Coal vs propane for my first proper forge build

Went back and forth for two months on which fuel to use for my new forge. Picked coal because it's cheaper around here and I got a line on good bituminous from a guy near Pittsburgh. Now I'm fighting with smoke control and clinker every session, anyone else regret not going gas?

3 comments

3 Comments

flores.emma4d ago

First three weeks with my coal forge, I was covered head to toe in black grit and my wife made me start stripping in the garage before coming inside. I was dead set on staying with coal because I liked the idea of traditional methods and I got a screaming deal on a half ton of bituminous. But reading how hannah_wells buddy kept his coal rig for heavy work while using propane for the actual bladesmithing stuff kind of clicked for me. That split setup makes way more sense than torturing yourself every single session with clinker and smoke. I think I finally get it now. I'll probably keep the coal forge for roughing out stock and save the propane for the real work when I need clean control.

hannah_wells4d ago

Buddy of mine went through this exact thing. He built a coal forge, got all excited about the savings, and spent the next six months covered in soot and fighting with wet coal that wouldn't burn right. He finally caved and built a propane forge out of an old gas grill tank and some fire brick, said it was the best decision he ever made. Now he talks about his coal forge like an ex-girlfriend he doesn't miss. The smoke control is the killer, man, especially if your shop is anywhere near your house or neighbors. He still keeps the coal forge for heavy demo days where he's just wrecking stuff, but for actual bladesmithing he swears by the gas.

keith2744d ago

Dude, did your buddy also spend half his time chasing sparks and dodging slag? I did the same thing, man. Built this beautiful coal forge out of an old brake drum and thought I was a genius. First week I had the neighbors knocking on my door thinking my garage was on fire. The smoke was just everywhere, and every time I touched the steel, this black dust just coated everything in my shop. I stuck it out for like three months, trying different coal types, messing with the air flow, the whole deal. Finally gave up and built a gas forge from a propane tank and some kaowool, and honestly, it's like night and day. I still feel like a sellout sometimes, but my lungs and my marriage are way better off.