Forced-air propane forge

I decided that if I'm eventually going to do the things I'd like to -- forge welding, Damascus steel, etc. -- I would need a forge that gets hotter than a box of fire bricks. Not that the box o' bricks was bad, by any means, but this forge is much more efficient and WAY hotter Only problem is that it might be too hot...if anyone has any ideas, as always, feel free to share them.

Category:

People & Blogs

Tags:

• blacksmith
• forge
• propane
• forced air
• knifemaking
• bushcraft

[scottaspect20]

are you in the military?



[Makermook]

@scottaspect20 I was.

[steveo928]

how fuel efficient is this setup tank wise

[Makermook]

@steveo928 A rough guess is that I get 15-20 hours of run time at regular forging temps. Less if I really crank it up to welding temps.

[baanjoguy]

Hi I really enjoyed your video ?Can I ask where I could find the propane nozzle/orifice and handle set up?What size is the orifice etc? The HOLY SHIT part was hilarious LOL

[Makermook]

@baanjoguy That is a weed burning torch I bought at Harbor Freight for about $20. They also have it in their online store.

[trvscarpenter1]

I saw ur video once before and just spent hrs trying to find help on getting mine going. I set up the gas 1st then air. I c I was wrong. Something kept telling me to check your post. Thankyou. I think i also need to switch my tip. I wasnt mixing the air and gas before ignition.

[lowsideswitch]

What size tip and regulator are u using??

[busdriver6a]

your Tank of gas will stop putting out with out a regulater it will ice up at the neck

[GunnySGT1911]

@naabtalschmied Did you watch the entire video? It actually does work, though it isn't very pretty. I have also seen very similar homemade forced air/gas forges in operation and they work quite well and even generate enough heat for welding.

[GunnySGT1911]

You can try two coats of a refractory cement over your fire wool. That should help protect the wool, improve the isolation (allowing a higher heat and great efficiency), and prevent small pieces of the wool from flying around and becoming an inhalation hazard.

[TGuy2396]

I couldn't help but notice that anvil stand, made from a sawhorse. How is that working out for you? I have been using a trash can filled with compacted sand. While it has proven to be a stable platform, it is very difficult to move around.

Also, I am happy to see that the hair dryer will work, since that is what I am using now on my charcoal forge. I am in the process of converting to propane, however, and it is nice to know I can use the same setup.

[CCSinventions]

@Makermook Nice forge and thankyou for your service :)

[Rhymer3]

absolutly great man thank you

[pcblah]

@BoyMixer lol try using beer as the fuel... to limit ur intake and put the smell in the air :D

[BoyMixer]

@pcblah Haha, I tried that on my Charcoal forge, blew the top off on the test run (thank god it was hot). Let that be a lesson, limit your beer intake when building a forge.