting as hot, and it wants the gas turned up more than usual. Any suggestions? I'm going to pull the burners and have a look tomorrow, but only kinda know what I'm looking for.
For comparison, last summer I was welding up 5+ pound damascus billets with no problems.
 
I can't help you with the forge bug I can say I always wanted one of thoes forges. Looked handy
How is the lining, do you use flux. Does the outside of your forge get hotter then normal?
 
The lining does break down with age and use, flux and mechanical damage. Try coating the interior with ITC 100, should bring it back to life if it's just a little surface damage.
 
The NC forges have to be relined every so often ... especially if you are welding in them.
 
If you leave your regulator outside, it may have frozen a little. Mine froze in position after we had rain then temp below freezing, I had to bring it inside to thaw. I have an NC tool as well and have had spider webs block the ports and cause issues. Check it all, but you may have to reline the interior. I have to do mine this year for sure.
 
J W Bensinger said:
For comparison, last summer I was welding up 5+ pound damascus billets with no problems.
Click to expand...

There's your problem.

I have a NC forge that's over 15 years old, never been welded in, never been re-lined and works like new. I forge weld in a completely different kind of forge.
 
tattooedfreak said:
If you leave your regulator outside, it may have frozen a little. Mine froze in position after we had rain then temp below freezing, I had to bring it inside to thaw. I have an NC tool as well and have had spider webs block the ports and cause issues. Check it all, but you may have to reline the interior. I have to do mine this year for sure.
Click to expand...
My regulator is almost always below freezing: off the grid shop+northern Vermont...
 
Don Hanson III said:
There's your problem.

I have a NC forge that's over 15 years old, never been welded in, never been re-lined and works like new. I forge weld in a completely different kind of forge.
Click to expand...

I figured it was about time to reline-I use the welding blocks from NC to protect the bottom from the flux, but it's not a perfect system.
 
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