Gas or Coal Forge

S

smorgan345

Joined
Mar 8, 2007
Messages
242
Quick question. Is there anything wrong with using a Propane Forge? It just seems it might be easier that dealing with coal. Thanks for any input.
 
It works for me :).

Propane is clean and not too expensive if your forge is set up right. You can have great atmosphere control and hit welding temps easily with a blown setup or even the right venturi setup. Coal can work great as well, but is more time consuming and maintenance intensive and a bit messier. Being from an instant gratification generation, I love the ability to walk to the shop, flip a switch, turn a couple of knobs, and forge out a blade. If I was a full timer, maybe I'd go through the extra steps of maintaining a fire, but mostly, I'm out at the shop for a couple of hours at a time, and a propane forge is a much better fit for me.

--nathan
 
silver_pilate said:
It works for me :).

Propane is clean and not too expensive if your forge is set up right. You can have great atmosphere control and hit welding temps easily with a blown setup or even the right venturi setup. Coal can work great as well, but is more time consuming and maintenance intensive and a bit messier. Being from an instant gratification generation, I love the ability to walk to the shop, flip a switch, turn a couple of knobs, and forge out a blade. If I was a full timer, maybe I'd go through the extra steps of maintaining a fire, but mostly, I'm out at the shop for a couple of hours at a time, and a propane forge is a much better fit for me.

--nathan
Click to expand...

These are all the reasons I chose to make a propane forge...I even made it out of an old propane tank. Also, I've heard horror stories about how that coal stuff can mess up your lungs. My brother in law chose to go the coal route, he is having HUGE problems with heat control.
 
yeah if your gonna use coal at least go visit sone one that uses it already and can school you on the do's and dont's, you can burn up a good blade quick with coal.

Propaine is more consistant heat than coal, it burns cleaner and is readily available almost anywhere. Most knifemakers do use gas forges of some sort.
 
thanks for the input guys. any recommendations on a certain brand if I was to buy one? I'm starting out and of course money is tight.
 
I suggest you make one if money is tight, gas forges are very expensive. I've got all the parts for mine and only paid approximately 200$, which includes the old tank, 5lbs of satanite (bought extra for hamons), and a $45 venturi burner kit. It's fairly easy as long as you know someone with a welder (or have one I guess). The first layer of satanite is drying on mine, I'll take some pics when I get home from the gym, and post them for you here.
 
Yep as with all the above..GAS. You would hate the clean up and dirt, and sparks, popers, having to remove chinkers, building a hut, forging to much junk into your blade, Ahh I could go on and on, (even though some tradition makers use the coal/coke forges) Gas you can much much better heat control. (within 10-15 degs. on some) not much dirt to speak of, just what comes off your blade if you are going to hammer one out, and not just for heat treat. And cheaper than electric ones, let alone faster heating to temp. I can think of a bunch of other reasons for gas, but look for plans to build one yourself. Then you have a bunch of options.! Enjoy. edgy :thumbup:
 
If you have the opportunity to use a coal forge then I would suggest learning the ins and outs of doing so. This can come in handy when you may be asked to demonstrate your craft and all they have is a coal forge. However for everyday forging I would highly recommend propane. Most of the reasons have already been mentioned. It is just nice to have some experience using both in case the need arises..

I would also recommend you make your own forge, even if you are in the dough. You can make it to your needs. The cost will be very low in comparison. There are many plans available on the net. Indian George has a great set on his website.
 
smorgan345 said:
Quick question. Is there anything wrong with using a Propane Forge? It just seems it might be easier that dealing with coal. Thanks for any input.
Click to expand...

Weird... I find easier the coal... Guess it's a matter of what one has available and what you want to do... :p
Probably it's just a matter of habitude.
I have a brake drum + refractory coal forge, an electric blower large coal forge, and a can sized gas forge for small work. I prefer the coal. It allows more freedom where to place the heat.
 
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