Ditching the Coal Forge.
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- Опубліковано 18 бер 2023
- Change in the Blacksmith shop seems inevitable. For most of my blacksmithing journey I have worked in a gas forge, even though I really do like working in a coal forge. Today I accept that the coal forge is in my way more often than I actually need it.
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Blacksmithing and related activities can be hazardous. These videos are not a substitute for competent professional instruction. Your safety is your sole responsibility. Always use appropriate safety equipment including eye and ear protection when working in the shop. Follow manufactures safety guidelines for the use of all equipment. In the event something shown in one of these videos seems unsafe, it is up to you to make the appropriate changes to protect yourself.t yourself.
We have to move forward. Just because something is traditional, doesn’t mean it’s the best way of working for everyone.
Not to mention we need to be responsible for preserving the environment. Coal forges can cause fly away embers, and in an area where Jon lives, that can be a really bad thing.
I think you'll be surprised how much more sustainable and self-sufficient traditional practices are. Just because something is more modern doesn't mean better either. For example a charcoal forge which is more traditional than coal is more cost effective and if using sustainable coppice wood is better for the environment, I get forge welds just as good as a coal forge or gas forge. in fact in Japan they still use it for their blade smithing.
I may have to do a response video to this as I've moved to traditional charcoal made from local coppice wood. Also I'm building an enclosed forge like a furnace which is more efficient than an open forge. I also make my own charcoal which only costs me my time once a week whilst enjoying a beer and relaxing under the stars. Its much better for sustainability and self-sufficiency as I don't pay any companies for the use of energy. Cheers J
@@joshuadelisle you’re bringing up something different. I was talking about working in a way that’s comfortable to an individual. You’re talking about sustainability. Two different topics. Ordinarily, sustainability is very important to me, but realistically, blacksmithing is, even with the revival we’ve seen I’ve the past two decades or so, is such a tiny percentage of wood, coal or gas use that it’s not a real problem, but it does add to atmospheric CO2 if you’re interested in consequences.
@@joshuadelisle Charcoal presents an even great fire risk in our area with the increased output of sparks and embers. Charcoal production simply isn't practical for most people and historically it has been responsible for deforestation of huge areas. Globally charcoal production is not at all sustainable. But I agree for a single person with the resources at hand, its not a bad idea.
Sir not only have I enjoyed watching your evolution and growth as a Blacksmith, but just as importantly I’ve enjoyed watching your growth on video editing and such, I feel like every time a new video comes out they keep getting better and better. Thank You for all the hard work you put into making these videos.
Thank you kindly
Couldn't agree more!
@@TheRightWingNut Me to
I seriously appreciate the creators who simply tell it like it is.
Thank you
Couldn't agree more
If people miss seeing it, you can always hang a picture. You have a working shop that doubles as a studio. So one or the other has to take priority.
My first blacksmithing class was with a gas forge the first day, then they took them away to have us use coal forges. It was scary at first but I got so used to it that I ended up liking it more. I realized, just as you have, that the romanticizing the tradition can't get in the way of the reality of everyday use. Building a small set up in a residential area I had to accept that a coal forge was just not in the cards for me. Times and technologies changes and so must we. Thanks for this video, it was a great help.
Feels a little bittersweet and romantic to be moving aside an ancient tool for a really new one!
The whole induction forge deal is a gimmick. Can't do isolated heats in gas, so it's a bandaid for removing the best tool in the shop...
My grandfather always said, "The only thing that is constant is change". I started out with a coal forge, use a gas one now, not because I didn't like the coal but because the gas is more convenient to use. Thanks for your teachings my friend😊
I have no way to have a coal forge in my garage. Limited access to the stuff as well. I have a majestic forge that I struggle with. Some folks on the forums are totally unfriendly about any gas forge questions. This is refreshing to see someone I enjoy watching/learning from using similar equipment.
Thanks for posting this along with your rationale. Sometimes we need to reevaluate the way we do certain things.
