It's a little touch, but i love that they laminated the instructions. Not only did they include full instructions, step by step, but they also made sure they wouldn't get ruined by the water/dirt/oil getting on them while working on it. It says a lot about the mindset of the people making them. Most cheaper kits nowadays don't even include ANY instructions
I noticed they were laminated later in the vid and went back to see if they came out of the box like that. I’m glad I’m not the only one who noticed and appreciated that. I got the whole manual soaked when installing a hot water heater recently and it was so stressful peeling the pages apart to double check something.
A family of Ukrainians makes these put of Minnesota and they are the most wholesome folks I've ever met yuri and his brothers are doing it right and have great customer service
@@chancetolbert4852 I'm a fifth generation Texan and the dream is alive and well among my family and friends, but otherwise you're totally right. It's sad.
We used to have a big forge on the drilling rigs drilling gas wells many years ago . We tried to have natural gas to heat the bits then we have a blower to accelerate the heat. But the bits were anywhere from 6" to 8-12" depending on what size hole we were drilling . This is a great video ! Thank you !!
Hello John, I’m a 14 year old learning the craft. I bought a hells forge for 400 dollars and it is the best thing I have ever bought. Although, I wish you would have made this video sooner. And thank you for being a inspiration and I look forward to one day owning a hammer made by you.
@@icyanaconda2123 good on you! Bravo I'm old as dirt, but I got my 1st paycheck job at 12. Family gota eat You should be an inspiration to your peers AND many quasi adults! Forge on Blessed days well wishes Crawford out 🙏🔥⚒️🧙🏼♂️
Not sure if anyone else has mentioned it, but getting a clip on microphone will fix your voice loudness/quietness from going all over the place. Other than that, good review. Might get one as a cheapo starter forge.
He's getting there. They all have to find their legs and get those subs, then get that good gear or sponsorship. Great video content keeps us all coming back, despite any video/audio shortcomings. When I was younger, audio quality was important. Now, I just want to hear it clearly and consistently or my old brain gets irritated and my hand starts clicking. :D
A co-worker of mine with over 30 years of experience first introduced me to blacksmithing. Handed me some metal and showed me how to shape a hammer to use as a forming tool. I have done very little because I do not have a forge but after your spectacular review on this forge I have found what I was looking for, ideal for hobbyist and once in a while blacksmith projects. Perfect for knives and garage projects. I am liking and subscribing. 👍
Your review is spot on. I have been using this little guy for almost 1 year now and with the exception of chipped off satanite (all my fault for accidentally hitting the edges) this thing has worked perfectly. Forge welding will work at a lower PSI if you block the majority of the front as well. Always looking forward to your new videos.
I got one of these for Christmas and have been using it for a few days made some small hooks and stuff but I can't seem to get it to forge welding temp only bright red rarely orange other but I havnt blocked the entrance with anything bricks need to be orders any other tip to get it hotter
I unironically went down the UA-cam rabbit hole trying to see if cold bluing steel was better than hot bluing steel, and ended up here. Thank you so much for being super informative. PS, this should be at my doorstep Saturday.
I had this forged recommended to my by a friend when I complained about my ebay gas forge wouldn't weld. Thanks for the review vid, this isn't the first time you've helped away my decision. (The other time being the 66 pound anvil)
This is the first video of the channel that I've ever seen, "There ain't nothing to it" is now my new favorite catch phrase. Liked/subbed and now gonna binge watch a ton of videos ! New fan here !
Gotta tell ya...I have zero knowledge of forging, metal work or blacksmithing and I intrigued by your video. I really learned something today...thanks.
I bought mine for use as an annealing oven for my copper jewelry. It's kinda overkill as I never bring it up to forge welding temps but running it low enough it saves me from using a handheld torch as I can place several pieces in it at a time then quench and work each piece until it work hardens and move on to the next, I love this little guy!
I purchased this exact forge about a week ago and just completed putting it all together..... Amazing how well this forge works and at $75, it's a no brainer
That's a really solid review; wish I had seen it before building my little foundry furnace. Knowing the local prices on firebrick and Kaowool plus what I spent on a 30 psi regulator, I can't see how they can price it at $75 and make a cent. And for the cost, it looks like everything they supply is reasonable quality. Inexpensive without being cheap.
