Which gas forge?

BustaCrook

BustaCrook

Joined
Mar 10, 2009
Messages
92
Can anyone recommend a good and fairly priced gas forge for knife making and small projects? I've been considering the "Chile" brand forge but figure a lot of people here already have the experience with different brands and maybe there is one out there that is better and cheaper. Thanks in advance.
 
We also have a two burner diamondback. Its been a fine forge and welds easily. They are good folks to deal iwth and offer re-lining kits on their website.
Chili is a great forge Im told as well.
 
Thanks for the link Butch. I just checked it out and it looks like it would serve me well. Plus, it is less expensive!:thumbup:
 
I'm about to purchase a Chileforge Habanero.I liked the prices of the Diamondback but I have been forging large curvy choppers lately.For these large pieces the Habanero's opening and interior is a better size.In order to get a Diamondback that would work as well I would have to go to one of the models that open front and back.

I talked to both owners of the two companies about fuel consumption.According to them the Diamondback would use several times the fuel.It's been a while and I don't remember exactly but it wouldn't take long to make up the price difference just in fuel.

Just something to think about.I think the smaller Diamondbacks are more efficient so that might be fine if straight blades are all you are going to be forging.
 
I will tell you honestly, my two burner diamondback dont sip fuel :D When you crank it up to weld it uses it pretty fast. Just running at forging temps it does real well though.
The habanero being a one burner would use less fuel no doubt. Ive heard they last a long while on a 20 lb tank, even welding.
We chose something with a side door because we work on large pieces at times and no forges front opening will accomidate some of the stuff we work on. So we had to have a side door.
Id like to have a habanero to just weld in myself.
 
BustaCrook,

Not sure of what you have in your shop, or what is available to you, but have you considered designing one and building it or having it made?

You can save a LOT of money making your own, and save some money having someone weld the critter up for you.

The gas portion is EASY to make from Home Depot parts, a drill press, and a little time...

An old freon can, or as I made mine, some NON-galvanized sheet metal, a little insulation, and time, will get you rolling for the ENTRY level into forge usage.

Charlie
 
Some friends of mine use a Chile Tabasco in their shop. It's awesome! it was very efficient and ran at welding temp with no problems.

Jason
 
Thank you to everyone for the info! For the time being, I've been using an old coal forge my farrier friend gave me and to be honest, I'm spending too much time setting it up outside of my shop and getting the thing fired up. Its a pain moving my anvil out there too.

I got ahead of myself earlier and ordered the Diamondback without considering the fuel/gas consumption, which is definitly something to consider in the long run. But now that I think about it, I may cancel my order in the morning and go with the Chile Tabasco.

Thanks once again!
 
Welp, good news. I was able to cancel the order and I think I'm going to go with the Chile Tabasco single burner. Of course, I think I'll take my time and think this through for a bit first.:confused:
 
If you can weld at all I'd build one. Much cheaper and it's surprisingly easy and fun. For the money of the Chili you could build three good forges for different purposes. My favorite general purpose forge design is the horizontal that Darren Ellis makes. I like that the flame doesn't blow right down on the material your working. He also sells all that you need on his website to build these and is a hell of a nice guy.
 
I have a 6" forge from Darren Ellis. It is great, but a little too small. Get the 8" either blown or venturi. You will need the size. If you do, buy extra satanite (use it for hamons, too), kaowool, and mizzou. Mizzou is the toughtest stuff around. It is a lot of fun to line and finish your own forge.
Otherwise, buy all that stuff and make your own.
Or, go with one of the Chili products.

I was torn betwee Ellis and the Chili line. I have arleady owned and burned through a single-burner diamondback. I think that the Ellis model I have will last a long, long time.

Really about the same in quality, Chili has larger door, Ellis is more fun because you get to line it yourself and play with all of the refractory.

have fun,
kc
 
Also the good thing about lining your own forge is that you will know how it is lined when you have to make repairs.
 
I did it. I went ahead and ordered a Chile. Someday, I'll likely give it a shot and build my own forge. But only after I've gained the experience to know what I like and don't like in a gas forge.

Thanks for all the info and suggestions!
 
i purchased a blown forge from uncle al at riverside machine. It gets HOT FAST. It uses alot of gas at welding temps but can be turned way down for just normal forging.
 
I think so too Jason, other than having to wait about 4 weeks for it. Oh well, the anticipation will just make it that much sweeter for when it arrives.
 
Glad you went with my recommendation. what sold me on it was when I watched em run it for 4-6 hours on one single bbq tank.

Jason
 
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