Old timer at a shop in Ohio argued that propane forges ruin the 'feel' of the steel?

I was at a hammer-in near Dayton last spring and this older smith said my gas forge makes the metal too soft compared to coal. He claimed I'd never learn proper welding if I didn't switch. Is that just gatekeeping or is there real truth to using coal over propane for learning?

3 comments

3 Comments

murray.cora16d ago

Folks get attached to their tools and methods, it's like some folks who swear by cast iron skillets and say non-stick pans are for amateurs. There's a real difference in how each fuel works, but that doesn't make one wrong for learning. Coal gives you a different heat pattern and more control over the atmosphere, which can help you understand welding better. But plenty of good smiths learned on gas and make strong welds just fine. It's more about understanding your own setup than the fuel itself.

drewr1516d ago

Man, that cast iron skillet comparison is perfect. @murray.cora really nailed it with that one. I've seen guys at the shop who will fight you over coal vs gas like it's a life or death thing. But honestly, both fuels can get the job done if you know what you're doing. The key is just putting in the hours and learning your setup inside out. A good smith on gas is still a good smith, no doubt about that.

michaelgrant16d ago

Have you ever seen someone ruin good meat by fiddling with their setup all day?