Thanks so much on your video. You answered the question very well! I appreciate all you are doing for the community. I will stay tuned for your build videos.
Wonderful video. I’m looking to get into blacksmithing, but am on a tight budget. I’ve been thinking long and hard about coal forges because you find them for sale all the time and run about $200-500 as compared to a $1000 for a propane forge. Also I found a local blacksmith shop that sells forge coal. The only concerns I have is the learning curve of figuring out how to maintain the fire as well as fire hazard concerns and ventilation.
the worst thing i find about my gas forge is the sound of a jet in my backyard. if you live close up to people (so not american farmlands ;)) not all neighbours are very keen on the sound. most positive thing about it, is it's very easy and clean to use. i have both, but the homemade gas forge is the newest addition to my shop. thanks for this video. it's definatly has understandable points.
Well said. I have a small coal forge that I have to wheel out of the garage to use, and a small gas forge as well. My gas forge is even more limited than yours for odd sized pieces. I have about a 3" x 5" opening in the front, and can open the back as well but I can't open a side. I wish that I were better at fire management in my coal forge. I can't tell you how many times I thought I had time to go fetch something only to come back to burned steel! Maybe in one of your future videos you could address fire management. Thanks for the great videos!
I couldn't agree with you more. Choose the right tool for the job! I have yet to build my gas forge.. hopefully this winter. I am wondering about fuel consumption and a cost comparison? Thanks for the video...
i like the coal forge but i may want to buy a gas forge so i can work in the wet. my viking camp is ruined due to the storms we have had and i have no more cover to work under hence my coals are soaked.. i usually make small items like firestrikers and hardware like hooks and pendants. if i buy a hood it may help but im so tempted to get a gas forge. your videos helped me get some information. thanks.
Thx for the video. Great explanations for each. Could you explain the differences between a metal forge and a metal furnace (maybe foundry is a better word?). I've always found it interesting that, while they are obviously different in design for different reasons, they seem to achieve almost the same thing. Also couldn't you just use a metal furnace as a forge? I'm fairly new to this stuff and it's kind of confusing at times. I even get the names confused all the time.
I like how you suggested that people should care what their neighbors think or you know if they would mind I'm not really the ask for permission first kind of person I'm the more of a bag of beg for forgiveness after I do what I'm planning on doing kind of person and the thought of what my neighbors thought never had crossed my mind LoL because when I started forging I also weld and fabricate things for hobbies and I realized ammo not all in the same place of course. That amount of hobbies and kids leads to not much spare cash for expensive materials so I repurpose lots of "junk" steel that I run across everywhere
I'm stuck with lump charcoal right now . It work well but has some kinks . Fuel need to be size . size of a quarter to nickel lot of dust waste Limited size of work. A break disk is the pot high heat sparks will pop out if to much charcoal dust get in the forge lot of noise because of air bed blower It has a lot of upticks too . Very mobile Can be left out side Can run on nothing but wood and still get a good heat quick .
Hi Billy, Thanks for the great question! If you look in the video description, you will see the link to our video on how to manage a coal forge. Thanks for watching!
I have a 1 burner forge from diamondback ironworks it works very well and it's really fuel efficient if any if y'all are looking for a small propane forge
Quite frankly, a Blacksmith will have both. Having said that, a purist will always go for fire management, as that is the most versatile, but if you're running pieces through, then gas with it's tight temp control is your tool of choice.
Im in the same boat as your friend. A propane forge is probably better for me. Do you know I could buy a gas forge or any recommendations on a DIY design? A gas forge makes me a little nervous.
Which one is cheaper that is what I'm more worried about I want to start blade smithing but I want to get a gas forge I'm just wondering if it's more expensive
Anthony Paulson at first coal forge is cheaper but I think over time if you forge a lot I believe gas would be cheaper depending on your area and how available coal is
I prefer to use my coal forge, however, it comes down to simple economics for me. Good coal up here costs $500-$800 a ton. While propane is readily available and cheap.
a good prospective, for local heating though if you use gas, one might use a rosebud, and gas can reach a higher temp faster I have heard, and the gas tends to be cleaner, but in some areas gas is more expensive to run for longer periods, gets used up faster.
I looked for coal for years. I can only find it online, In small bags..a hassle.. Praise the LORD. PS. If you build your own gas forge make the other opening level with the bottom of the forge, you can stick small things in the other end it will heat up only the tip. Or the middle sticking tip out the end .....
where can I get coal for my forge I use to be in Pennsylvania where there was lots of coal or you could get it from your neighbors i presently live in NY state in western NY in Gowanda NY thank you God bless
Go to google, then shearch up "coal" and go to shopping there are lots of people selling black smithing coal. Pretty much if you need anything these days just buy it on line😂
while you can forge with wood, it is better to convert the wood to charcoal first. Charcoal is hotter than wood that hasn't been converted. but not briquettes.
Either type can be efficient (or wasteful), depending on size and your specific needs. Propane forges can be scaled (built) to the desired size more easily (check out czcams.com/video/xah47JDQKP8/video.html for a *MONSTER* gas forge (and czcams.com/video/BalyIv-GrKQ/video.html to see him "forge" a pizza)). An efficient forge should be no bigger than the work you need to heat. Great video, as always.