They can afford it because those local prices that you're talking about are highly inflated. Business people always inflate their product way above the actual cost of production. Which is why our retail prices to buy them are so high. The guys making this are just decent guys that are actually not price gouging people on the cost of production. Even at $75 versus the actual cost of production of the materials; they still make a profit since they're able to get their materials in bulk and at wholesale. Not a huge profit like a major corporation but still a living profit. Now if only all businesses could get with this practice; we would see everything including the cost of living get a lot cheaper but the main goal of most businesses is to be greedy and gouge people for every cent They can. The messed up part about it is even though he says it's made here in the USA the people that are making it are Ukrainian and yet they have better business practices in not price gouging people while operating here in the US than a lot of US businesses. We should take a lesson from them.
guy probably works in a supply warehouse or fabrication. u get big corps ordering stuff, always overestimate how much you need. use whats needed and pocket the rest. ez
Ok I know this comment has nothing to do with this video but a few of the videos I remember you using wroght iron I have been trying to find some for projects of my own I live in Iowa and can not find any one near me selling and I have been burned on ebay one too many times thank you in advance for your help good work love the videos and the way you explain the steps you do to help the rest of us get better at what we enjoy
I had the great idea of not using any protection whatsoever for putting the Rigidizer solution on and packing the blanket into the body. This is not a good idea, but after a long period of stinging on my hands and arms, I feel great!
Damn man I can’t even describe how helpful this video was I’m brand new to this and all I wanna do is make a knife for my daughter and my gf and this made me feel like I could do this no problem now. I’m subscribing forsure and please keep saying “There really ain’t nothing to it” 😂
I just ordered one finally. The price has gone up and it was 94 bucks with free shipping and even at that it's still a great deal in my opinion. I can't wait to get in a few days and get it together and see how well it works for my knife making.
I didn't even know there was a tiny forget on amazon for under 100! This was a super useful review and very very helpful! Side note we gotta get you a lav mic. Damn near blew out my ears a few times. Still very worth it
This is the most Canadian Dad voice ive ever heard, and that's not a sleight, i could fall asleep to this. Also,... Are you an Actor.. you seem familiar.
Ordered one today, based on seeing all of the details you show in the video. While I'm fine with following printed directions, it's always nice to have a clear video to watch, too. Thanks for posting this!
88$ now, just ordered one today. I do have a larger gas forge but most of what I do is smaller in size and you got me to thinking about that. I will let you know how it works for me. Thanks for posting this and I will comment on how it goes for me.
That's a pretty crazy price for a decent product. I'll be honest I clicked your video just to have noise in the background because it's quiet in here. Ended up really enjoying it.
i have to say i bought one of these forges and i of course did some upgrades with regulator and the kowhool and i have forge welded damascus billets with it, it’s been a great little side forge
Bought this forge 2 years ago. I use it daily and after changing a couple things, can recommend it for doing small stuff. 1-Very important for safety. The provided stock 'adjustable' propane attachment that goes into the propane tank is cheap and leaks. Get rid of it and the hose and buy an adjustable propane regulator and hose from e-bay. The one I bought was chinese made and red and well worth it. For safety sake, do this. You can also buy regulator and gas hose separately, your choice. 2- Do not coat the Kaowool, just install. You can avoid Kaowool all together by using a mix of 3-2-1 sand cement fire clay. Use correct sized insert into the forge interior and allow to cure over two dry days. 3- You can extend the length of the forge by leaving far end open, but closed off with fire brick. Contact local potters or pottery supply for bricks.
Wife got me this forge for Christmas. Have always been interested but never pulled the trigger. I have no idea where to start but thank you for the great video!
The fact that the instructions are in readable english and is made in the USA is one of the biggest pros for me. Most cheap stuff like this is barely in English and you can't tell what tf they're tryna say
Thank you very much for this review. I am just beginning to start making knives and I really don't have a lot of money to work with, so the cost of this and how well it works is going to be perfect for me.
*I've been a knife maker for over 40 years. My 1st forge was a coal fired farriers handcrank forge that started life as a horseshoe and branding forge. Around 1992 I invested in a 30" 4 burner pass through, propane forge. Business was taking off, I was tired of making coke and dealing with clinkers and plugged blast pipes, and I wanted to be able to do swords and some occasional artisanal iron work. Venturi forges were just coming on the scene, and dealing with cheap propane, that was easy to get and required zero processing, it was a no brainer.....That Propane forge cost almost $1000, just to get it on the property and another $500 for the regulator, hoses and propane tanks, rigidizer, firebrick and refractory cement, (remember HTC 1000 @ $100 for a 16 oz. pint?) to get it ready for actual use, and that was over 30 years ago. Trust me when I tell you, $75 for a STAINLESS STEEL gas forge of any kind, that you actually forge weld with, all in one box, inclusive, is a significant bargain...In fact, it's a steal* ❤🔥🔥😎
My friend Jeff and I created a drinking game where we take a shot every time you say "nothing to it really" (or any variation of it).... I woke up in a field next to a half eaten elk and word has it Jeff was last seen on a trail cam three states away wearing a Hawaiian shirt I'm positive he doesn't own. Just wanted to say I love your videos man good stuff, now I gotta go find Jeff- Take care. 🤣🍻
Awesome video, and got super excited … jumped off to Amazon with your link … oh. Double the cost for shipping to Australia. USPS have also just suspended delivery so thanks Mr De Joy 😩
Now I know which of the 2 single burner forges I will be getting myself for Christmas this year, it was a tossup between this one and the Vevor... I build powder horns and shooting bags for Mountain man / pre-1840 re-enacting and there's a lot of ironmongery involved that I've been wanting to try my hand at... Thanks for the excellent review and demo for the setup... I always have been one of those guys who does a much better job once I've actually seen something done... Also Mr. Volcano is using a new liner material that is supposed to be much safer but still including the rigidizer and refractory materials... Can't wait for Old St. Nick...