So true!
I am a woodworker. In woodworking it's not how you cut the wood. So I would say, in blacksmithing it's not how you heat the steel. Ignore the pickey folks. Thank you for sharing. Have a great day and stay safe.🙂🙂
John, thank you for saying, "Wear safety glasses."
Norm Abram used to recommend them, when I was just a kid watching The New Yankee Workshop. For several years now you've been doing what he once did for me, in terms of inspiration, expert demonstration, and thorough and insightful explanation. Now, as an adult, you're right up there alongside Norm and Bob Ross. ❤
Watching you treat safety as a real and serious consideration before the younger folks who are watching your videos, is just one of your channel's many beloved and laudable traits. It does not go unnoticed, John. Carry that torch and teach us to love making things. Safely.
Another UA-camr is doing some work and, suddenly, something pings off his safety glasses. All he said was “wow, I guess the safety glasses do work.“
My son who is 19 was working in the shop a couple years ago without his safety glasses and something got in his eye. After a miserable night of eye irritation and lots of prayers that night he is now adamant about safety glasses. No one gets to work in our shop without a 19 year old telling them out the glasses on and save your eyes. Everyone is responsible for themselves and sometimes lessons are learned the hard way but sometimes a role model can do the trick with a few simple reminders and examples.
I tell people never buy a pair of safety glasses. Buy ten pair and put them near every tool in the shop. If you can’t find safety equipment after 15 seconds of looking, you’re likely to go ahead with the task without them.
Thank you for your honesty and not holding to tradition for tradition's sake. Efficiency and enjoyment of the process whatever that looks like for someone coal or not.
I appreciate that!
Thank you for sharing how your work and shop evolves over time. Some many people are afraid of change or to make changes.
So true!
Sad to see it go, but totally understand your reasons. It's good to hear you're keeping it around in case you need it for bigger projects. And don't worry - we'll keep watching your videos regardless! Thanks for all you do & keep up the good work!
Sad to see the coal forge go...I wish I had room for a coal forge 😢 I love the smell of a coal forge...some times I throw a piece of coal in my propane forge, just to reminisce of my childhood, when coal forges were common, and times were simpler
I in joy you show I have learned a lot form you
Gonna kind of miss seeing the old forge. I just finished building my own small coal forge. Just some things i can't do in my gas forge that the coal will allow. It's Good to be open to change as ability and interests change!
I recently found 10 , 5o gallon barrels of ( probably metallurgical ) coal. Prior to that all I could buy was rubbish high sulfur lump coal in big pieces. I like coal just fine now I have this very large supply of coal.
However, when I want to work an hour of two, gas is great. It gets to a nice welding heat- just below sparking.. You may work more than one project at a time and not turn nearly finished pieces into burning sparklers.
Both forges are outside as the second inside coal forge is only usable in really cold weather. Past May, here in Virginia it is crazy hot in the building with the inside fire lit.
If I was doing this for a living I’d use primarily gas.
Love the channel John
Frank
The only certainty is change! Looking good John!
Next chapter of ur journey. Forge on. God bless.
That's the plan!
The new setup looks great!
John, thank you for sharing your sentiments about your forge and how we utilize our own to help our ways. I also burn coal, both in our part-time forge and at home, but sharing the coal with seasoned logs. And thank you for giving us the courage to make changes and better ourselves when forging. All the very best to you, Wendi 🌻
Well said!
@@BlackBearForge Thank you! Though Anthracite burns best, but it is by far the most expensive of the coal-types of combustibles.
..Forging is forging. Be it with Solid fuel, gas or electric i'll still be watchin...
Being a real Blacksmith isn’t how you heat the metal it is what you do with it when it’s hot. Thanks for being real 👍🏻👍🏻
Totally agree and even though some people need the fantasy of working the way our predecessors did, it ignores what the future holds.