I doubt there is much of a difference between coal and gas when it comes to your carbon footprint. You need X amount of energy to forge, so whether that comes from one source or the other, it's still a CO2 emitting energy source and I doubt one is more efficient than the other if you know what you're doing.
@@schleybailey Biogas is slightly inferior(it has less fuel value so you have to burn more of it), but it is still perfectly usable if you have a cheap source.
Dear Mr Christ Centered. First, thanks for promoting your faith. I am also a Christian. Second, I have no interest in forging. What I do need is a forge for HEAT TREATING STEEL. I make hard dies on a lathe. I need to anneal steel. Some types need to be brought up to heat and held there for hours as I understand. Others just heated up. Then after the dies are machined they need to be hardened and heat treated. I CANNOT afford to build a gas forge. SO I was considering a coal, charcoal, or wood forge with a leaf blower and a variable motor for the air supply. Any advise would be appreciated. Thanks.
All you need to do is: - Find a spot where sparks flying around won't ignite anything you don't want to. - Build or get something that can encase coal and can deal with the heat, like making something out of certain bricks or use an old wood stove (some types of bricks can explode when heated enough). - Get something that can blow air into the coal making things HOT. 3 simple steps. Now you can heat steel/iron enough to be able to heat treat it.
“Antiquates out to”
Got a chuckle at your expense there, sorry man.
Thanks for sharing your knowledge through this great content!
Thanks so much on your video. You answered the question very well! I appreciate all you are doing for the community. I will stay tuned for your build videos.
Wonderful video. I’m looking to get into blacksmithing, but am on a tight budget. I’ve been thinking long and hard about coal forges because you find them for sale all the time and run about $200-500 as compared to a $1000 for a propane forge. Also I found a local blacksmith shop that sells forge coal. The only concerns I have is the learning curve of figuring out how to maintain the fire as well as fire hazard concerns and ventilation.
I’m a coal forge week end warrior
I currently use both, they definitely have different pros and cons, and both can be great depending on your intended use.
I liked your answer, I have both and use them as the job requires.
the worst thing i find about my gas forge is the sound of a jet in my backyard. if you live close up to people (so not american farmlands ;)) not all neighbours are very keen on the sound. most positive thing about it, is it's very easy and clean to use. i have both, but the homemade gas forge is the newest addition to my shop. thanks for this video. it's definatly has understandable points.
Well said. I have a small coal forge that I have to wheel out of the garage to use, and a small gas forge as well. My gas forge is even more limited than yours for odd sized pieces. I have about a 3" x 5" opening in the front, and can open the back as well but I can't open a side. I wish that I were better at fire management in my coal forge. I can't tell you how many times I thought I had time to go fetch something only to come back to burned steel! Maybe in one of your future videos you could address fire management. Thanks for the great videos!
I couldn't agree with you more. Choose the right tool for the job!
I have yet to build my gas forge.. hopefully this winter. I am wondering about fuel consumption and a cost comparison?
Thanks for the video...
Def look at a forced air system, easy to build, much more efficient than atmospheric.
Great info. Thank you for sharing.
i like the coal forge but i may want to buy a gas forge so i can work in the wet. my viking camp is ruined due to the storms we have had and i have no more cover to work under hence my coals are soaked.. i usually make small items like firestrikers and hardware like hooks and pendants. if i buy a hood it may help but im so tempted to get a gas forge. your videos helped me get some information. thanks.
I need to perfect my propane coal forge that works with induction and charcoal.
Bro, like it
What about the lava forge?
Thanks good video
Showing both pros and cons I think was great
God speed
Thanks
Edward
Thanks. Very interesting
Thanks Roy. I am going to build a wood forge just for fun and because I have a lot of brushy wood to burn.
I like your attitude regarding 'right tool for the job'. Good video.
Thanks Roy.
Thx for the video. Great explanations for each. Could you explain the differences between a metal forge and a metal furnace (maybe foundry is a better word?). I've always found it interesting that, while they are obviously different in design for different reasons, they seem to achieve almost the same thing. Also couldn't you just use a metal furnace as a forge? I'm fairly new to this stuff and it's kind of confusing at times. I even get the names confused all the time.
I’ve been running propane, forced air up til now, just built a coal forge.
One other thing is some places have laws/ ordinances about "open fires" and smoke that would restrict the use of coal.
that would be a point i would make too
Good job buddy
I like how you suggested that people should care what their neighbors think or you know if they would mind I'm not really the ask for permission first kind of person I'm the more of a bag of beg for forgiveness after I do what I'm planning on doing kind of person and the thought of what my neighbors thought never had crossed my mind LoL because when I started forging I also weld and fabricate things for hobbies and I realized ammo not all in the same place of course. That amount of hobbies and kids leads to not much spare cash for expensive materials so I repurpose lots of "junk" steel that I run across everywhere
I'm stuck with lump charcoal right now . It work well but has some kinks .