Love the video, use to watch a bunch of metal working videos, but was recently looking up how to make a home made pottery kiln and this popped up and changed my whole game plan, and cut my idea price in half
When someone who really knows the bizz gives a review, you can learn more than 10 videos from amateurs. Just this review taught me several things about the trade that I never saw on amateur sites.
Thanks for the review iv got a coal forge but been thinking about getting a propane one so when I get off work I can go out to shop and get started with out waiting for fire to get ready
Was looking foward to this one. I do enjoy forging with coal as it has certain charm to but as I start doing more production work I find myself getting tired of how dirty it can be. Watching this video made me long for a gas forge haha. Great video and review john!
Yeah coal is nice for some things but having to maintain the fire and worry about burning your material can slow you down a good bit. If I'm not mistaken the same company makes a 2 burner forge.
@@OldHickoryForge Yes sir they do. Its MR Volcano Hero 2. Listed at 135.00. Had to check them out. Thanks John for doing a review. I use a coal forge but am seeking other options at a budget friendly price! This may do the trick!
Great review, got this for my 3 boys 10 8 and 6...for Christmas 2022...based on your review. Thanks...they r Forged in fire gurus. To say the least. Forge on and God Bless
That was a damn good review on that little guy. I saw that and had a hunch that it would be a pretty decent forge, but I already have 2 Atlas forges and a GAS HOG double burner Hells Forge and couldn't justify putting a fourth forge in a half garage. You answered pretty much any question that I had and then some.
$210 in Canada! Website now says $88. Even with exchange rate it should only be $112. Great video. Loved how you showed the whole process. Would be nice if you had a mic on you to keep your voice volume the same but no big deal.
Not into forging, yet I watch the TV shows on it. Was impressed by your video and the working of this little forge. Maybe in the future I'm give it a shot. Thanks for your presentayion.
I'm very glad to see that they used refractory cement to cover the fiber liner, not just the rigidizer. I see so many of these without it and that is a great way to destroy your lungs.
It would be cool to see how this thing holds up after 6+ months of continuous use. You always see people reviewing the product after using for the first time but not many people make a review of using the product over a period of time. Great video! It's great how much you go into detail about things and explain stuff keep up the great work bro.
The biggest question would be how the flare holds up. Everything else is standard refractory and insulation that people use in gas forges all the time. So it should hold up about as well as anywhere else.
I have seen and watched a lot of demo videos for a wide variety of products, gas forges included. Your presentation and demo is spot-on. Your delivery and informational approach answers almost every question needing to be asked. I like your honest and open approach. Your descriptions were very well thought and presented. You are very well spoke and have a very good, open and honest personality. Thank you very much for your professionalism.
I ordered one of these based on your recommendation to replace my coffee can/weed burner forge that just doesn’t cut it. It came a week earlier than the estimated delivery date. The rigidizer is currently drying and I can’t wait to get busy using it. Thanks for this video.
For anyone finding this video in 2024 will researching budget forges... The forge in this video is discontinued, but the consensus seems to be that the Vevor forge on Amazon (just under $80 for single burner) is the way to go for a "budget" setup, the reviews I've seen on it and the dual burner give solid recommendations. It comes with all you need (minus propane) in the box. I've been shopping around so I can start knife making, hopefully this information can save you some time and energy. Happy forging!
@@OldHickoryForge I don't know much about this right now. I have had a few successful casts but obviously I want to improve efficiency. I built my own "oven" from bricks which seemed to work well. I braze and weld quite a bit. I learned using bricks when brazing improves heat use drastically and so I can braze bronze with a propane torch only. What is in castable refractory? I have some clay, concrete and sand.
