Mankel vs. Chile??????

B

BIGBEAR

Joined
May 18, 2004
Messages
302
Hi guys. I keep chasing my tail around on this one. I'm sure this subject has been discussed to death but here we go. For the longest time I have been wanting to get a Ken Mankel 3 burner offset round bottom forge with blower. It's big, solid, very fuel efficient and highly recommended by some smiths. I recently came across Chile Forge. They have 3 different forges all are venturi, operate on pressure from 1-30 psi and are used by Sierra Fire and Forge, and are about $400 some odd dollars cheaper. Forgot to mention that their Habanero reaches 2600F and has an interior chamber size of 5.5x4.5x16 "not a bad size". Considering S.F.F. uses all KMG grinders I would think they did their homework and are using a decent forge. So heres my question. Should I keep saving and get the Mankel with the blower or save some cash and get the Chile with the venturi? Is their any benifit from Venturi over blower or vice versa? Your thoughts and opinions are appreciated. Cheers Art
 
I can't help on the brand types, but venturi's are a little quieter and don't need power to run, making it easier to put them anywhere. Blowers are able to use less gas however.
 
Venturi is better design for most uses I would say, but maybe not

Take a look on ebay or build you own out of a tank

really I would figure to determine what you want you need to know what you want to do with it

lots of guys on here will suggest just making your own its not hard
 
BIGBEAR said:
...I would think they did their homework...
Click to expand...

I don't think you can necessarily assume that, I know I never got a call from them, so I don't know how many forges they compared.

Within two weeks of the Blade show all of my forges and high temperature salt pot systems will be in stock and ready to ship upon order....I've finally hired some help to be able to keep up with demand. :) Have a look at our site, and in particular the forges, if you get a chance.

:)

-Darren
 
Thanx guys....I've thought about making my own forge, but at this point in the game I really just want to plug and play. I have a lot to learn as far as actual forging goes and just want to eliminate any variables that can hinder positive results. I just want to get the best possible forge I can get that I will be able to grow with.
Darren Thanks for the tip. I'll be sure to check out your site.

Thanks, Art
 
don't know about the mankel.but at the abs school they had one of the habanero forges there that we used. I liked it,but thats not saying much since my experience with forges is pretty limited,from what i've seen and heard though you can't go wrong with one of darren's forges. Thinking of getting one of my own when i can afford one
 
I know that Ed Fowler loves his Mankel and has had one for over 20 years. Thats a pretty good track record.

Darren....Not sure if your allowed to give me more info in this forum, but I would like to hear more about your forges and what you offer. If you cant just let me know and I will shoot you an e-mail later on.
Thanx for all the input, Art
 
Hi Art, We're in last minute panic prep-mode for the Blade show. :) If you don't mind shoot me an email with your phone number and I'll give you a call this weekend while we're down in Atlanta and we can talk about these items. :) Have a great weekend!

:)

-Darren
 
Thanx Darren...I'm in no big hurry. I'll shoot ya an e-mail next weekend. I think youll really have your hands full with Blade, and when you finally get some down time a beer might be in order. Youll be hearing from me soon. Take care and enjoy Blade, hope to be there someday myself.

Cheers, Art
 
Art,

If you haven't already made up your mind up yet, I would love to answer any questions you may have about Chile Forge.
Just go to our website leave your phone number and a good time to talk.

Thanks,

David Starr
chileforge.com
 
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