take a look at this forge

If your planning on using it for bladesmithing, my opinion is that none of them are suitable. In my experience, forges that have the burners directed in such a manner that they flame is directed right at/on the work piece, cause nothing but problems. I've fielded way too many issues from folks over the years, and tracked the problems directly to this type of forge.... they will heat steel to a forgable level, its just that its accomplished so very unevenly, and in many cases overheat the steel in some areas before its ever at a forgable heat in others. I'm sure there are folks out there who are using them, and will claim they have been very successful doing so, but I think this type of forge is more of a handicap than an asset.
 
No winners there. All have square insides and direct flame,you want round inside and swirling flame.
Stan
 
Hi Marek,

I've only seen a few gas forges in operation: two with forced air and two with atmospheric (or venturi) burners. The three you're looking at are the latter style. I notice the first two are fiber-wool lined, but don't seem to be sealed or coated. That may be an issue for respiratory health. I also don't understand the burners on them. There are no, or poor, pictures of the valves and hardware on those two. Neither maker/seller cites any temperature ranges. It might be nice to know that. If you're plan on doing forge welding, canister and or billet welds you'll need some fairly high temps. Make sure you can get them. I guess I felt best about the third (three burner) forge as far as there being more details, experience and assurances from the vender.

Good luck. Let us know how it goes.

All the best, Phil
 
can't go wrong with a forge from Darren,If I had not built my own I would have bought one of his, I did by my burner and liner materials from him.Good people to deal with.
Stan
 
I have seen but not used the Darren Ellis forges. I like them. They solve the problems that Ed was mentioning. You get a more evenly heated interior of the forge. I use a horizontal forge I made that is very similar, but with two burners. I made it with materials from Darren and you will not find a better person to deal with.

If you are in Athens, check out the Georgia custom Knifemakers Guild site. We get together about once a quarter and someone almost always brings a forge. There is also a group that gets together in the spring and early fall for a Hammer-in at Trackrock Campground near Blairsville GA. In In April we had 10 or 12 forges going, both horizontal and vertical with some venturi and some forced air. It is a good place to see what works and a good group of people to fall in with if you like forging knives. If you are interested let me know and I will get you some more information.
 
Wow, those gatherings sound great Harry. I used to live in Georgia's Union and Town counties. That was back in the late 70s. Sounds like lots going on there! James C. Campbell folks school was it back then. Guess their blacksmith program is really big now! The Saturday night folk dances were a great place to...well, that's really off topic. :D
 
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