@@chriswade4716 kastolite 30 or mizzou is what you want to use for a forge. Regular concrete isn't meant to withstand high temperatures and moisture trapped in it can cause it to explode if you heat it too much. I personally prefer kastolite 30.
Thanks for letting me know. A guy here at work told me the same thing. I have an old 30 gal hotdog air compressor tank, I was thinking about lining the inside with material like in the video. No need to reinvent the wheel or create a dangerous situation with the concrete.
I picked up one of these this past summer and I have been pretty impressed with the little guy. You're not going to do a TON of work with one but I've been enjoying having something small I can heat up fast.
As someone who's been thinking of taking this up as a possible hobby to see how I like it, this seems like the perfect starter forge to break my way into smithing.
Thank you so much. This forge did not exsist, or at least didn't come up, when I was shopping around earlier this year. forge for under a hundred that I can just use for heat treating is all I need right now, and this looks perfect for that. I could store this in a box in my closet and heat treat a knife a month at my apartment. Though I will still have to go use my sander at my parents house. I'm assuming I could replace the burner with a forced air burner right? Or would that be the sort of upgrade you might as well get a whole new setup and sale or give the old one to a new smith?
Finally someone told me what flux is for and they did it in 2 seconds xD Great video dude I am buying this for sure! I can't wait to start smithing I am so fricken excited.
I actually was looking at this forge and your video "independently" popped up in my feed. For now I'd just need it for heat treatment but it's cool to know I could use it to move into actual forging rather than just stock removal
It's a little touch, but i love that they laminated the instructions. Not only did they include full instructions, step by step, but they also made sure they wouldn't get ruined by the water/dirt/oil getting on them while working on it. It says a lot about the mindset of the people making them. Most cheaper kits nowadays don't even include ANY instructions
I noticed they were laminated later in the vid and went back to see if they came out of the box like that. I’m glad I’m not the only one who noticed and appreciated that. I got the whole manual soaked when installing a hot water heater recently and it was so stressful peeling the pages apart to double check something.
L.mol.
M
Mmmk ml
I'll let y'all know if they're still laminated... my kit will be here on Thursday!
@@RVsbladesnthangs yes, let us know, maybe do a video review for hahas man
I just got mine last week and am happy to report that the instructions are still laminated. Nice touch.
A family of Ukrainians makes these put of Minnesota and they are the most wholesome folks I've ever met yuri and his brothers are doing it right and have great customer service
Do you know where their located and if you can go to their business? Thanks
I need this for my son and i
Its funny is the only people to believe in the American dream are foreigners. And they are doing Amazing at it. This is awesome to hear
@@chancetolbert4852 I'm a fifth generation Texan and the dream is alive and well among my family and friends, but otherwise you're totally right. It's sad.
I used to work for these people. Amazing and nice people. They are in the Osseo Mn
I'm one of those "thinking of getting into smithing" guys, and this video was super helpful for me. Thanks man.
New drinking game:
"That's all there is to it" = 1 shot
"Nothin' to it" = 2 shots
*doctor
"This is the worst case of alcohol poisoning I've ever seen"
My liver will never recover
beat me to it lol!
Imagining a line of t-shirts with Old Hickory Forge "There ain't nothin' to it".
i read this as i drink a beer.
We used to have a big forge on the drilling rigs drilling gas wells many years ago . We tried to have natural gas to heat the bits then we have a blower to accelerate the heat. But the bits were anywhere from 6" to 8-12" depending on what size hole we were drilling . This is a great video ! Thank you !!
Hello John, I’m a 14 year old learning the craft. I bought a hells forge for 400 dollars and it is the best thing I have ever bought. Although, I wish you would have made this video sooner. And thank you for being a inspiration and I look forward to one day owning a hammer made by you.
where does a14 year old get $400?
@@Ronny33140 the same place that batman did , parents :P
@@Ronny33140 job
@@icyanaconda2123 good on you! Bravo
I'm old as dirt, but I got my 1st paycheck job at 12. Family gota eat
You should be an inspiration to your peers AND many quasi adults! Forge on
Blessed days well wishes
Crawford out 🙏🔥⚒️🧙🏼♂️
@@Nanoaiello they definitely help, but they have made me work for everything that isn’t food or clothes
Well, if nothing else I have definitely learned that there's nothing to it, really. Great and clear instructive video you've made here. Well done!
The only difficulty in running a forge these days is the inevitable minor burning of your arms and legs 😂
I wanted to meme this exact phrase lol!
@@nicksshitbro Haha, I'm glad you noticed!