I support your decision John. It pays to use what works best for your situation. I only use charcoal in my forge because I can pick it up for free in the bush close to home after all the wild fires we have around here. Costs me about an hour a bag and some diesel to get there unless I just stop off on the way home from work. Never having used a gas or induction forge I will be most interested to see all that you show us.
Well John I understand completely. As coal has been getting harder to find I am using my gas forge more. I am not as brave as you and just can’t bring myself to put the past behind. I imagine when my coal stash finally runs out I will do the same. Thanks.
I didn't know the best place to say hi and say i fired up my drum forge for the first time today and played around some. It will be a neat journey. And i wanted to say thank you for all the knowledge you have given me watching your videos. :)
It is awesome to see your video making that transfers of heat source I've been wrestling those thoughts. I was talking with a young welder and he told me the fumes of flux and stick in seven years has developed emphysema in his lungs made me think of risk of coal fire the heaveyness in lungs as to seeing your video. I know there is risks to all skilled trades. It was good to see why I enjoy watching your channel.
Thanks
I glad you enjoyed it.
Like Roy Underhill breaking out a Ryobi power drill... 😄But seriously, the point is the work you're doing. In my opinion. This is probably a good decision.
Historically blacksmiths worked with the best tool for the job, seems to me holding on to the coalforge in this instance would be more heartfelt than practical ..Well done for taking the step (this from me, that is still using a charcoal forge)
It will certainly be interesting to see your solutions to this change. Can't wait to see what projects you come up with!
Good morning John, I always look forward to seeing your videos. They have certainly helped me grow in my journey to become a better blacksmith.
good on ya for doing what makes sense for you!
Lol seen em both John 🍻 I don't think you will be sorry for the change, a little more swinging room 🎉🎉🎉love the yap yap and the tap tap ⚒⚒
I am amazed at how much less crowded the shop feels after the switch
Movin on up is going to be a big help to you John. Your skill and work ethics will show that you really are a Blacksmith and will remain a true to life Smithy as time rolls on. Stay safe and enjoy the new shop set up, we will be back for the next video. Fred.
The end of an era. Nothing wrong with that! I personally never liked coal because all of the reasons you mentioned. To this day, I don't understand why people would use a coal forge knowing there are better tools out there but like you said, people romanticizes the idea of coal because how iconic it is.
i'm a starting blacksmith, been taking eveningschool lessons since last year and i really enjoy your videos. very informational and just very enjoyable to watch. Keep at it!
Thanks for being honest and forthright about what you are using and how much you use them.
Sad to see the coal forge go. that's all I use.
But I can understand having a hard time getting coal. I have no problem getting it, living here in WVa.
A tear almost came to my eye seeing the coal forge go out the door. I thankfully began my blacksmithing journey with a coal forge and have learned much with it and from you seeing yours. It is also an extremely important lesson to learn that your shop and your tools need to work for you. If something doesn't fit adapt and overcome. I love your videos and forge on!
Good morning John i am going to miss seeing you used the coal forge. i would love to have a coal forge but around here it's hard to get i so i am sticking with the gas forge. have a great day
That hurts a little bit to see it go, I agree with you that it has its own romance and, of course, tradition in this ancient craft, but your reasoning is flawless. I may have to take your advice and do the same sort of thing for me to take my smithing up a notch, I know you'll keep us updated on how you like it and and Pros vs Cons that you encounter. Wonderful to hear from you as always!!
This is a decision about what workspace you need and if it's right for you then you're right. I have a gas forge and a coal forge and I love to work on this one but at longer time intervals than I do with the gas forge. Good video!
Good for you Mr John..
I ve been swinging hammers sents I was 16. Now it's not that easy lol
But Happy for you hope it all works out Great!!!😇👍
For all of those who are saying he is not a real blacksmith, he is. Its his job! He has probably done more blacksmithing than all of us put together. Anyway, happy you are making it easier for yourself. Thank you for another great video!! God Bless
Thanks for that!
who is saying that?
