max388•4d ago

I went with a coal forge over propane and regret it

Built a coal forge in my garage last winter after everyone told me propane was easier. Figured I'd save money on fuel and get that old school feel. Three months in and I'm spending more time adjusting the fire than actually forging. My first 10 knives came out with scale issues I never had with a borrowed gas forge. Anyone else make the switch and end up going back?

2 comments

2 Comments

garcia.miles4d ago

Did you try using a little bit of water on your coal to help it coke before you start forging? I had the same mess at first until I figured out wetting the coal down cut the smoke and scale issues way down. Once I got a consistent fire going with a good coke bed it ran way smoother and I actually started preferring the coal.

the_richard4d ago

Man, did you actually get the fire dialed in before you started forging on it or were you just rushing to get hot steel?