All there is to it
Dang. Beat me to it…by 6mo technically 🙄
The ending with the pros and cons was amazing keep up the good work
Not sure if anyone else has mentioned it, but getting a clip on microphone will fix your voice loudness/quietness from going all over the place.
Other than that, good review. Might get one as a cheapo starter forge.
He's getting there. They all have to find their legs and get those subs, then get that good gear or sponsorship. Great video content keeps us all coming back, despite any video/audio shortcomings. When I was younger, audio quality was important. Now, I just want to hear it clearly and consistently or my old brain gets irritated and my hand starts clicking. :D
Can also use a free program called audacity. To edit audio levels in post.
Or run a audio compressor in post production
There really ain’t nothing to it
holy shit! clear wording, straightforward, very clear pros and cons list. subscribed my guy!
That thing is awesome! I’m so glad there’s nothin to it really! Thanks!
A co-worker of mine with over 30 years of experience first introduced me to blacksmithing. Handed me some metal and showed me how to shape a hammer to use as a forming tool. I have done very little because I do not have a forge but after your spectacular review on this forge I have found what I was looking for, ideal for hobbyist and once in a while blacksmith projects. Perfect for knives and garage projects. I am liking and subscribing. 👍
Im old school ( 80 yrs old) and I cant believe propane will begin to reach the temps that my coal fired set up does. Dandahermit
You are right about the Kao Wool being tough on the lungs ! I have used a lot of it over all the years in the hearth business and masonry business !
Your review is spot on. I have been using this little guy for almost 1 year now and with the exception of chipped off satanite (all my fault for accidentally hitting the edges) this thing has worked perfectly. Forge welding will work at a lower PSI if you block the majority of the front as well. Always looking forward to your new videos.
I got one of these for Christmas and have been using it for a few days made some small hooks and stuff but I can't seem to get it to forge welding temp only bright red rarely orange other but I havnt blocked the entrance with anything bricks need to be orders any other tip to get it hotter
Good to know about the low psi weld. Cheers
I unironically went down the UA-cam rabbit hole trying to see if cold bluing steel was better than hot bluing steel, and ended up here.
Thank you so much for being super informative.
PS, this should be at my doorstep Saturday.
I had this forged recommended to my by a friend when I complained about my ebay gas forge wouldn't weld. Thanks for the review vid, this isn't the first time you've helped away my decision. (The other time being the 66 pound anvil)
This is the first video of the channel that I've ever seen, "There ain't nothing to it" is now my new favorite catch phrase.
Liked/subbed and now gonna binge watch a ton of videos ! New fan here !
Interesting. You're really good at explaining things, and that's all there really is to it.
This was a great much needed Video that popped up in my reccomend
Gotta tell ya...I have zero knowledge of forging, metal work or blacksmithing and I intrigued by your video. I really learned something today...thanks.
I bought mine for use as an annealing oven for my copper jewelry. It's kinda overkill as I never bring it up to forge welding temps but running it low enough it saves me from using a handheld torch as I can place several pieces in it at a time then quench and work each piece until it work hardens and move on to the next, I love this little guy!
I up u I
Thanks for the review. This is exactly what I’ve been looking for for me and my son. Ordered one before the video was even over.
I purchased this exact forge about a week ago and just completed putting it all together.....
Amazing how well this forge works and at $75, it's a no brainer
this video you have made is certainly very explanatory thank you from the UK
That's a really solid review; wish I had seen it before building my little foundry furnace. Knowing the local prices on firebrick and Kaowool plus what I spent on a 30 psi regulator, I can't see how they can price it at $75 and make a cent. And for the cost, it looks like everything they supply is reasonable quality. Inexpensive without being cheap.
They can afford it because those local prices that you're talking about are highly inflated. Business people always inflate their product way above the actual cost of production. Which is why our retail prices to buy them are so high. The guys making this are just decent guys that are actually not price gouging people on the cost of production. Even at $75 versus the actual cost of production of the materials; they still make a profit since they're able to get their materials in bulk and at wholesale. Not a huge profit like a major corporation but still a living profit. Now if only all businesses could get with this practice; we would see everything including the cost of living get a lot cheaper but the main goal of most businesses is to be greedy and gouge people for every cent They can. The messed up part about it is even though he says it's made here in the USA the people that are making it are Ukrainian and yet they have better business practices in not price gouging people while operating here in the US than a lot of US businesses. We should take a lesson from them.
guy probably works in a supply warehouse or fabrication. u get big corps ordering stuff, always overestimate how much you need. use whats needed and pocket the rest. ez
Ok I know this comment has nothing to do with this video but a few of the videos I remember you using wroght iron I have been trying to find some for projects of my own I live in Iowa and can not find any one near me selling and I have been burned on ebay one too many times thank you in advance for your help good work love the videos and the way you explain the steps you do to help the rest of us get better at what we enjoy
Thank you! Haven't ever thought I would be able to get a actually forge for that price. Awesome!