@@rattrider6749 Just random commenters in the past
So I found a reason to keep around the clincker and not jus for pot holes...lol. it works fabulously to choke out a charcoal fire instead of losing all of it to the open air or having to douse it in water. Thank you jon. Jus thought you'd get a kick out of that.
Wow! This kinda seems like the end of an era. After a while, things will begin a new normal I suppose, but right now, this feels like some kind of heresy or something. One thing I'm certain of is that you know what you are doing. It will be interesting to see how this goes, and I'm bound to expand my own knowledge in the process. Cary on, John. My life has certainly been enriched by your efforts. I expect that will continue.
I'm just starting my journey as a blacksmith and youtuber, and your channel is the inspiration. Keep up the good work!
Enjoy the journey, it's fun and exhausting
@@BlackBearForge I'm already finding that. Haha. Thanks!
Sad to see the coal forge go (I really enjoy forging with my small coal forge), BUT I also have a propane forge that's just more convenient and increases my productivity. For quick localized heats the induction forge is pretty amazing (and I really want one!). You're doing what's best for you and your shop and that's the important part! Love your videos and you continue to be a major inspiration to me!
John sad to see her go. You're making the right decision for you. Love what u are about. Evolution of your business. I enjoy all u do. Thank you. God bless
"Man, I sure wish I could remember how I set this up in the first place." I've never related to anything I've heard on UA-cam more than that
Living in Washington state, I can relate to the difficulties of obtaining coal. With shipping costs becoming insanely high over the past two years, I've been doing more and more work with the gas forge. When I want to use solid fuels, I now use lump charcoal, but the price of that has gone up considerably lately. Thanks for sharing the happenings in your shop. Always interesting!
End of an era! A nice little coal forge is the next thing I want to get. I use a small 1 burner gas forge now that works, but when I use coal it sort of feels like I'm blacksmithing the way it "should be", but it really doesn't have to be done that way I know that. Induction seems like a great step forward and I hope they come down in price eventually.
I truly admire your dedication to a coal forge. Love em myself. But I can full understand the shift to gas and electric forges.
Much like a dog being trained to resist biting at the bone teetering on its nose until told to do so, I'm totally not eyeballing boxes around my shop about the right size for that blower or wondering if taping a check to said box is feasible...
I also enjoy the heck out of coal while you're doing it, but you are not wrong on the difficulties of supplies. I just made a itty bitty order for 200lbs yesterday and the flippin' shipping was three times the price of the product. 👀 But you do the math, and even with that, it's still cheaper than other options for the one project you need it for vs lump charcoal or the bazillion bags of deer corn you might use in its stead.
Understandable choice.
I recall a video where someone sent you a ribbon burner; you may consider getting it set up as a third backup, I finished building mine over the winter, and love it for two reasons:
1: It heats up *insanely* fast, you can see me test it on my channel.
2: It is *much* quieter than a Venturi burner forge.
Those two features seem like they would lend themselves to blacksmithing videos.
I always have mixed feelings when I make a big change like this to my own shop. I'm sad to see the coal forge go, but I appreciate your authenticity and continuing to bring us along on your blacksmithing journey :)
Totally agree, which is why I won't part with that forge until I get tired of it being in my way.
Thanks for another great video! I've been having some of those same thoughts. Coal forges are huge space hogs. You didn't mention the fire safety issues. Depending on the construction of your shop, you also have to consider when you can safely walk away from your shop and a hot coal forge.
Thanks for sharing your thought process.
I had to stop using coal for health reasons, my lungs. Using the propane forge now. Good Video John.
Coal does put lots of dust in the air. Hope you're doing well after the switch
John
I know that you are making the right decision ! But in the back of my mind , the ole Coal Forge, that I have seen you work on so many times will be missed but I believe you are going in the right direction ! Take Care and Be Safe
I have coal, gas and an induction machine. 8 out of 10 times I go to the induction machine. It’s clean, fast and frankly fascinating.
