some info for those with a chile forge

J

jimmyseymour

Joined
Dec 31, 2003
Messages
335
Hey guys,

I just installed a K-type thermocouple to my new habanero chile forge. I wanted to be able to really dial in my forge temps. The results I got blew me away.

The thermocouple was complete unit I got from the pottery supply place that Ed C. has mentioned a few times I believe bailey pottery. I will have to take it into work on thursday to see if the I/C techs can verify if it is reading correctly or if it is off a litte on the temps.

With one burner, a little over 3psi of propane, I averaged 1733 degrees. I couldn't get it any lower. With two burners it average about 1954 degrees. That's way to hot for what I got it for. I have a forced air forge for welding and wanted this one for just lower temperature forging of 1084 and 5160. Tomorrow I'll be headed to the welding store to get some smaller mig tips to see if I can't get the temp lower and use less propane.

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You'll notice the thermocouple was away from the hot spot caused by the square chamber as well. With both burners running there is almost no hot spot, but I was running one to get the temp to come down.

I have the sick feeling that everything I have done this year is about to get thrown away.
 
Lisa has a two burner diamondback and couldent get it lower either. Mike suggested choking it down and it worked..I can run mine at less than 1 psi with choke plates over the bells. Without choking it the forge wont burn at less than 2 psi..After Mikes suggestion I have no problem holding as low(or a bit lower) as 1475 for some of the 10xx steels..
I use a muffle to heat treat in. Longer than the forge. neither the blade or the thermocouple are in the reducing atmosphere. 10" long thermocouple so it reaches to the middle of the muffle.
Now in this first pic it isnt up to a good even heat yet but you can get the idea.
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Just wondering why you would have to throw your work out? Do you think you went way over temp for hardening?
 
I'm throwing everything out because of over temp during heat treating. Even though I tried my best using the magnets there is just no way for me to be sure. It's one thing to do a bad heat treat out of ignorance and another if you know your temp was too hot.
 
I have new Habenero with the new generation burners. After playing with it for the last week I'm settled on running one burner at 4 psi with the back end 1/2 blocked off. With the sliding choke at about 1/2 it runs quite nice. I haven't run electric out to the shop yet, so I haven't hooked up my digital readout. I had Chili install a side port for the thermocouple, and I plan on making a muffle pipe(with a side hole for the thermocouple) for heat treating.

I'll be tuned in to see how you work this out. :thumbup:

Here's my system:






 
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Ok. I got to replace the nozzle tips today. I bought a package of mig tips that were 14-30. It came stock with 14t-40. By just reducing it a little I was able to run a stable venturi at 1 psi with a steady temp. of 1609. At 6 psi it ran a stable temp of 1899. That is with both burners running on the low and high side. This forge will definitly get hot enough to forge weld if you want it to as it comes stock. I am making arrangements for an electrian I work with to help me wire in some 220 to the hydraulic press, heat treating oven, and a bigger breaker for the welder today and tomorrow so I have to quit playing with the forge for now. I'm sure it wont take to long to get it dialed into where I want it now that I can keep a stable venturi at lower pressures.
 
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