Question Regarding Forges

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phelanpain

Joined
Aug 19, 2006
Messages
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Hi, I am not very experienced and have made one knife and a few cleavers so far I have used a cutting torch and a makeshift coal forge to heat metal to anneal/harden but I do have one of these Johnson Furnaces. My question is are they well suited for bladesmithing work, I have not set it up yet I need to change the orifice to run it on propane, it is currently set up for natural gas.
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NG is usually more convenient than propane. Most people using propane have to lug tanks around to get refilled and they're always running out at inconvenient times. Most people can just hook up to the house NG supply and forget about it.

That's a nice forge. It might not be the most efficient set up for small knives. but it's well made and quite versatile.
 
I used to have a Johnson Gas forge like this one. I looked them up and found out they cost about $5000. Yes seriously. I tryed mine for forging blades after calling the company and getting the correct orifice but I didnt like the swinging top. I always wanted to enclose the top and open up one end so it would be better suited for bladesmithing. Try it and see if you agree. They are very safe because they are made for the education system in industrial arts class. It may not get hot enough for welding because it runs on low gas pressure. I should have kept mine and did the mods.
 
Thanks for the input. I know all about running out of propane, it sucks. I have a 150 gallon tank and several 25's, it is whar we run our house on.
 
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