Thanks for being forward thinking and sharing that with us as we all share in this journey to be better smiths.
I see using the induction forge much more with it plugged in and ready to go all the time.
I'm one step behind you. I'm just a beginner hobbyist and recently purchased a propane forge. Living in a suburban neighborhood, I'm always conscious about the smoke. Also, sometimes I have only an hour or so of free time. The propane forge has enabled me to get much more avil time.
it will be awkward at first not seeing it in the videos but you have to do what works best for you. I enjoy your videos and have learned so much from watching them. I look forward to many more! Thank you
I appreciate that!
Good coal is getting harder to get, but I love my coal forge.. enjoyed watching you're video's for the last 3 years
About ten years ago I had the chance to buy a LOT of forge breeze - i.e. coked coal - at a very good price, so I did. Since then I've moved, and I brought my forge and the coke with me, and now I'm down to maybe about a ton and a half left. And... I'm giving serious thought to getting a gas forge for use as my main heat source. It's common sense, but still makes me feel a bit sad.
Nice to see the continuing evolution/optimization of the shop. I have tried a coal/charcoal forge before, and find I make fewer mistakes in a propane forge.
With the propane I also burn fewer holes in my shirts, and don’t have to rinse off with the hose before I’m allowed back in the house.
I look forward to seeing how the new setup works for you.
Another excellent video sir.
I can relate to all of that
I'm really excited to see more on the induction forge. Where I live, this seems to be the way to go to minimize noise and smoke. I've wanted to see more practical applications before I consider dropping the money to buy one. So thanks!
The induction forge shows great promise, but it may be a bit limiting depending on the type of work you do.
I'm learning about making tools for My paintless dent repair business . Thank you for the information on gas forges , I live in Alaska and My shop can use a little extra heat 😁
Facing the same problem with fuel John! Coal has never been available and my coke supplier has said he can no longer get that either, lump charcoal is a crazy price ! My gas forge is only small single burner so upgrading to a bigger and better gas is my last option! I just dont like noisy gas forges! Going to have to get used to it!
I discovered a little 3" blower without a motor at the restaurant I worked at a couple of years ago, I put a DC motor on it from a scooter and run it off an old computer power supply I salvaged , it's really quiet and blows plenty of air. No wonder your blower is so noisy, it's huge!!!! Well, anyway, you can send your coal forge and hood up here to me in SD. I'd love to have it😛😁
I just built a new coal forge myself, switched from a side blast coke forge (basically a box forge lined with firebrick and insulated with dirt) got tired of scraping clinkers off the firebrick so I got a coal forge fire pot & elbow assembly from centaurforge then built the table for it myself because their own tables are kind of expensive at least in terms of my price range. I can still burn coke in the fire pot, but not as often according to the manufacturers. But part of the reason I made the switch is because coke is getting more expensive to ship and I found a cheaper provider of coal.
The romance of blacksmithing is alot of why I started playing around. The romance has also been the largest hindrance to my progress. Thank you for the reality check.
I think we all feel the same.
I have both the coal forge (which I designed and built based on yours) and a propane forge (I also made it, but fore I started watching your videos). I use my coal forge for about 95% of the work I do, and the propane the other 5. I also use my oxy rig but very seldom, and only for larger rivets, etc. I find the coal forge so much easier to work with. Maybe because that how I as taught back in the early 2000’s.
I could not imagine my shop without it. The coal we get isn’t the best quality, but it works for the stuff I do.
The propane forge is nice on really cold days, but I can’t take the heat from it on a typical Oklahoma summer day. Plus, the propane forge heats the entire work piece rather than the just area the area I need. In the end, you got to do for you, what works best for you.
I want an induction forge because it's heat on demand, so it's cheaper and cooler to run, has no open flame, and doesn't emit toxic gasses. We're having the 1970s panel replaced in the house soon, and I'm adding a 220 outlet just for one.