Well done. I'm a newbie who wants to make RR spike knives for my grandkids and this video was very helpful
One of the thngs I have always wanted to do is forge.... Im pulling the trigger on this thanks for the upload!
I have this forge and it's great for basic knifemaking. Highly recommended if you want a forge that's functional and portable.
I had the great idea of not using any protection whatsoever for putting the Rigidizer solution on and packing the blanket into the body.
This is not a good idea, but after a long period of stinging on my hands and arms, I feel great!
Damn man I can’t even describe how helpful this video was I’m brand new to this and all I wanna do is make a knife for my daughter and my gf and this made me feel like I could do this no problem now. I’m subscribing forsure and please keep saying “There really ain’t nothing to it” 😂
I just ordered one finally. The price has gone up and it was 94 bucks with free shipping and even at that it's still a great deal in my opinion. I can't wait to get in a few days and get it together and see how well it works for my knife making.
I didn't even know there was a tiny forget on amazon for under 100! This was a super useful review and very very helpful! Side note we gotta get you a lav mic. Damn near blew out my ears a few times. Still very worth it
I just bought this forge last week for $88. Looking forward to setting it up this weekend.
Dang I was definitely going to drink the rigidizer. Thankfully they put that warning on there!
I like this guy! I've learned there's either nothin to it or that's all there is to it. Meaning of life stuff right there.
This is the most Canadian Dad voice ive ever heard, and that's not a sleight, i could fall asleep to this. Also,... Are you an Actor.. you seem familiar.
Ordered one today, based on seeing all of the details you show in the video. While I'm fine with following printed directions, it's always nice to have a clear video to watch, too. Thanks for posting this!
88$ now, just ordered one today. I do have a larger gas forge but most of what I do is smaller in size and you got me to thinking about that. I will let you know how it works for me. Thanks for posting this and I will comment on how it goes for me.
That's a pretty crazy price for a decent product. I'll be honest I clicked your video just to have noise in the background because it's quiet in here. Ended up really enjoying it.
I'm currently setting mine up right now can't wait to get started
Really thorough and complete analysis. Nicely done. Thank You
Excellent content.
Very much RESPECT
Thanks for taking the time to review this product, informative.
Pretty cool little kit. Thanks for the video, review and link.
i have to say i bought one of these forges and i of course did some upgrades with regulator and the kowhool and i have forge welded damascus billets with it, it’s been a great little side forge
Bought this forge 2 years ago. I use it daily and after changing a couple things, can recommend it for doing small stuff.
1-Very important for safety.
The provided stock 'adjustable' propane attachment that goes into the propane tank is cheap and leaks. Get rid of it and the hose and buy an adjustable propane regulator and hose from e-bay. The one I bought was chinese made and red and well worth it.
For safety sake, do this. You can also buy regulator and gas hose separately, your choice.
2- Do not coat the Kaowool, just install. You can avoid Kaowool all together by using a mix of 3-2-1 sand cement fire clay.
Use correct sized insert into the forge interior and allow to cure over two dry days.
3- You can extend the length of the forge by leaving far end open, but closed off with fire brick. Contact local potters or pottery supply for bricks.
Great job I really enjoyed the video. I really think I'm going to need to get this a try thank you
After watching 3 of your videos, this is an awesome channel!
Neat how you sneak some instruction and examples into reviews!
Great vid Ive spent 100 bucks on kaowool alone
Wife got me this forge for Christmas. Have always been interested but never pulled the trigger. I have no idea where to start but thank you for the great video!
The fact that the instructions are in readable english and is made in the USA is one of the biggest pros for me. Most cheap stuff like this is barely in English and you can't tell what tf they're tryna say
Thanks for the honest evaluation of the forge👍
Just received my first gas forge in the mail (Devil Forge) - really glad I found your tutorial! Thanks so much for all the shared wisdom!
Thank you very much for this review. I am just beginning to start making knives and I really don't have a lot of money to work with, so the cost of this and how well it works is going to be perfect for me.
I've been eyeballing this and so glad you reviewed it. I went ahead and purchased it to break my forge virginity. Thanks for the review!
Bro I'm so glad I found your video. I've been browsing a few hobbies to try and stay in budget. Thank you.
