Swapped my coal forge for propane after 8 years at the anvil

I was that guy who swore coal was the only real way to forge. But last month I picked up a used propane setup from a guy getting out of the hobby. First thing I noticed was no more waiting 20 minutes to get up to heat. Second thing was my neighbor stopped complaining about the smoke. Third thing was I actually finished a project in one evening instead of two. Anyone else made the switch and never gone back?

3 comments

3 Comments

jamieb805d ago

Yeah I actually read something about this recently, how propane forges produce way less carbon monoxide than coal setups. That alone makes it worth considering for people who work in tighter spaces or have neighbors close by. I also heard that the heat control is way more consistent with gas, which matters a lot for certain types of steel like high carbon stuff. I've never tried coal myself but I know guys who switched and said they'd never go back because of the time savings alone.

gray8755d ago

Have you noticed any difference in scale buildup on your steel between the two? Propane leaves way cleaner surfaces for forge welding in my experience.

nguyen.morgan5d ago

@jamieb80 but coal's actually better for getting an even heat across thicker stock without hotspots in my shop.