one last oven question

[rlinger]

I'm just about dead set on the 13 1/2 inch deep Even-Heat. But, what if I some time later want to take a shot at making Damascus (I will) - will I have to get a gas forge or will the electric Even-Heat do it?
I just wonder if the electric oven will recover the steel to temp. fast enough for forging steel? What do I know except that I hope I don't have to buy two ovens?

 

[Epsilon]

rlinger, I use a kiln and a forge. The kiln does not have the rapid, concentrated heat. Plus, you lose heat fast opening the door and it takes a little while to get back to temp. You could do it, slowly, but I feel it would prove largely inefficient. You will need a forge for forging. I asked the same question prior to purchase. The kiln is better suited for heat treating.

-Jason

 

[Bruce Bump]

Rlinger, If you buy an oven I suggest you buy the 18" long one. It only costs a little more but will be handy when you do damascus. You wont be able to forge with it or weld damascus but you will be able to anneal. You will need a propane forge for making damascus and forging. I love my even-heat for stainless steels and annealing and tempering my damascus. I use the forge and torch for normalizing and heat-treating. The oven could also be used for the normalizing.

 

[rlinger]

It figures. I'm getting the Even-Heat and I'll buy or build the forge when I think I'm ready to weld. I have a lot to learn yet before tackeling Damascus so there's time.

Bruce, I noticed what you say about the 18 incher being about the same price and I think if I can find room for it that's the way I should go. I do a little machining and the extra length can be handy for parts larger than the knives I am interested in (and for the reason you outlined).

Thanks fellows.