Prefab Forge. Ellis HT-8 or Chile Forge Habañero

M

messanjah03

Joined
Mar 22, 2007
Messages
16
Hello All.

I think I have finally decided to bite the bullet and just buy a forge. Had been trying to build one, but lacking a welder and other tools the further i get into it the more it looks like it might be cheaper to just buy one.

I've been looking at Chile Forge's Habañero and Darren Ellis' HT-8. I have heard some good things about both but am still unsure.

Was wondering if anyone has had experience with either or both. Any drawbacks/problems?

also has anyone used a forge with a T-Rex Burner. Are they worth the price?

any help would be appreciated

thanks

Jon
 
Hi Jon,
I have the Ellis HT-8. It is a Great Forge.
What I would like to change is a 2" longer chamber.
Also, I would coat the end ports with refractory to reduce corrosion.
 
Darren's forge is great, I've used one at a demo.

I've built venturi forges before I got a welder. A welder helps a lot but it's not really necessary, you don't know one person that has a welder?
 
I've got one of Darren's forges with a forced air burner. I've used it HARD for about 3 years now doing mostly damascus welding. It's just kept on performing. Sure, I've burnt away a bit of the shell at the rear opening, but frankly the wear on this thing is pretty minimal considering what I put it through :) The best part about it is the control you get with a forced air setup. Build or buy, go forced air. They're more simple and more controllable.

I'm getting ready to build a new forge, but it's not to replace this one. I just can't fit the big billets I'm starting to work with into this one. I need to be able to easily forge a 4"x4"x6" billet and I just can't fit that into the forge from Darren.

-d
 
Well, I'd give you opinions on the HT-8 from Ellis, but I'm waiting on mine right now. I've been in contact with Darren and Kathryn, but they are both busy with school and work. I'm looking forward to mine shipping soon. If you do order, be patient. They're good folk and will come through.

--nathan
 
I have the forced air blower system.
It is up to forging temp in UNDER 10 min. To get the entire chamber uniform heat maybe another 5min.
I have gone thru 150 gallons of propane in 2 1/2 years.
 
To second what everyone's saying.. forced air! I've run just about every type of forge you can imagine, charcoal, coal, venturi, forced air and waste oil and forced air really helps a lot in tweaking your flame and working in windy conditions.
 
I also ordered the forced air option, by the way. It comes standard unless you specify venturi. Just so much more adjustability.

--nathan
 
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