THIS video I needed to see. Thank You!!!!! I have been hesitant because of the "opinions" of others that I have read...NOT anymore.
thank you so much for this im still young and want to start this trade and this will help my plans perfectly
When I applied my refractory coating, I used a trowel for spreading it because it was really thin. It worked almost perfectly.
*I've been a knife maker for over 40 years. My 1st forge was a coal fired farriers handcrank forge that started life as a horseshoe and branding forge. Around 1992 I invested in a 30" 4 burner pass through, propane forge. Business was taking off, I was tired of making coke and dealing with clinkers and plugged blast pipes, and I wanted to be able to do swords and some occasional artisanal iron work. Venturi forges were just coming on the scene, and dealing with cheap propane, that was easy to get and required zero processing, it was a no brainer.....That Propane forge cost almost $1000, just to get it on the property and another $500 for the regulator, hoses and propane tanks, rigidizer, firebrick and refractory cement, (remember HTC 1000 @ $100 for a 16 oz. pint?) to get it ready for actual use, and that was over 30 years ago. Trust me when I tell you, $75 for a STAINLESS STEEL gas forge of any kind, that you actually forge weld with, all in one box, inclusive, is a significant bargain...In fact, it's a steal* ❤🔥🔥😎
Thanks for the down-to-earth and humble review!
Great video, John! Still can't understand why you don't have a hundred thousand subscribers, as Red Green said "I'm Pullin for ya!"
My friend Jeff and I created a drinking game where we take a shot every time you say "nothing to it really" (or any variation of it).... I woke up in a field next to a half eaten elk and word has it Jeff was last seen on a trail cam three states away wearing a Hawaiian shirt I'm positive he doesn't own. Just wanted to say I love your videos man good stuff, now I gotta go find Jeff- Take care. 🤣🍻
Awesome video, and got super excited … jumped off to Amazon with your link … oh. Double the cost for shipping to Australia. USPS have also just suspended delivery so thanks Mr De Joy 😩
Now I know which of the 2 single burner forges I will be getting myself for Christmas this year, it was a tossup between this one and the Vevor... I build powder horns and shooting bags for Mountain man / pre-1840 re-enacting and there's a lot of ironmongery involved that I've been wanting to try my hand at... Thanks for the excellent review and demo for the setup... I always have been one of those guys who does a much better job once I've actually seen something done... Also Mr. Volcano is using a new liner material that is supposed to be much safer but still including the rigidizer and refractory materials... Can't wait for Old St. Nick...
Love the video, use to watch a bunch of metal working videos, but was recently looking up how to make a home made pottery kiln and this popped up and changed my whole game plan, and cut my idea price in half
This video is awesome. I love this guy. I'm really trying to get into blacksmithing as a hobby and he has great info. I love this guy
So. What you are saying is, "There really ain't nothing to it?" 😀
I love your nonchalant attitude. Confident and cool. Knowing you'll do it right.
When someone who really knows the bizz gives a review, you can learn more than 10 videos from amateurs. Just this review taught me several things about the trade that I never saw on amateur sites.
Thanks for the review iv got a coal forge but been thinking about getting a propane one so when I get off work I can go out to shop and get started with out waiting for fire to get ready
Was looking foward to this one. I do enjoy forging with coal as it has certain charm to but as I start doing more production work I find myself getting tired of how dirty it can be. Watching this video made me long for a gas forge haha. Great video and review john!
Yeah coal is nice for some things but having to maintain the fire and worry about burning your material can slow you down a good bit. If I'm not mistaken the same company makes a 2 burner forge.
@@OldHickoryForge Exactly! I'll make the switch once we get our own place I think. Gonna make me ribbon burner :)
Excellent. You will make a fine addition to the cult of the ribbon burner
@@OldHickoryForge Yes sir they do. Its MR Volcano Hero 2. Listed at 135.00. Had to check them out. Thanks John for doing a review. I use a coal forge but am seeking other options at a budget friendly price! This may do the trick!
V
Excellent review! Really like explaining how to light the forge and properly adjust the air/fuel to safely bring the heat up.
This is a fantastic vide brought to you by Old "Nothing to it really" Hickory Forge!
Great review, got this for my 3 boys
10 8 and 6...for Christmas 2022...based on your review. Thanks...they r Forged in fire gurus. To say the least. Forge on and God Bless
That was a damn good review on that little guy. I saw that and had a hunch that it would be a pretty decent forge, but I already have 2 Atlas forges and a GAS HOG double burner Hells Forge and couldn't justify putting a fourth forge in a half garage. You answered pretty much any question that I had and then some.
