Switched to a coal forge after 10 years of propane and I'm never going back

I used to think propane forges were the only way to go. Clean, easy to light, consistent heat. But last winter I was helping a buddy in his shop outside Austin and he fired up his old coal forge. At first I hated it. Smoke everywhere, had to keep adjusting the airflow, messy as hell. But after about 3 projects I noticed something. The heat was way more even across the billet and I could get a real welding heat without worrying about burning the steel. That changed my mind. Now I run a small coal forge in my own shop and I only use propane for small stuff like hooks or leaf keychains. Has anyone else made the switch later in their career? I'm curious if I'm just weird or if other people had the same moment.

2 comments

2 Comments

gavin8014d ago

Ask if the even heat across the billet really made that much difference in your welds, or if it's more about just not worrying about hotspots. I've heard coal guys say that forever but never bought it. Also, how bad was the smoke and mess compared to what you expected? I live in a neighborhood and I always figured coal would get me in trouble with the neighbors.

the_andrew13d agoTop Commenter

Man I hear you, neighborhood coal burning is a RISKY move.