Switched from a coal forge to gas and wish I did it sooner

I've been using a coal forge for about 8 years now, my grandpa's old one. But last month I picked up a used propane forge from a guy on Craigslist for $200. Took me a week of heating steel in it before I realized I wasn't spending half my time adjusting the fire or waiting for it to heat up. The control is just way easier, especially for smaller stuff like punches and chisels. Has anyone else made the switch and regretted it or was it smooth sailing for you too?

1 comments

Log in to join the discussion

Log In

1 Comment

ryand261mo ago

Hold your horses man. You used a coal forge for eight years and now a week of gas makes you an expert? I've seen guys switch back after a month because they missed the heat control you get with a good coal fire. Coal is messy and takes more work, no argument there, but calling it a game changer because you don't have to adjust it every five minutes seems like you're overselling it. Gas forges have their own headaches, like buying tanks and dealing with regulators freezing up in cold weather. Plus coal fires give you a wider heat zone for bigger stock, something gas struggles with unless you spend real money. Maybe you just got lucky with that Craigslist deal, but I wouldn't toss your grandpa's forge just yet.

5