A curiosity! 🙏🔥⚒️🧙🏼♂️
$210 in Canada! Website now says $88. Even with exchange rate it should only be $112. Great video. Loved how you showed the whole process. Would be nice if you had a mic on you to keep your voice volume the same but no big deal.
Not into forging, yet I watch the TV shows on it. Was impressed by your video and the working of this little forge. Maybe in the future I'm give it a shot. Thanks for your presentayion.
I'm very glad to see that they used refractory cement to cover the fiber liner, not just the rigidizer. I see so many of these without it and that is a great way to destroy your lungs.
Hey wait a minute.... this guy was on forged in fire🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
thank you for making this video. it helped to see the assembly process.
Very interesting post. I have never considered building my own.
It would be cool to see how this thing holds up after 6+ months of continuous use. You always see people reviewing the product after using for the first time but not many people make a review of using the product over a period of time. Great video! It's great how much you go into detail about things and explain stuff keep up the great work bro.
The biggest question would be how the flare holds up. Everything else is standard refractory and insulation that people use in gas forges all the time. So it should hold up about as well as anywhere else.
That old drill press behind you looks very neat. Great video
I have seen and watched a lot of demo videos for a wide variety of products, gas forges included. Your presentation and demo is spot-on. Your delivery and informational approach answers almost every question needing to be asked.
I like your honest and open approach. Your descriptions were very well thought and presented. You are very well spoke and have a very good, open and honest personality. Thank you very much for your professionalism.
I ordered one of these based on your recommendation to replace my coffee can/weed burner forge that just doesn’t cut it. It came a week earlier than the estimated delivery date. The rigidizer is currently drying and I can’t wait to get busy using it. Thanks for this video.
Don't keep us in suspense! How did it do? lol
@@Zilluzionist I finally used it yesterday for the first time. I made a stand for a wooden spoon set that I carved. It worked great.
For anyone finding this video in 2024 will researching budget forges... The forge in this video is discontinued, but the consensus seems to be that the Vevor forge on Amazon (just under $80 for single burner) is the way to go for a "budget" setup, the reviews I've seen on it and the dual burner give solid recommendations. It comes with all you need (minus propane) in the box.
I've been shopping around so I can start knife making, hopefully this information can save you some time and energy. Happy forging!
I bought 160lbs of concrete today to build my own forge. Should have watched this first. That unit is pretty compact.. Thanks for the information Dan!
Do you mean castable refractory? Actual concrete is a really poor choice for a forge and actually quite dangerous.
@@OldHickoryForge I don't know much about this right now. I have had a few successful casts but obviously I want to improve efficiency. I built my own "oven" from bricks which seemed to work well. I braze and weld quite a bit. I learned using bricks when brazing improves heat use drastically and so I can braze bronze with a propane torch only. What is in castable refractory? I have some clay, concrete and sand.
@@chriswade4716 kastolite 30 or mizzou is what you want to use for a forge. Regular concrete isn't meant to withstand high temperatures and moisture trapped in it can cause it to explode if you heat it too much. I personally prefer kastolite 30.
Thanks for letting me know. A guy here at work told me the same thing. I have an old 30 gal hotdog air compressor tank, I was thinking about lining the inside with material like in the video. No need to reinvent the wheel or create a dangerous situation with the concrete.
Thanks for the upload. Also those sledgehammers in the back there are behemoths
I picked up one of these this past summer and I have been pretty impressed with the little guy. You're not going to do a TON of work with one but I've been enjoying having something small I can heat up fast.
Got mine a few weeks ago. Haven't set it up yet. Thank you for the review
Bought one awhile back. Have it built. Haven't fired it yet. Looking forward to that day
As someone who's been thinking of taking this up as a possible hobby to see how I like it, this seems like the perfect starter forge to break my way into smithing.
Did you ever do it?
Thank you so much. This forge did not exsist, or at least didn't come up, when I was shopping around earlier this year. forge for under a hundred that I can just use for heat treating is all I need right now, and this looks perfect for that. I could store this in a box in my closet and heat treat a knife a month at my apartment. Though I will still have to go use my sander at my parents house.
I'm assuming I could replace the burner with a forced air burner right? Or would that be the sort of upgrade you might as well get a whole new setup and sale or give the old one to a new smith?
Get this forge and the new Doyle anvil from Harbor Freight and get started. That's my plan and I'm so excited.
Finally someone told me what flux is for and they did it in 2 seconds xD Great video dude I am buying this for sure! I can't wait to start smithing I am so fricken excited.
Great video. just ordered one. Cannot beat the price.
I actually was looking at this forge and your video "independently" popped up in my feed. For now I'd just need it for heat treatment but it's cool to know I could use it to move into actual forging rather than just stock removal