Fuel need to be size . size of a quarter to nickel lot of dust waste
Limited size of work. A break disk is the pot
high heat sparks will pop out if to much charcoal dust get in the forge
lot of noise because of air bed blower
It has a lot of upticks too .
Very mobile
Can be left out side
Can run on nothing but wood and still get a good heat quick .
Will wood gas burn hot enough to forge weld tool steel
Thanks for the video. Do you have or can you make a video how to manage a coal Forge ?
Hi Billy, Thanks for the great question! If you look in the video description, you will see the link to our video on how to manage a coal forge. Thanks for watching!
@@ChristCenteredIronworks I'm not finding it in description just the links about gas forges
Another problem with a gas forge is the intense radiant heat, especially in the summer.
I have a 1 burner forge from diamondback ironworks it works very well and it's really fuel efficient if any if y'all are looking for a small propane forge
Forge welding is very destructive in gas forge and welding heats and flux distort liners
Is there a chance of a gas forge blowing up? im planning to make my own
Quite frankly, a Blacksmith will have both. Having said that, a purist will always go for fire management, as that is the most versatile, but if you're running pieces through, then gas with it's tight temp control is your tool of choice.
Im in the same boat as your friend. A propane forge is probably better for me. Do you know I could buy a gas forge or any recommendations on a DIY design? A gas forge makes me a little nervous.
What kind of coal do you use and what kind do you use?
Which one is cheaper that is what I'm more worried about I want to start blade smithing but I want to get a gas forge I'm just wondering if it's more expensive
Anthony Paulson at first coal forge is cheaper but I think over time if you forge a lot I believe gas would be cheaper depending on your area and how available coal is
I prefer to use my coal forge, however, it comes down to simple economics for me. Good coal up here costs $500-$800 a ton. While propane is readily available and cheap.
Fuel availability will determine which one you should have also.
Where do you get your proper coal?
👍
a good prospective, for local heating though if you use gas, one might use a rosebud, and gas can reach a higher temp faster I have heard, and the gas tends to be cleaner, but in some areas gas is more expensive to run for longer periods, gets used up faster.
I looked for coal for years.
I can only find it online,
In small bags..a hassle..
Praise the LORD.
PS. If you build your own gas forge make the other opening level with the bottom of the forge, you can stick small things in the other end it will heat up only the tip. Or the middle sticking tip out the end .....
Can anyone point me to where to buy coal?? Certainly cannot get it locally, so I'm interested in an online source..
Cail Robbins eBay ? I have a local source but I'm in Delaware.
Cail Robbins google your nearest Artist Blacksmith Association, and ask them.
where can I get coal for my forge I use to be in Pennsylvania where there was lots of coal or you could get it from your neighbors i presently live in NY state in western NY in Gowanda NY thank you God bless
Go to google, then shearch up "coal" and go to shopping there are lots of people selling black smithing coal. Pretty much if you need anything these days just buy it on line😂
What about the wood forge? Amazing Etsy shop items by the way.
But then again , after watching for a while, your just speaking from experience
i heard many times that a woodforge does not burn as hot as the others easily, so not very pleasing to use as a blacksmith.
while you can forge with wood, it is better to convert the wood to charcoal first. Charcoal is hotter than wood that hasn't been converted. but not briquettes.
Either type can be efficient (or wasteful), depending on size and your specific needs. Propane forges can be scaled (built) to the desired size more easily (check out czcams.com/video/xah47JDQKP8/video.html for a *MONSTER* gas forge (and czcams.com/video/BalyIv-GrKQ/video.html to see him "forge" a pizza)). An efficient forge should be no bigger than the work you need to heat.
Great video, as always.
I prefer the coal forge
I doubt there is much of a difference between coal and gas when it comes to your carbon footprint. You need X amount of energy to forge, so whether that comes from one source or the other, it's still a CO2 emitting energy source and I doubt one is more efficient than the other if you know what you're doing.
It depends on how well insulated your forge effectively is. Both types of forge can also be converted to biofuels.
Me , cole Man
When LPG or propane become expensive or scarce, I'll power my forge with biogas.
Are the combustion rates comparable?
@@schleybailey Biogas is slightly inferior(it has less fuel value so you have to burn more of it), but it is still perfectly usable if you have a cheap source.
The noise of the gas forge.
Dear Mr Christ Centered. First, thanks for promoting your faith. I am also a Christian. Second, I have no interest in forging. What I do need is a forge for HEAT TREATING STEEL. I make hard dies on a lathe. I need to anneal steel. Some types need to be brought up to heat and held there for hours as I understand. Others just heated up. Then after the dies are machined they need to be hardened and heat treated. I CANNOT afford to build a gas forge. SO I was considering a coal, charcoal, or wood forge with a leaf blower and a variable motor for the air supply. Any advise would be appreciated. Thanks.
All you need to do is:
- Find a spot where sparks flying around won't ignite anything you don't want to.
- Build or get something that can encase coal and can deal with the heat, like making something out of certain bricks or use an old wood stove (some types of bricks can explode when heated enough).
- Get something that can blow air into the coal making things HOT.
3 simple steps. Now you can heat steel/iron enough to be able to heat treat it.