It ios nice and I'm really looking forward to having it plugged in and ready to go at a moments notice. As opposed to having to swap it with the gas forge every time I wanted to use it.
@@BlackBearForge I'm interested in trying a pancake coil. From what little I've seen, they heat very similar to the Japanese style coke forge I trained with; a good hot spot from underneath.
I am looking forward to seeing more use of the induction forge.
a cleaner use of energy - cleaner in a workshop, and ....
I caught myself thinking "how much would it cost to ship that coal forge/hood from Colorado?". Ha ha. If gas or induction helps you work more efficiently, embrace it. Thanks for making so many high quality videos John. You're a natural teacher.
I doubt I will actually give up the coal forge entirely. It just needs to live somewhere else. So I can save you some money
At first that felt like moving out of your childhood home to go off into the world for the first time. Then I realized a more appropriate description was more like downsizing so I could be moved to an assisted living home that I needed but did not want. Amazing how age changes one's perspective on the world. I do look forward to all the cool stuff you make no matter how you do it. I will miss the romance of the coal forge but we all have to make changes sometimes.
I look at it more like driving an old gas hog of a car that barely gets you to work on time and won't keep up with the flow of traffic. At some point you realize you would be better of, save money and have more free time if you just drove something newer. I actually did that. The fuel saving from old to new was more than what the new car cost to buy, insure and maintain. Better transportation that better suited my needs and more money in the bank. This decision is really no different.
Were there any feelings of sadness, making such a change? Even though I live in a steel-making city, I cannot get coke or coal here, unless I also buy it interstate. I guess technology dictates how we change practise in many ways. For one, I am very thankfurl you are still making UA-cam videos, I look forward to seeing them.
You're gonna need a chalkboard now, John! Looks like you were using your coal forge chimney as one! 🤣
True. But I do want a hood over the gas forge to vent some of the heat, if I make that low enough to reach
Coal was a hoot and my biggest problem was losing projects that were almost complete..
Smoke isn't good for us, so mine also goes.
But I agree it's been useful expressly for the handling of reporpous steels.
I completely understand your reasoning. If I could get rid of my coal forge and got to gas I would but I don't have that kind of money yet. I also appreciate that coal is hard to come by. I live in central Alabama with several coal suppliers nearby but they won't even talk to me about less than a full load (dump truck load that is). I found one that sells blacksmith coal in bags but what I got was all fines and dust with a few decent sized chunks mixed in. I've used it but it's hard to get air through it without blowing burning dust everywhere. Charcoal seems to be my best option but it's expensive and I really don't have room to make my own. Good luck on your journey. I'm sure if you needed the coal forge you wouldn't have made such a decision.
Try mixing the fines with water to form an oatmeal like consistency. Pack that around the edge of the fire and allow it to coke up then bring it into the fire as needed. Francis Whitaker used to pulverize his coal just to use it that way.
День добрый ! Вы на мой взгляд талантливый мастер , желаю творческих успехов в развитии !
My son and I first started out with charcoal/coal forges, but as in your case the availability of good coal makes it hard to keep the old time traditions alive. I myself have built a number of gas forges and have purchased one as well. We have used the induction forges and they are wonderful but it is not in the budget at this time. As the world changes we must change and adapt with it. It doesn't take anything away from the craft it is just a different and perhaps a more modern way to do things.
Exactly true.
I'd love to have an induction forge.
I have used a variety of forges, and heat sources as well as different styles of anvils and hammers, I still consider it blacksmithing. I'm sure that all the "modern" methods we use today would have been available back then, they would have used it.
Well done Sir! I how it all works out for you.
Thank you kindly
Interesting, I have been pondering this for a couple years, I think I would like a coal forge, but room is a factor in my little shop. I have a good gas forge, and the coal forges I have used, where not all that wonderful. but still I had the mind set , that coal would fix any problem I might think of. A timely video for me, Thanks.
