Well I am finally going to break down and buy a gas forge. I have built a few good forges before but this one I want to work the first time I light it. Plus I am a drilling engineer and most of the time I live on the drilling rig I am working with. So I am needing a forge that is not too big and is portable. Not planning on making swords or anything that big. I am mainly needing it for heat treating and maybe a bit of light smithing work. Have been searching for the last few months and I keep coming up with the same results. That being, there are so many different makers and different prices. I am asking for help because I am sure you guys have been done this road before.
Thank you,
Jo
Those who dare will succeed or fail, but atleast they dared for greatness.
Hello Jo. I gues you have to decide wether you want a forced air forge or a venturi forge. One requires electrical power one does not. I have used both types cannot really discern a difference, except somewhat in control. You have more regulation options with a blown forge, amount of air and amount of fuel, versus just amount of fuel.
Personally I use a N.C. Tool company whisper daddy venturi forge. I have been real happy with it and it reaches welding temp on 6-7 pounds. They are a little bit more expensive but they are plug and play so to speak. N.C. also makes smaller two and one burner forges that are very portable. Just about any of the forges from reliable manufacturers will do what you want. Riverside machine sells a small blown forge that is very portable.
It mainly comes down to what type you like and are used to.
Good luck
Brion
Brion Tomberlin
Anvil Top Custom Knives
ABS Mastersmith
Hey Jo. One thing I forgot to mention is on the NC Tool forges they have a knifemaker model and the one I have is now called the whisper daddy knifemaker forge. One of the reasons I bought this forge was the large door on the side and the extra inside space. I can use it with the large door open and move blades in and out to more control what areas of the blade are being heated. Also love the push button ignition.
They are not the cheapest though.
Brion
Brion Tomberlin
Anvil Top Custom Knives
ABS Mastersmith
|quoted:
I am mainly needing it for heat treating and maybe a bit of light smithing work.
Since you are after H/Ting & light smithing, I would recommend a horizontal forge for ease of use. Try to find one that has a good circulation of flame in order to get a more even heat. (Usually a round interior is preferable to a square one.) I would also recommend adding a thermocouple & pyrometer (for H/Ting), positioning the thermocouple in a neutral position.
Gary
I am thinking of going with the lil Johnny forge. It looks to have all of the features I am wanting and it is adjustable. Who all has use one of these forges before?
Those who dare will succeed or fail, but atleast they dared for greatness.
Here's a YouTube video link showing Lin Rhea using one. Hope this helps.
[media] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vt77Mut5l84 [/media]
Gary