As a view not having to do the work, and find the supplies and all, there is just something about the open fire of the coal forge, and hammering on the anvil. Having to mess with the reality, the power hammer, and other forges make a lot of sense. I still often miss the anvil when you use the power options and am sure I'll miss the coal forge, but the gas forge always seemed interesting when you have used it, so maybe I won't miss it so much in time. :)
I'm exited to see what the capabilities of that induction forge are!!
I have several video on using that forge, its great for isolated heats and small forge welds.
@@BlackBearForge really enjoy your work!
Due to higher prices for propane, I've been wanting to go back to coal... For what I do, it will be cheaper. It's just a matter of finding some... But, I definitely see where you're coming from. I always look forward to your videos! Thanks John!
The cost factor definitely depends on your location. For me propane is way cheaper plus i get many times more work done working with propane for a day compared to dealing with the limitations of coal. But thats why its not a one size fits all issue.
@@BlackBearForge
I agree. To each his own...
I also live in Colorado and I have found that going to your local coal mine you can buy by the truckload fairly cheap
I think that’s a great move John and I expect that coal forge will be moving on in 6 months and the percentage of gas forge use to drop a bit maybe as low as 75% now you have the induction set up permanently.
I suspect thats true
As I get older, I realize that to keep things the same, some things have to change. Whether it's blacksmithing, farming, or another venture, we have to adapt. I'm fortunate to have access to Eastern coal, but I also make my own charcoal on the farm. I've recently added propane out of concern for errant sparks. It's all good.
Fire danger is a big issue around here and while coal isn't likely to send embers out, its not 100% so its a factor in how I work.
Got to be practical about things, John. .... maybe move it outside and build a simple rainproof tin shed structure ... You will miss it, and one day will maybe get a job in that can only be done on a big old open fire. I too love the smell of coal smoke but that was the last thing I wanted to smell at work during my decades of coal mining ;
I get it i have a japanese side draft forge with a fuigo that I built but my smithy does not have proper ventilation for it. So I have to work out of a propane forge for now but like you said in the past it has it's upsides. But I miss my charcoal forge.
I know how you feel John. I live in the heaviest black coal mining state in Australia and the price for a tonne of coke for me has gone up to well over $4000 and has to be trucked in from another state at my expense. Ive ditched coal on the grounds of the fact that i just cant afford it. I have a 1 tonne bag that's been sitting in its bin out the back of my shop for the last 3 years that i dont use anymore. Now with gas and electricity going through the roof over here i feel it may be the beginning of the end of it for me as for the first time since i started beating on metal many years ago. I have been getting bill anxiety every time i have the gas forge on and have to turn on the electric kiln for a heat treat. I know for sure that there is no way i could make a living with it so it will forever be a hobby to me, whether i can afford that hobby moving foward over the coming years given the uncertainty of gas and electricity remains to be seen. Thanks John.
Mate I am in Qld Aust too agree what you say getting good blacksmith slack is sure a problem. I make my own charcoal for hobby use sure gets consumed fast super clean fire nice to use, but know of blacksmiths who did lots of paid work with charcoal fuel only. You have to have timber access of course for charcoal making.
With video equipment in you workshop, having the coal fore gone should reduce the dust floating around in the workshop. As always thanks for sharing.
This is very true and I also have more room for better camera angles without overheating a camera.
I use a charcoal forge and agree completely with the romance of the open flame. I also forge in my back yard so the hand crank is nice and quiet but I also have a ribbon burner gas forge that I will most likely try and use more for faster jobs. The last lot of charcaol I got was terrible so here's hoping the next lot is better. If not, gas forge it is.
I totally understand, but I can't help feeling sad seeing that old forge being pulled out! I'm pretty sure I'll get over it though😂
That feeling of nostalgia and the way it looked in the videos were really the only reason it stayed for as long as it did.
Hi, it makes sense. Propane is reliable, plentiful and clean burning. Besides if they had a choice in the old timey days, I am sure they would have used propane as well.